Sport   Motorsport   Touring Cars

Could this Megane be the next star of the BTCC?

By MJP Media | 17 September 2013

In an exclusive interview we talk to Philip Morgan, the man behind the project that is well on its way to bringing two NGTC Renaultsport Meganes to the grid of the 2014 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.

enault Megane

As the BTCC goes from strength to strength in popularity worldwide, it is hardly surprising that more people want to be involved, both in terms of manufacturers and teams. Welsh wheel manufacturer MDA Wheels is the latest big name to look at the series and in Philip Morgan, their Managing Director, they have started the ball rolling with two cars already under construction subject to TOCA approval and, of course, an end customer signing up.

We asked Philip why he chose the Megane over so many other possible makes and models for an NGTC new build: "We studied the TOCA regulations in considerable detail and then reviewed various possible cars before selecting the Renault Megane. Renault has an enviable history in motorsport at all levels including its current F1 programme and previously in BTCC with the famous Laguna. The Megane has good credentials in many of the key technical aspects and is a popular road car. We felt the BTCC aficionado would welcome a return to the grid of Renaults".

Philip Morgan with the Renault Megane

Unusually, Philip is not wanting to be a team boss in this project. He has recognised that running a team from scratch is an enormous project. "We have commissioned the cars but will not be running a race team so we are in discussion with several race teams to see who is interested and capable of running customer cars" he said. "We have found from the initial driver enquiries that they would want an experienced team to run them so we are assisting in this area".

There is an added element of national pride in this for Philip. "We have done the initial development work in Wales and would like to complete the project in Wales to be able to give the project Welsh branding. However one of the key aspects of our project is ensuring we only have the best available suppliers in the market place and we have to recognise the phenomenal resource and experience that England has in the world of motorsport. It is not by accident that the majority of the F1 teams are based in England and have access to an exceptional supply network but we hope to get some support from the Welsh Assembly who do a lot to encourage the growth of indigenous businesses. We are making further enquiries in this respect and we are aware that moves are afoot to build a new international race track, the Circuit of Wales, and it would be great to see a Welsh built and branded car competing at a home circuit".

Renault Megane

There is no doubt that the car looks stunning and with Renault's touring car heritage the fans will be queuing up to embrace the new project. Having met Philip we have few doubts that this endeavour is moving forwards. He is getting TOCA technical approval at every stage of manufacture and things are looking good. As to who would want to buy in his expertise and a ready built car, there are lots of options with both existing and new teams and drivers. Will it happen? Philip is confident and we see no reason to doubt him. We wish him the best and hope to bring you updates on the project as they happen.

Touring Car content supplied by MJP Media