Sofiane Kennouche speaks to Clark Sutherland about his special BMW M3-engined fire-breathing monster.
For most petrolheads, having the keys to a BMW M car is an achievement in itself. As one of the world’s most acclaimed sports cars, the M3 is a great all-rounder even in standard specification. Nevertheless, in the world of M car drivers, there is a minority who are lucky enough to compete in them.
For Clark Sutherland, a desire to compete in saloon car racing put him behind the wheel of one very special BMW M3 E36 coupé. Clark took home multiple class wins in the Scottish Sports and Saloon Championship at Knockhill over the past two years, after graduating from the Scottish Hillclimb Championship where he won Class A2 in a 1991 BMW E30.
After his hillclimbing success, Clark said: “Moving to circuit racing in the M3 owned, prepared and built by Kevin Arthur seemed the next logical step.
“The car has gone through a lot of changes since the build was started. It came from a very basic, standard E36 coupé to be built into an M3-engined fire-breathing monster. Over the past three years the car has undergone continual fine-tuning to make it into the competitive racecar that it is today.”
As befitting any competition car, this E36 has a host of aftermarket parts fitted to it, but with many unique highlights. The little coupé produces approximately 360bhp from an S54 3.2-litre engine, with a CSL head and cams taken from the limited-edition E46 M3. In addition, a Geoff Steel Racing carbon airbox emphasises the distinctive engine note of the straight-six. Adjustable AP coilover suspension and a custom-built JC Racing Motorsport differential help transmit this power to the track, while the 6-point roll cage built by Fife BMW specialists Chizfab keeps Clark safe and secure when racing.
The 28-year-old from Aberdeen added: “I love driving the car; the sheer power, grip and stopping power still astounds me coming from what was previously a road car, not to mention the car’s defining feature, the noise of the howling S54 engine breathing through the carbon airbox. It’s fast, loud and very exciting.
“I don’t do shows – that’s not what either the car or myself were built for, however, the car has been used for sponsor events. Since Fennel Restaurant became my premier sponsor this year, the car has commanded a lot of attention.
“It has been on display at Alford Speedfest and outside the restaurant for their V8 Breakfast Club events to let the public have a look around the car and the lucky ones have a seat in it – it’s always a big attraction for kids and parents alike.”
While the BMW has demanded a lot of time and attention from Clark and his family, the car has allowed him to indulge his passion for all things motoring. “I grew up with cars, as my late father was a car mechanic when I was a wee boy. I spent many hours playing in the garage trying to help with whatever project he was working on, whether it was building race cars or restoring his friend’s old Lotus Elan and Jensen Interceptor.
“I guess I got the bug early on – my whole family has been very supportive of my racing, along with the friends and sponsors who have made it all possible. I can’t forget to mention my partner Claire, who has put up with the late nights and long weekends associated with maintaining and running a race car.”
As for the future, Clark has decided to sell on the E36 after a motorbike accident that cut his 2014 racing season short. Given more time to recuperate, he hopes to be racing in the E36 Compact Cup. Considering his successes with 3 Series BMWs so far, it’s unlikely that his winning days are over.
My first car …
“1986 Austin Mini; it was green and white with patches of rust. I eventually painted it yellow and black with wide arches and split rim wheels.”
My dream car …
“Having such an eclectic taste in cars I would be very hard pushed to have one favourite, so here are my top five: Lamborghini Muira SV, Ferrari F40, Bugatti EB110 SS, BMW E30 M3 Sport Evolution and BMW Z4M Coupe.”