SpecRacer.com

Vic Elford has passed away at 85.

Vic was one of the finest, all-platform racers of his era (or any era) between 1964 and 1975. Renowned for his uncanny ability to tame the viciously fast Porsche 917, "Quick Vic" also excelled in Trans Am and Can Am for Jim Hall and was one of the rare breed to win in both rally and road racing. Not too mention impressive drives in Indy Cars, Formula One, NASCAR and more. Perhaps only Mario Andretti had equal ability to win in anything with four wheels.

What many of us may not recall is that Vic was the first technical director of SCCA Sports Renault at Renault/Jeep Sport. He worked side-by-side with legendary designer Roy Lunn (Ford GT40) to create and develop our car from a design brief penned by SCCA Director Ted Cronin and SCCA Club Racing's Costa Dunias.

By all accounts, it was Vic who first drove the Spec Racer in 1984.

He brought the Spec Racer to life. Our car is his legacy.

Godspeed, Vic.

https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/obituaries/vic-elford-obituary-master-of-all-he-drove

This is a great recollection of history that otherwise might be lost.

My admittedly hazy recollection is the the SR was introduced in 1983, not '84. Maybe introduced at the '83 Run-Offs then officially an SCCA class in '84?


If that's correct, then next year, 2023, will be the 40th anniversary of the introduction of the Sports Renault. Perhaps it's time for a Vic Elford Trophy?

Formula Vee and Formula Ford have both been prominent for their significant anniversary special events. Will SRF do the same?

Oops -- you're right. The class concept was announced in spring 1982, the first Sports Renault ran in 1983. Mass quantities of SRs were sold at the Runoffs that year.

There's a vast amount of historical information on the class on the Mumm Brother's site at: http://mummbrothers.com/SRF_Stuff/SRFMainPage.htm
There a mention of Vic in the 1983 link: Renault/Jeep Sport Racing Manager: Vic Elford