SuperBerline 2.0L – BTCC is back! (Updated 2026)

The SuperBerline 2.0L brings back an era when touring car races were spectacular and fiercely contested, a fantastic time for all motorsport fans 🥰

Inspired by the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) of the 90s, this championship brings back naturally aspirated 2.0L engines, with regulated preparation and a very affordable budget: the concept is appealing! 😋

Behind the project is Philippe Gosset and his Nogaro Sport team, already known for the Roadster Pro Cup. Here, no high-tech gadgets or overcomplicated setups: just fun cars, a well-balanced performance formula, and a real old-school vibe. A return to basics where only driving skills make the difference 💪

A championship inspired by the BTCC: back to Supertouring roots

The BTCC of the 90s was the golden age of Supertouring: muscular sedans capable of producing up to 300 hp, door-to-door battles, and incredible action on the tracks 🔥

The SuperBerline 2.0L (SB2.0) embraces this spirit by adapting it to a more accessible format, tailored for amateur drivers.

See also: "Twin'Cup: low-budget car racing with Twingo"

The goal is simple: lightly prepared but well-balanced cars, with simple regulations to ensure competitive racing. Everything is based on a strict balance of performance, with a controlled weight-to-power ratio and identical tires/suspension for everyone 👍

Why this choice? Because these 2.0L sedans defined an era but had completely disappeared from the paddocks. Yet, they remain affordable, reliable, and fun to drive. With minimal preparation, they can now return to the track and deliver a show worthy of the 90s Supertouring scene 🎉

Since the championship launched in 2023, we’ve seen intense races, with a tight competition level and an atmosphere that brings back the pure joy of racing, stress-free. And the grid keeps growing, even featuring appearances from the Wheeler Dealers France team in some rounds. During the SuperBerline 2.0L championship round at Spa-Francorchamps, it was Aurélien Letheux (on the left in the photo below) behind the wheel of the Renault Laguna prepared for the occasion 😍

Iconic 90s cars back on track!

The SuperBerline 2.0L brings back cars that left their mark on their era but were, until now, rarely or never seen in competition. No inaccessible supercars or ultra-prepared machines here: it’s all about 90s 4-door notchback sedans, the kind you’d spot in high school parking lots or with the family on holiday road trips 😁

The championship is based on regulations similar to Group N, with cars powered by naturally aspirated engines ranging from 1750 cc to 2000 cc, two-wheel drive, and output generally around 150 horsepower depending on the model. Only left-hand-drive versions are allowed, and each model must comply with the technical specifications. The series mainly features four-door three-box sedans built between 1990 and the end of 1997, with hatchbacks tolerated for certain models 📜

To ensure close racing and maximum fairness, a strict balance of performance is applied:

• A controlled weight-to-power ratio with a minimum set at 7.33 to avoid performance gaps.
• Identical tyres and dampers for all competitors, with Nankang NS2R tyres in 205/45 R16 mandated.
• Ballast applied to the race winner for the following race.

While these aren’t true period-correct Supertouring cars, the goal is to capture that spirit at a lower cost — and it works! Thanks to this formula, Nogaro Sport brings back the atmosphere of the golden age of 90s circuit racing, without requiring a sky-high budget. On the contrary, it’s probably one of the most accessible categories today! 💰

🔗 Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Mercedes, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, Seat, Toyota, Opel/Vauxhall, Volvo, VW… The list of the 28 eligible models is available here: SuperBerline 2.0L - Eligible Cars

Rules designed for retro spirit and cost control

To stay true to the 90s Supertouring spirit, the SuperBerline 2.0L enforces several rules that enhance both the atmosphere and fairness on track.

• A mandatory period livery: each car must adopt a design inspired by the 90s, with colors and sponsors reminiscent of the golden days of the BTCC or French Supertouring. The perfect way to dive straight back into the trackside vibe of the time! 😎
• A controlled and cost-effective preparation: no extravagant modifications here. The regulations require a strictly stock engine and mechanical components, with only minimal preparation to keep costs under control and ensure balanced racing ⚖️
• A strict technical specification: all cars must meet precise criteria, both in terms of engine specs, weight, and equipment. The goal is to provide a fair competition where driving skills make the real difference 👌
• Controlled costs: the championship’s ambition is to make motorsport accessible. No need to spend a fortune to get on the grid: with a limited budget, it’s possible to compete in a full season 🤑

With these rules, the SuperBerline 2.0L succeeds in an interesting challenge: recreating the BTCC vibe in an era where motorsport is becoming increasingly expensive. A return to the roots that promises intense and spectacular racing!

🔗 The full technical regulations are available here: SuperBerline 2.0L - Technical regulations

A calendar on some of France’s best circuits

The SuperBerline 2.0L now mainly takes place as part of the Coupe de France des Circuits. This championship allows drivers to race on some of the most iconic tracks in the country, with a well-established organization and often very competitive grids.

Here are the seven rounds scheduled for the 2026 season:

• 📍 April 18-19 – Pau-Arnos 🏁
• 📍 May 14-16 – Magny-Cours 🏁
• 📍 June 20-21 – Lédenon 🏁
• 📍 September 5-6 – Nogaro 🏁
• 📍 October 3-4 – Val de Vienne 🏁
• 📍 October 24-25 – Dijon 🏁
• 📍 November 7-8 – Le Mans 🏁

Each circuit has been selected to offer a great mix of technical corners and long straights, perfect for making the most of these 1990s touring cars. With these destinations, the championship guarantees an ideal setting for close and spectacular racing.

The races generally follow a sprint format with two races of around 25 minutes, similar to the format used in other categories present at these events. The standard format includes a 20-minute private practice session, a 20-minute qualifying session, followed by two 25-minute races, although some events may adopt a different format depending on the circuit.

A Sprint Race Format

The SuperBerline 2.0L features a simple and effective sprint race format, favoring close on-track battles and lively racing. A classic format for those who enjoy immediate action and tight duels:

• Free practice: one session is included in the entry fee, with additional sessions sometimes available depending on the event.
• Qualifying: a timed session to determine the starting grid.
• Two races of around 25 minutes, with a standing start to maximize the spectacle.

This format delivers short and intense races, where every position is fought for right up to the checkered flag. However, some rounds may adopt a different format, such as Magny-Cours with two 45-minute races or Nogaro with three 25-minute races. The SuperBerline 2.0L promises plenty of fun on track and competitive racing accessible to everyone.

A Controlled Budget for Maximum Fun!

One of the biggest strengths of the SuperBerline 2.0L is its reasonable budget, which allows a wide audience to access motor racing.

💰 Annual fees:

• €380 incl. VAT for a single driver
• €570 incl. VAT in case of shared driving

These fees correspond to the championship registration and allow drivers to be classified over the entire season.

💰 Entry fee per race weekend:

• Sprint format (two races of around 25 minutes): around €570 incl. VAT for a driver registered for the championship and entering early.

As with other categories racing during these events, entry fees may vary depending on the circuit, the race format and the registration date. It is generally more advantageous to register early and take part in the full season.

ℹ️ Rates vary depending on whether you register for the full championship or individual races, and the registration date. To sign up, visit the official championship website.

Buying or renting a SuperBerline 2.0L: how much does it cost?

The cars eligible for the SuperBerline 2.0L are among the most affordable race cars. To purchase one, expect to spend between €15,000 and €18,000 for a race-ready car, depending on condition and prep (BMW 3 Series E36, Honda Accord, Peugeot 405...). For rentals, prices are around €3,000 to €4,000 incl. VAT per event, excluding entry fees, with a ready-to-race car and technical support.

➡️ Check out the saloon car classified ads on GoToTheGrid

Why choose SuperBerline 2.0L?

• ✅ A fun, retro championship that brings back the golden age of the BTCC.
• ✅ Simple and affordable cars, easy to prepare and maintain.
• ✅ Well-thought-out regulations that guarantee close and accessible racing.
• ✅ A simple, clear and effective sprint format, with short but often very competitive races.
• ✅ A reasonable budget, making racing accessible to more drivers.

With this concept, Nogaro Sport succeeds in bringing forgotten sedans back to the track, while offering a fun and cost-effective alternative to circuit racing. You don’t need to be a millionaire to get on the grid — here, driving skills are what matter.

The SuperBerline 2.0L is essentially a French take on the BTCC, with an authentic touch and a 100% fun spirit 🔥