Top Five Everyday Cars in Motorsport

Published Date: 27th Jun 2023

Everyday cars are often overlooked as potential racing machines, but there are a number of models that have proven to be successful in UK motorsport. This article will look at five of the most popular everyday cars that have significantly impacted UK motorsport.

These cars are well-known and popular on the road but have also proven capable racers. They are reliable, affordable, and easy to modify, which makes them a great choice for motorsport enthusiasts.

Our list includes the Volkswagen Golf GTI, the Nissan Juke, the Renault Clio, the Vauxhall Astra, and the Ford Focus. These cars have all won championships and podiums in a variety of motorsport disciplines, and they continue to be popular choices for racers today.

If you seek a daily driver that can also excel in motorsport, any of the vehicles on our list are ideal choices. Even if a motorsport career is not a priority, consider purchasing one of these cars. They provide a great option to channel your inner boy racer in an everyday vehicle.

 

Volkswagen Golf GTI: 

 

The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a versatile and popular choice for motorsport enthusiasts. It has been successful in touring car championships and one-make racing series, offering a combination of performance, reliability, and affordability.

The Golf GTI's motorsport career began in the early 1980s when it competed in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). The GTI was initially very average, but it gradually improved and became a regular podium finisher. In 1986, the Golf GTI won the BTCC drivers' championship with Andy Rouse.

The Golf GTI's success in the BTCC led to its popularity in other touring car championships worldwide. The GTI has won titles in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States.

In addition to touring car racing, the Golf GTI has succeeded in making a one-make racing series. These series are restricted to a single-car model, making them more affordable and accessible for amateur racers. The Golf GTI has won one-make championships in the UK, Germany, and the US.

The Golf GTI's motorsport success is due to a number of factors. The car is well-balanced and handles well, making it a good choice for circuit and rally racing. The GTI is also reliable and relatively affordable, making it a popular daily driver choice.

The Golf GTI's motorsport career is still going strong today. The car competes in the British Touring Car Championship and is a popular choice for a one-make racing series. The GTI's success in motorsport is a testament to its performance, reliability, and affordability.

 

British Touring Car Championship (BTCC):

Won the drivers' championship in 1986 with Andy Rouse at the wheel and again in 1993 with John Cleland.

British Rally Championship:

Secured the title twice, in '86 and '96.

World Rallycross Championship:

Petter Solberg and Johan Kristoffersson drove to victory in 2015 and 2016, clinching the title twice.

Volkswagen Racing Cup UK:

• Currently competing in the one-make racing series for GTIs.

 

The Golf GTI is a legend in British motorsport and continues to be a popular choice for racers today. The car's combination of performance, reliability, and affordability makes it a winning combination on the track.

 

Nissan Juke: 

 

The Nissan Juke is a unique crossover that has made a splash in motorsport, particularly in demonstrations and exhibition events. With its bold design and high-performance components borrowed from the Nissan GT-R, it has attracted attention as a powerful and unconventional racer.

The Juke-R was first revealed in 2011 as a concept car and quickly became a sensation. The car featured a 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine from the GT-R, good for 545 horsepower and 463 lb-ft of torque. The Juke-R also featured a six-speed sequential transmission and all-wheel drive.

In 2012, Nissan built a limited run of 23 Juke-Rs for customers. The cars were sold for £500,000 each, making them some of the most expensive crossovers ever produced.

The Juke-R has left its mark on British motorsport. In 2012, the car competed in the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it shattered records for the fastest crossover up the hill. It has since continued to compete in several well-known events, including the Gumball 3000 rally and the Top Gear Power Lap.

The Juke-R is a unique and powerful car that has significantly impacted British motorsport. The car's combination of bold design and high-performance components has made it a popular choice for demonstrations and exhibition events. The Juke-R is a true one-off and will continue to be a popular car for years to come.

 

Here are some additional details about the Juke-R's motorsport history:

 

Goodwood Festival of Speed:

In 2012, the Juke-R accomplished the fastest crossover up the hill in a record-breaking 1 minute and 27.12 seconds.

Gumball 3000 rally:

Finished in second place in 2013.

Top Gear Power Lap:

Set a lap time 1:17.04, making it the fastest crossover to lap the track.

 

The Juke-R is a unique car that has significantly impacted British motorsport. The car's combination of bold design and high-performance components has made it a popular choice for demonstrations and exhibition events. The Juke-R is truly a one-of-a-kind vehicle, and its popularity is expected to endure for years to come. Its distinctiveness guarantees its place among automotive legends.

 

Renault Clio: 

 

The Renault Clio has gained recognition in a rallying and one-make racing series. Its compact size, responsive handling, and affordability have made it a popular choice for amateur and professional racers.

The Clio's motorsport career began in the early 1990s when it competed in the British Rally Championship. Initially unsuccessful, the car gradually improved and became a regular podium finisher. 1994 the Clio won its first British Rally Championship title with Colin McRae at the wheel.

The triumphs of the Clio in rallying prompted its widespread adoption across other international motorsport platforms, seizing victories in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States.

In addition to rallying, the Clio has also been successful in one-make racing series. These series are restricted to a single-car model, making them more affordable and accessible for amateur racers. The Clio has won one-make championships in the UK, Germany, and the US.

The Clio's motorsport success is due to a number of factors. The car is well-balanced and handles well, making it a good choice for circuit and rally racing. The Clio is also reliable and relatively affordable, which makes it a popular choice for everyday drivers.

The Clio's motorsport career is still going strong today. The car competes in the British Rally Championship and is a popular, affordable choice for a one-make racing series. The Clio's success in motorsport is a testament to its performance, reliability, and affordability.

 

Here are some additional details about the Renault Clio's motorsport history:

 

British Rally Championship:

1994 the title was clinched with the indomitable Colin McRae at the helm.

Richard Burns was at the wheel of the car that secured the title for the second time in 1996.

World Rally Championship (WRC) Production Car Championship:

Won the title in 1994 and 1996.

Renault Clio Cup UK:

Presently competes in the one-make racing series for Clios.

 

The Clio is a legend in British motorsport and continues to be a popular choice for racers today. The car's combination of performance, reliability, and affordability makes it a winning combination on the track.

In addition to its success in rallying and one-make racing, the Clio has also been used in other motorsport disciplines, such as circuit racing and hillclimbing. The car has also been successful in these disciplines and has helped cement the Clio's reputation as a versatile and capable motorsport machine.

The Clio is a true icon of British motorsport and will continue to be a popular choice for racers for many years.

 

Vauxhall Astra: 

 

The Vauxhall Astra has a long and successful history in British motorsport. The car has been used in a variety of racing disciplines, including touring cars, rallying, and one-make racing.

The into motorsport dates back to the early 1990s, when it debuted in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). The vehicle experienced a slow start, but improvements were steadily made, placing it among regular podium finishers. The car's crowning moment came in 1993 when it clinched the BTCC title with John Cleland behind the wheel.

The Astra's triumph in the BTCC sparked its widespread adoption in other touring car championships across the globe. This superb vehicle has won titles in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States.

In addition to touring cars, the Astra has also been successful in rallying. The car has won the British Rally Championship twice, in 1996 and 2006. The Astra has also won the World Rally Championship (WRC) Production Car Championship once, in 1996.

The Astra has also been used in one-make racing series. These series are restricted to a single-car model, making them more affordable and accessible for amateur racers. The Astra has won one-make championships in the UK, Germany, and the US.

The Vauxhall Astra is a popular choice for motorsport teams because it is a reliable and relatively affordable car. The car is also easy to modify, which makes it a versatile racing machine.

The Astra's motorsport career is still going strong today. The car competes in the British Touring Car Championship and is a popular choice for a one-make racing series. The Astra's success in motorsport is a testament to its performance, reliability, and affordability.

 

Here are some highlights of the Astra's UK motorsport history:

 

British Touring Car Championship: 

Won the title in 1993 with John Cleland at the wheel.

Won the title again in 1996 with Jason Plato at the wheel.

World Rally Championship (WRC) Production Car Championship:

Won the title in 1996 with Colin McRae at the wheel.

Vauxhall Astra Cup UK:

Presently competes in the one-make racing series for Astras.

 

The Astra is a legend in British motorsport, and it continues to be a popular choice for racers today. The car's combination of performance, reliability, and affordability makes it a winning combination on the track.

In addition to its success in touring cars, rallying, and one-make racing, the Astra has also been used in other motorsport disciplines, such as circuit racing and hillclimbing. The Astra has proven to be a versatile and capable motorsport machine with success in various disciplines, further solidifying its reputation. The car's performance has played a crucial role in achieving this feat.

The Astra remains a true icon of British motorsport and will continue to be popular for motorsport racers for many years.

 

Ford Focus:  

 

The Ford Focus has significantly impacted British motorsport, particularly in rallycross and circuit racing. Its versatility, affordability, and sporty variants, such as the ST and RS, have made it a popular choice among racing enthusiasts, especially those seeking entry-level racing events.

The Ford Focus has achieved numerous victories and accolades in British motorsport, including:

 

British Rally Championships: 

British Rally Championship (BRC): The Focus has had a successful rally career, winning multiple titles in the BRC, one of the most prestigious rally championships in the UK.

World Rally Championships:

World Rally Championship (WRC): The Focus has competed and triumphed in various WRC events, showcasing its performance capabilities on the world stage.

British Touring Car Championship (BTCC): While the Focus may be more commonly associated with rallycross, it has also made appearances in the BTCC, demonstrating its adaptability across different motorsport disciplines.

Rallycross Championships: The Ford Focus has secured victories in various rallycross championships, showcasing its agility, speed, and competitiveness in this exciting and fast-paced motorsport discipline.

 

Overall, the Ford Focus's achievements in British motorsport highlight its capabilities as a versatile and dynamic racing machine, making it a popular choice for motorsport enthusiasts and a symbol of success on the track.

 

In conclusion, these top five everyday cars have left a lasting mark on British motorsport. The Volkswagen Golf GTI has proven its worth in touring car championships and one-make racing series, offering a winning combination of performance, reliability, and affordability. The Nissan Juke-R has turned heads with its bold design and powerful GT-R components, making it a standout choice for demonstrations and exhibition events. The Renault Clio's compact size, responsive handling, and competitive spirit have made it popular in rallying and one-make racing. The Vauxhall Astra has a rich history in British motorsport, excelling in touring cars, rallying, and one-make racing. And let's not forget the Ford Focus, with its versatility, affordability, and sporty variants, making it a preferred option for rallycross and circuit racing. Whether you're a motorsport enthusiast or a new car buyer, these everyday cars offer excitement and thrills on and off the track.

 

Don't miss out on the chance to own a road-going version of a piece of motorsport history.

 

Check out the incredible discounts available on the everyday road-going versions at UK Car Discount and find your perfect car today.

 

 

Call us today at 0161 946 3500 to discuss how we can guide you with your next New 73 Plate Car Deal

 

 

**Please note vehicle specifications, trim levels, options, and engines are subject to change anytime. Therefore, confirming the vehicle specifications you are interested in when you purchase is essential. Vehicle manufacturers also reserve the right to change specifications without notice.