SuperBerline 2.0L – BTCC is back!

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 objective is clear: lightly prepped 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 equipped with naturally aspirated engines between 1750 cm³ and 2000 cm³, front-wheel or rear-wheel drive, and producing around 150 horsepower. Only left-hand drive versions are allowed, and each model must comply with the technical specification document 📜

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

• A controlled weight-to-power ratio to avoid performance gaps.
• Identical tires and suspension for all competitors.
• Success ballast applied to the winner for the next 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 26 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! 😎
• Controlled and affordable preparation: no extravagant modifications here. The regulations require mechanics to stay close to stock, with minimal preparation to keep costs down 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 featuring the finest French circuits

The SuperBerline 2.0L is part of the prestigious Historic Tour, the French historic circuit racing championship. This setting offers drivers the opportunity to race on some of the country’s most iconic tracks, with a well-established organization and an authentic atmosphere.

Here are the five rounds scheduled for the 2025 season:

• 📍 April 4-6 – Dijon-Prenois 🏁
• 📍 May 16-18 – Lédenon 🏁
• 📍 June 13-15 – Paul Ricard 🏁
• 📍 September 19-21 – Val de Vienne 🏁
• 📍 October 17-19 – Magny-Cours 🏁

Each circuit has been chosen to offer a great mix of technical corners and long straights, ideal for making the most of these 90s sedans. With these venues, the championship promises an ideal setting for competitive and spectacular races.

This integration into the Historic Tour also strengthens the championship’s friendly and retro spirit, with a paddock atmosphere where enthusiasts and vintage car lovers meet and mingle.

Two race formats: sprint or endurance

The SuperBerline 2.0L offers two distinct formats, allowing drivers to choose between fast, intense races or strategic endurance events.

🏁 Sprint Format

A classic format for those who love immediate action and close battles:

• Free practice (optional): 2 additional sessions available.
• Qualifying: a timed session to set the starting grid.
• Two 25-minute races with a standing start to maximize the show.

🏁 Endurance Format (200 km race)

For those who enjoy long races where strategy and management are key to performance, it’s possible to add an endurance race.

ℹ️ For events featuring 2 sprint races and an endurance race, participation in the endurance will only be validated if the car competes in the sprint races.

• 1 to 3 drivers per car, perfect for sharing costs and the experience.
• 30-minute qualifying session to set the grid.
• A 200 km endurance race where tire, fuel, and driver stint management will be crucial.

This format offers a different experience, closer to major endurance races, with driver changes and a more thoughtful race management.

Whatever the format, the SuperBerline 2.0L promises on-track fun and close racing, accessible to all.

Controlled costs for maximum fun!

One of the biggest advantages of the SuperBerline 2.0L is its reasonable budget, which allows a wider audience to access motorsport.

💰 Annual fees:

• €480 incl. VAT (including championship registration).

💰 Race weekend entry fees:

• Sprint (2 x 25 min races): between €780 and €1,000 incl. VAT
• Endurance (200 km): add between €850 and €950 incl. VAT (budget to be shared depending on the number of drivers).

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.
• ✅ Two formats to choose from: sprint for adrenaline, endurance for strategy.
• ✅ 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 like a French version of the BTCC, with an authentic touch and a 100% fun spirit 🔥