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Sepp Renauer’s motorsport journey began with pure enthusiasm. Inspired by Formula 1 legend Jochen Rindt, he initially took to the tracks in the mid-1980s, never imagining that decades later, he’d be managing a professional racing team competing in Formula 4 Central European Zone.
Renauer Motorsportrecently celebrated podium finishes in F4 CEZ with drivers William Karlsson and Hady Mimassi at their home track Red Bull Ring. Yet, Sepp remained cautious, knowing well the unpredictable nature of motorsport. “Only after the weekend is done can we truly relax and reflect on our successes,” Sepp emphasizes.
The Austrian’s motorsport life started modestly in 1986 with a rented Formula Ford at the legendary Österreichring, now known as the Red Bull Ring. He soon acquired his own car and began competing regularly.
“Formula Ford was pure racing, without today’s vast logistical demands. We were enthusiasts, transporting cars on open trailers, running used tyres to save costs. This simplicity wouldn’t be possible now,” recalls Sepp.
After three years in Formula Ford, Renauer advanced to Formula 3, competing against Austria’s future stars like Karl Wendlinger or Alex Wurz. Although successful in the Formula 3 Trophy class, he shifted focus from driving to management. Sepp and his wife Monika established company to providing technical support to younger drivers, then expanded with an sportscar prototypes, leading to participation in the prestigious FIA Sportscar Championship.
“It was an incredible, albeit challenging era,” Sepp reflects. “The passion was immense, but finances limited our competitiveness in such an ambitious championship.”
Renauer Motorsport then ventured into FIA GT racing with Porsche 911s, notably securing second place in Brno in 2005. However, soaring expenses and the global financial crisis eventually demanded a strategic retreat to more sustainable series.
In 2010, Sepp’s son Florian began his racing career with the team in a Ginetta G50 GT4. Three years later, Sepp discovered NASCAR Euro Series, seeing an attractive mix of sportsmanship and marketing potential at reasonable costs.
With Florian joined by Czech racer Martin Doubek, the team achieved notable successes in NASCAR Euro, securing podiums. But logistical costs quickly outweighed the benefits, prompting another change in direction.
In 2023, Renauer Motorsport embraced Formula 4 CEZ. Although the inaugural race at the Hungaroring started modestly with just six cars, Renauer’s commitment helped nurture the series.
Today, Sepp Renauer’s focus remains firmly on Formula 4. Despite operating other race cars for amateur clients, F4 CEZ is his professional priority. “Formula 4 provides the perfect balance, competitive racing, manageable budgets, and growth potential,” says Sepp.
