“My dream was to be a pilot” . This must be one of the most “hit” phrases among car enthusiasts. Who ever, isn't it?
However, being a pilot is not easy. Sometimes – maybe even in most cases – it's not because of lack of talent, it's because of lack of opportunity.
What if in the case of the modest Citroën C1 it was the same? Lack of opportunity. Could it be that, with the necessary modifications, the modest C1 can be a racing car?
As you can see in this article, the changes needed to transform the Citroën C1 into a racing machine on a scale are not that many.
Trophy C1. from the road to the slopes
If you haven't heard of the C1 Trophy, welcome to Earth. It is a very affordable trophy, organized by Motor Sponsor, whose base is based on the simple and reliable Citroën C1.
A model that, as we know, wasn't born to shine on the tracks but… that's solved!
The organization of the trophy has prepared a kit that promises to make the C1 a true racing machine tailored to the needs of a competition that is wanted: competitive, fun, safe and inexpensive.
What does the C1 Trophy Kit include?
- roll bar
- Adapted suspension arms
- Adapted transmission
- Extendables for steering tips
- Protection of gas pipes and tank
- Ballast support
Now that we know each of the elements that make up the kit, let's see what each one does for the Citroën C1.
roll bar
The Roll-bar included in the Trophy Kit C1 has not only FPAK approval for the trophy, but also approval that can be extended to other competitions. Be aware that it won't be long before you see the little Citroën C1 in more competitions besides the C1 Trophy events.The objectives are obvious: ensure the driver's safety in the event of an accident and improve the car's dynamics, as the roll-bar will increase the body's resistance to torsion.
Adapted suspension arms
The new suspension arms will allow for camber and caster adjustments, one of the only possible adjustments within the trophy regulations. These adjustments will allow for improved cornering behavior. The maximum allowed camber at the front is -4.0º and at the rear is -3.5º.
Here it is for you to decide. More braking power or more cornering traction? How about a little of both? It is in these details that races are won and lost.
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Adapted transmission
This item essentially intends to guarantee the reliability of the car. In competition, this element suffers more wear than expected for a car designed to live in the city and not on the tracks.That's why the trophy Citroën C1 transmission has been strengthened.
Extendables for steering tips
With the modification of the suspension arms, the width of the front axle also increased, hence the need for larger steering tips.
Protection of gas pipes and tank
More items that aim to ensure safety, not just for the driver but for everyone on the track. The protection of the gas pipes and tank prevents direct damage to these components, whether in a collision, or just by heating a component.Objective? Let no one get hurt and that your dear Citroën C1 doesn't turn into a fireball.
Ballast support
The ballast support is where each car will carry the necessary ballast so that the scale recognizes the minimum weight of 860 kg , without pilot. The mounting of this support is done in the passenger's seat.
That's how it all started.
The list goes on…
In addition to these items included in the Organizer Trophy Kit, there are other mandatory items, namely:- shock absorbers
- springs
- Baquet
- Belts
- Extinguisher
- current cutter
shock absorbers
This is one of the few items the organization gives some freedom to. It is possible to have the original Citroën shock absorbers, or change to KYB or Bilstein. Naturally, one of the latter will give the car superior cornering handling and stability, so they are the most recommended.
springs
The same situation is verified with the springs, for which the organization allows to keep the Citroën or to change between one of the two hypotheses: Eibach or Apex. Once again switching to one of these is recommended.Baquet
It is mandatory to assemble an FIA-approved drumstick. The organization leaves the brand and model at the discretion of each one, as long as it meets the necessary approval, as it is a matter of personal preference.
Belts
Four-point competition belts are mandatory. It's not even worth explaining why, is it?Extinguisher
It is not just the placement of an extinguisher inside the C1, but the assembly of a system connected to that same extinguisher so that, in the event of a fire in the engine compartment, it is possible to extinguish the fire.
current cutter
Once again, for safety reasons, it is mandatory to use a chain cutter, so that in the event of an accident it is possible for track marshals, outside, to cut the car's chain.Afterwards, we only have two items left...
- brakes
- Tires
brakes
With regard to brakes, it is mandatory to use Ferodo pads, specific for the C1 Trophy, supplied by the organization.
Tires
The tires are also supplied by the organization and must be of the Nankang AS1 brand in the original measurements 155/55 R 14 with the organizer mark on the tire wall. The objective is once again competitiveness and low cost.
C1 Trophy Promises!
After all this and a few more details such as the colored and transparent films on the mirrors to reduce the reflection of light and the propagation of parts of it in the event of a break, the tow hook and the net for the window, your Citroën C1 is ready for competition.In this first season of the C1 Trophy, more than 40 cars will line up on the starting grid and one of them will be from the Razão Automóvel/Clube Escape Livre team — the first corner will be beautiful…
The first test is already day April 7th in Braga , but we're going to run some tests before that… check out our website, Instagram and YouTube so you don't miss a moment of our participation in the C1 Trophy.
How much does all this cost?
Soon, in another article, we'll do all the math and tell you how much you can spend to have a Citroën C1 ready for the Trophy. It's focused!"