Stephane Ratel presents a programme
known as the “Gentlemen Driver Trophy” to the
French sports car manufacturer Venturi. This
ready-to-race concept aims to promote the French
make and provide additional activity for the
factory, which is facing unprecedented decreases in
sales in a declining market.
Who is Stephane Ratel?
 Born
France 23rd July 1963 .
Youth spent in Cambodia and France.
Secondary school and University in Paris. Strong
passion for surfing and skateboarding.
1984. Aged 20. After a first classic car
experience with an E type Jaguar, Stephane Ratel
joins the Club Porsche de France as the youngest
member and starts racing a standard Porsche 911SC in
club events, soon replaced by a more competitive
Carrera 2,7RS.
1985. Aged 22 Stephane Ratel has developed a
strong passion for GT cars. He collects and races
some of the most exciting ones in club events :
Ferrari BB 512, Lamborghini Countach, Porsche
Carrera 3,0RS…
1986. Officer in the French air force. Adds to
his passion for speed by serving as lieutenant,
specialised in military information in the 3/3
Ardennes Air fighting squadron with Mirage III E.
1987-1989.International Business studies at San
Diego States University. Through the activity of
trading sport cars from the U.S to Europe, builds a
stronger personal collection of race orientated GT
cars including Porsche 934 “ Jägermeister ”,
Ferrari Daytona competition…
1989-1991. Moves to London for a short experience
in the fashion industry. “ One of the few
businesses in England where you can keep your hair
long and drive exotic cars ! ”
June 1991. In order to spice up the house warming
party of a new Paris home, Stephane Ratel proposes a
prize for the first one to arrive for breakfast in
St Tropez. More than 40 friends, representing about
20 nationalities, line up for the ride. They bring
24 of the best GT cars from every European country
and from the U.S, for what will be a memorable
cannonball run. The winning car is a Lamborghini,
arriving just 80” ahead of a Ferrari' With a
podium at the end-point and the excitement of speed
and competition, everyone wants to do it again.
However, on the open roads, it is too dangerous and
illegal. Stephane Ratel proposes to organise few
events for his friends, but this time on proper race
tracks with all safety precautions.
Sept 1991. The wild ride to St Tropez had enjoyed
some press coverage and the project of a
“Gentleman drivers Trophy” soon reaches the
management of French GT manufacturer Venturi who
immediately contact Stephane Ratel. Venturi is
clearly interested in some of the most prestigious
European names who took part in the cannonball run,
all of whom have a strong passion for speed.
“Instead of taking the risk of damaging their
expensive Italian, English or German GT cars, which
are moreover poorly adapted for track use, your
friends should trust us to design and build a car
specifically made for that purpose. Tell us which
car you would like, we will build it for you”
Only three months later, the super light and
powerful Trophy 400 with its cartoon style Supercar
look is presented…74 of them will be sold…this
is where the S.R.O history starts.
|
