Horag Hotz Racing: Debut with Peugeot Turbo
SPORT CAR Hotz Racing AG (Horag) is one of two teams to bring a Ligier powered by a 1600cc turbo from the Peugeot 308 to the start of the Sports Car Challenge for the first time. The driver is Beni Hotz. The company from Sulgen sees potential in this for the future. Although he would have been retired long ago, Markus Hotz still campaigns almost daily [...]
Although he would have retired long ago, Markus Hotz still hustles almost daily in the company in Sulgen TG, which is now run by his son Beni and his brother David.
While trading in Michelin and Avon racing tires and servicing and supporting customer vehicles is part of the core business, the Hotz family is looking to the future.
Series engine from the Peugeot 308 GTI
One project is the first use of a two-liter Ligier JS53 sports car with a Peugeot turbocharged engine. The basis is the turbocharged 1600 engine from the Peugeot 308 GTI. Thanks to FIA homologation for Group N, this is approved for installation in sports cars under CN regulations in Division 2 up to two liters.
By means of dry sump, turbo speed sensors and Magneti Marelli's electronic management with appropriate programming, the output is raised from 260 to 280 hp. With a larger turbocharger and different restrictor, far more power could be extracted for the E2 Sports Cars group.
The basic price of the standard engine is only 6750 euros. Including electronics, wiring and installation, the engine costs around 24,000 euros.
An affordable alternative to the Honda naturally aspirated engine
Until now, the power source was the tuned engine from the Honda Civic Type R, as in most two-liter sports cars of the CN and E2-SC groups from Ligier, Norma, Osella and Wolf. Because this is no longer in production, Hotz saw the Peugeot turbo as the best and cheapest alternative.
To prove this, Horag or Hotz Racing AG purchased a new JS53 chassis from Ligier and installed this new engine in the rear.
Markus Hotz: "In the past, we have usually made a racing vehicle also for us and used it occasionally. A nice side effect now would be to win customers for it. The car is suitable for circuit races as well as hill climbs."
Horag Hotz and a team from Italy
The debut will take place next Friday and Saturday at the Sports Car Challenge (SCC) in Hockenheim. Beni Hotz, who has often attracted attention with top results in Formula 3 and sports cars, is undertaking this first test under racing conditions.
Constructor Wolf is also bringing a car with this engine to the SCC opener. Hotz hopes that the Italians will stick to the technical rules of the game...
During a winter rollout at Onroak in Magny-Cours, which manufactures the Ligier, Hotz jr. was able to get a first impression of its qualities.
Beni Hotz: "In terms of power, you have more grip than with the Honda. On the other hand, you're no longer allowed to fully pedal out of the corners. I'm curious to see where we'll be with it."
Our guess: way out in front. At the penultimate SCC round of 2017 in Brno (CZ), Hotz put a Ligier-Honda on the front row of the grid amid the Division 1 sports cars with big V8 and turbo engines. With a second and fourth place overall, the Thurgau native was also the high-flyer in Division 2 in the races.
