ALMS
Reynard invests in Sportscar development
Reynard Motorsport has developed its 2KQ-LM sports racing car in preparation for this year's race season with the new car, the 01Q, set to be out on track in Europe and the USA. The original model, launched in autumn 1999 for the 2000 season, has ...
Edited: Apr 15, 2002, 11:45 PM
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Reynard Motorsport has developed its 2KQ-LM sports racing car in preparation for this year's race season with the new car, the 01Q, set to be out on track in Europe and the USA. The original model, launched in autumn 1999 for the 2000 season, has had intensive development over the last year, with an R & D programme improving the 2KQ-LM and providing feedback in readiness for the next evolution of the car. Building on the developments of the 2KQ-LM, the 01Q will be used for both LMP 900 and LMP 675 classes of endurance sportscar racing with engine installation and aerodynamic packages available to suit customer requirements.
Mark Smithson, Managing Director, Reynard Motorsport, explains the plans for the O1Q, saying, "We continue to be totally committed to the sportscar market and over the last year have been actively developing our product and planning a long term strategy. The O1Q is the next step in our programme and we are confident it will be a competitive package within the marketplace. We've learnt from our recent entry into sportscars and with a clearer understanding of customer expectations and needs have produced a low cost package for racing series on both sides of the Atlantic."
Reynard has concentrated on improving mechanical reliability and aerodynamic performance with the 01Q. The chassis will gain increased stiffness, improved aerodynamics and an improved engine installation. An all-important weight reduction will be achieved by using fewer components and a simplification of the designs, particularly in the rear chassis sections and the gearbox casing.
The Gemini longitudinal gearbox unit is retained, with the housing design allowing rapid adjustment and accessibility. The aerodynamics of the car have been refined to improve its efficiency, with a new splitter design providing more front downforce, reduced weight and greater rigidity. The rear wing has been developed to complement these changes.
At the end of the 2000 season Reynard had indicated that the sportscar project would continue, when Kieron Salter, Reynard Motorsport, summed up the year, commenting, "We moved this project forward at an intensive pace, reacting quickly to the initial engineering problems and addressing the needs for increased reliability. We've achieved an enormous amount in a very short space of time and the car is of a very high standard, with the ability to challenge the manufacturer entrants.
"In the ALMS, Johansson Matthews Racing were classed 4th overall for the year, the highest placed privateer team. With five examples of the car at Le Mans 24 Hour race, the 2KQ had a promising debut, with strong pace and the ROC Auto team displayed this at Nurburgring with a convincing win in the LMP675 class. The Reynard 2KQ has been quick right from the outset, but we've been let down by small problems which have masked the true potential of the car. That's all behind us now and we're moving on to 200l, with a comprehensive update kit to prepare ourselves for another season. We are looking forward to some exciting announcements for our 2001 programme."
The 01Q is expected to be seen in sportscar racing on both sides of the Atlantic and it is planned for the marque to be represented at Le Mans 24 Hour Race for the second year running. Further announcements are due to be released shortly.
-Alison Hill
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