New Zealand Historic Muscle Cars Under HRC

[Steve Holmes]

Its been almost a year since there were any updates to this build thread. Car owner Dave was trying to get the car completed for the 2013 New Zealand Festival of Motor Racing, but when he ran out of time, the build was put on pause. With a couple of other little life drama's, he has only just recently started getting back into it, but expects the car to be up and running for the first time in a couple of months. This is how it looked earlier this year.

We've been running a Roaring Season build thread on this car, which can be found Here

[Shoreboy57]

[QUOTE=Steve Holmes;33991]Its been almost a year since there were any updates to this build thread. Car owner Dave was trying to get the car completed for the 2013 New Zealand Festival of Motor Racing, but when he ran out of time, the build was put on pause. With a couple of other little life drama's, he has only just recently started getting back into it, but expects the car to be up and running for the first time in a couple of months. This is how it looked earlier this year.

HMC just gets better and better

[Kiwiboss]

Just recently I've had a number of enquiry about the rules of HMC so I have compiled a "Do's and dont's" list to help those concerned and/or for anyone else!! This is straight from our HMC website so can be read on there. Dale M

HMC Do’s, Dont’s, Rulings and Helpful hints List

PLEASE READ THE BELOW FIRST

CHEATING: Our rules are simple. They are not exact in many areas as “the spirit of sportsmanship” is the primary focus. The "Statement of Purpose" will take precedence in any rule dispute. If an entrant is found to have contravened the spirit of the rules he will risk disqualification from any further involvement with HMC. In other words, cheating is not something that will be taken lightly. READ THE RULES and ask questions.

NOW YOU CAN CARRY ON READING THE ARTICLE BELOW:

ENGINE, CLUTCH, GEARBOX:

The engine block deck height(crankshaft centreline to top of block) must remain the same as what your vehicle came with Factory. Cylinder head to block combination can’t be mix outside factory specifications, EG: Cleveland heads on a 9.5 Windsor block. Some cars came with several engine combinations, stick and pick to the one you choose. The crankshaft main bearing journal size must remain factory.

When using any aftermarket replacement Engine Block NO external machining to lighten the block is allowed.

Based on a SB Chevy engine the largest size available pre 1978 for most vehicles was 400 cubic inch. We consider this the largest size acceptable for any Small Block engine powered HMC race car, plus 030 or 060 over bore.(406 and 410) No larger Small Block engines allowed.

Any “Standard Series Production” vehicle that came with a Big Block engine and Aluminium heads factory we will not allow any cylinder head modifications other than seating the valves, heads must be fitted as per the manufacture specs so no welding or modifying of ports, etc. If you have! or maybe purchased a set of modified heads these will need to be replaced, not used or put back to standard. In other words they must be STOCK STANDARD and bolted directly on but with a nice valve job.

If you use a cast iron cylinder head on any big block engine vehicle, these may be modified for performance gain but as per the rules the “Port Spacing” and “Valve Angle” must remain standard.

Small Block Ford Engines cannot use the “FORD RACING N351 NASCAR CAST IRON CYLINDER HEAD M-6049-N351” as the valve angle has been altered.

Ford Small Block engines can use Gurney Westlake Aluminium Cylinder heads as these were use in New Zealand Motorsport in "Period" pre 1978.

All vehicles must have the engine in the original position, not 1" back, or down, the ORIGINAL position.

You can use any HP/HD aftermarket starter motor but at all times it must remain in the original manufactures position

The Alternator, Water and Power Steering pumps must always be belt driven just like the original

The ONLY electronic device allowed in any HMC vehicle will be the Ignition system, which in most cases will be a MSD or similar unit

The original rear gearbox cross member must be used, we will allow "minor" alterations to allow the easement of the gearbox removal and replacement but that is all, it cannot be modified beyond this. We would consider that 80 percent of the original cross member must remain.

When we say a replacement gearbox is allowed like a Jericho or Tex101 it must be a "Direct Bolt In Replacement" and we mean just that, NO adaptations allowed. You can use the original gearbox with an internal dog box gear kit fitted.

Some vehicles on the HMC eligibility list may have come with a 5 speed gearbox fitted from the factory (Chev Monza), this original gearbox can be retained but if it is replaced with any other gear box than the original, this gearbox must be a 4 speed.

Fuel Injection can be used but must be Mechanical and a "Period" part. NO electronic fuel injection.

Whether one uses a Carburettor, two carburettors, IDA or side draft Webers, Fuel Injection it all must fit under the "Standard Series Manufactures Production" bonnet and the "Manufactures Standard Series Production" bonnet scoop.

Tilton/AP 3 plate race clutch is allowed but starter flywheel must remain the original diameter. Original bellhousings or an aftermarket copy to original specs is allowed but aftermarket reverse style starter/bellhousings set ups with small diameter flywheels are not legal.

[Kiwiboss]

DIFF AND REAR END:
All traction devices on the Rear Suspension must be as "Period" this is usually only under or over-ride type traction bars. Otherwise you must be able to PROVE your type of traction/bar device was used "period" as in back when the raced your type of vehicle NEW

A Ford 9" diff can replace any other diff in any vehicle

NO cambered rear axles/and or hubs, not even 1/2 a degree.

A Watts linkage and/or Panard bar is a "period" race part and allowed on all HMC vehicles even if it didn't come with one factory.

NO traction device can be mounted on the centre top of the diff housing and though to inside the cockpit.

Under and over-ride traction bars are allowed on any HMC car but must be mounted directly above or below the rear leaf spring in a style that would have been used "period"

When using a Ford 9" Diff Head the casing must be Cast Iron, this can be original or aftermarket. Aftermarket Aluminium casings are not permitted.

SUSPENSION, STEERING, WHEELS AND BRAKES:

Wheels must be fixed to the front and rear hubs with the same number of mounting studs as per the factory, this usually means 5(five) wheels studs for most vehicles. A 4(four) stud vehicle can be changed to use 5(five) mounting studs.

The most any Suspension to Chassis mounting point can be moved is 30mm

Maximum Front Disc rotor dimensions are 12.25(312mm) X 1.3/8"(35mm) thick

GM vehicles like Holdens and Camaros with a bolt in sub-frame must retain this original sub-frame and although the rubber bushes can be replaced with other materials the sub-frame must remain in the original position in relationship to the body.

Even though all Brake Calipers must be a "Historic bolt together 2 piece lug mount" design you cannot use any other caliper of the same description that is modern, EG: a 2007 Landcrusier front brake caliper for example. It must be either an original style(pre 1978) like a Corvette caliper for a Camaro, or a Thunderbird Caliper for a Mustang or you can use a Corvette caliper on a Mustang if you like, the only exception is Wilwood, Sierra, JFZ, AP,(there are others) but you can only use their "Historic" style calipers which really means its must be a "Bolt together 2 piece lug mount" version.

A swing style brake pedal, firewall mounted master cylinder pedal box system is allowed because they were used in "period". The master cylinder fluid reservoirs must remain directly mounted to the master cylinder/Cylinders on the firewall. NO reverse mount or floor mount pedal box systems and no remote reservoirs.

Most vehicles on the HMC eligibility list came with a "Worm and Peg" manual steering box, this can be replaced with any other manufactures "Worm and Peg" power steering box even if modern but must be mounted in the same position as original. Same goes for manual "Rack and Pinion" steering. Steering is safety so take care here.

Tie-rod ends can be replaced with rose joint rod ends.

Suspension Upper and Lower Control Arms must retain the "Factory" outer Ball Joints.

Upper and Lower Suspension arms must remain original but can be modified with material added for strength, bushes can be replaced with bearings or others forms of bushing and arms bent to correct ball joint angle. But at all times the factory style suspension arms must retain in service and can't be so modified that they cannot be identified as the original piece. Aftermarket tube type arms NOT permitted

The manufactures factory original front stub axle spindle must remain and be used but cannot be modified in anyway that improves steering Geometry. Aftermarket offset lowering type stub axles are not legal and cannot be used. Stub stiffener sleeves can be added to the stub axle for strength.

Only Single or Double adjustable shock absorbers mounted in the original manufactures position allowed. You cannot use any 3 or 4 way upwards, adjustable or canister style shocks.

[Kiwiboss]

BODYWORK AND INTERIOR:

Side marking indicators and park lamps can be removed but any holes left in the body work must be filled

All Headlights must be working

The passenger’s side floor and sill can be modified for exhaust exit and muffler clearance.

Original style Bumpers must be used, if steel and chrome this is how they must be. Not painted or fibreglass unless factory original.

Perspex or Plexiglas is allowed in the rear and side windows, the rear window must be 5mm thick (MSNZ rule) but the side windows must roll up and down on the original window mechanisms and in the original frames, 1/4 and rear side windows must operate as per original. You cannot fix the side and door windows solid.

The bonnet and boot lid must remain on the original manufactures mounting/opening attachment hinges. In other words the Bonnet and boot lid can't be a lift off style. Factory hold down latches can be removed and replaced by aftermarket quick release style clip pins.

NO Carbon Fibre or Carbon-Fibre look alike sticker/printed type material can be used anywhere on any HMC vehicle

NO HMC race car can be a Convertible

Only 1965/6 Mustang Coupes and Fastbacks can use the Shelby R-model fibreglass Front valance panel and R-Model Plex-I glass rear window in conjunction with the correct Shelby hood/bonnet.

If a Plex-I Glass type rear window is used it can't have any vent holes drilled in it.

The original dash padding and attaching frame work must be retained. The Dash frame and Pad maybe modified for Roll cage clearance. The dash instrument panel in front of the driver can be replaced with a made up metal panel to hold race style instruments.

Manufactures inside door panels and arm rest along with rear seat side panels must be retained.

The Headlining, Rear Seat and Carpets can be removed.

Although Fender flaring is allowed it must be kept within the "spirit" of HMC rules, Flares must aesthetically suit the vehicle they are on, this can be a judgement call which the 3 HMC directors along with the 2 Auditors will make a decision on, we will not allow oversize fender flares just because you have used over-positive outward offset wheel rims. We do not want that "Sports Sedan" box flare look were they are usually large and don't match the silhouette of the vehicle. Please use common sense when having your vehicle fender flares done.

The inner rear fenders/wheel housing cannot be "tubbed" or moved inwards.

Original manufactures Inner front fenders/guards must be fitted, but can be modified for a rollcage through bar clearance and/or fitment of catch tanks, etc

67/8/9 Gen 1 Camaros can use the factory 69 style steel cowl hood/bonnet. NO aftermarket non stock height raised cowl hood/bonnets.

ITEMS OUTSIDE THE ABOVE:

Only the car owner and his immediate family (Mother,Father, Son, Daughter) can race the vehicle at HMC events, any other driver outside this must have the approval of the 3 HMC directors. If the vehicle owner “Lease’s” out his vehicle all drivers must have the 3 HMC Directors approval first. The 3 HMC Directors won’t accept a vehicle been sold for a nominal amount just so that person can race a vehicle at an HMC event.

No in-car intercom systems that will in-able the driver to talk to any outside person while racing is allowed

[DewiAusTransAm]

I've been putting together a DVD of the 2013 Australian Trans-Am Championship.. and just had to share this as a teaser... Dale and Shane going at it at the 2 Days of Thunder.. great racing!

[Steve Holmes]

Awesome vid Dewi! I sure do love that Mustang Shane runs in ATA.

[Steve Holmes]

Congratulations to Historic Muscle Cars, for becoming the first thread to crack 100,000 page views. Which thread will be first to 1 million?

[Kiwiboss]

Glenn Allingham's 68 HMC Camaro has been sold to Colin Dawson of Invercargill, I've spoken with Colin several times and his plans are to keep it to HMC spec and make improvements as he goes. Colin is mates with HMC 65 Mustang racer Rodger Cunninghame.

Welcome on board Colin. Dale M

[car mad]

yes its been spotted in its new home town already .......

[Kiwiboss]

The latest HMC Sept/Oct 13 E-Mail-Out as from 7/10/13. Dale

Greetings HMC Fans, Guys and Gals

It seems a distant memory now but we completed our first trip to Queensland to race with the Australian Trans Am group (I am sure we'll do it again). The 8 HMC vehicles that enjoyed this adventure haven’t long been back in NZ. Many thanks goes to Phil Gibb from GT Logistics for handling all the freight, a two way trip with no damage to any vehicle.

We must thank Steve Elliott, Dean Cameron and Pete Stevenson for pitching in and going that extra mile to help, it was a very smooth trip and great memory’s all-round.

I also want to thank the many fans and other HMC racers that travelled to Lakeside to support us for this event. I know for most (myself included) this was the first time at Lakeside. A very interesting historic track with its old style layout and minimal track markings, it was also great to “race on” and also just “stand there” and view the same bit of tarmac so many great legendary drivers have raced before us, it was like the “ghosts of the past”.

The turnout at Lakeside was incredible and certainly finished off a fantastic adventure for us 8 Kiwi’s. To top it all off, the following Tuesday we had a personal tour though the Bowden’s Museum and Anthony Tenkate’s amazing car collection, it just don’t get any better than this.

This picture shows Nigel MacDonald’s 67 Mustang leading the way at Lakeside, what a great line up!!

This is the HMC Australia team with John Lord the winner of the signed Ian “Pete” Geoghegan poster commemorating our Lakeside event.

The following video link has been up on The Roaring Season for a while now, but for those that haven’t seen the footage from Lakeside taken by the two young Aussie kids Iwan and Dewi Jones it is well worth the watch

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=AOkVySv3XXk

and this video below is from HMC member Murray Maunder

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=E3oHPyHQxBs

The season kicked off with a very low key start at the September Ice Breaker meeting, which seemed to come around way too fast for us Australian adventurers. It feels like we haven’t stopped racing at all in the last year. Still it’s important to support the Historic Racing Club (HRC) as they're doing their best to support HMC until our group grows enough to become a well-supported and well-oiled Historic racing Saloon class for big bore sedans.

This meeting was the first time we had both our tech auditors Keith Hargraves and David Graham onboard and a chance to use our new and improved tech sheets before we send them to the printers for final copies.

In the pits Nigel MacDonald’s HMC Mustang was racked up and all the wheels removed for Keith and David to do a full audit inspection. Attention to detail was key but what came out was the understanding of how to determine certain rulings, between the 3 directors and our 2 auditors we have got a good handle on how to do this.

Having Keith onboard certainly helps as he is a current licenced Motorsport NZ technical officer. What also came out was that other groups were viewing the tech audit with interest and some may considering doing the same.

Most understand this is the only way to control a growing class and keep the playing field fair and level for everyone, but still not lose sight that this is "Historic and Classic" racing that is meant to be FUN. We intend to make sure it stays that way.

It was also interesting to note that several non-compliant cars thought they could just enter and run of the back of the grid. One was 2L 90's model BMW owner but I nicely explained that is was not going to happen, he fully understood but many think that classic racing while fun can also be casual about the rules. This will not be the case at any HMC event, no matter how small the field, it would never be a good look for our Historic class to have non-compliant cars in the field.

Another great thing to come out of the Ice Breaker was catching up with all the interested parties trackside, because WOW I just didn't realize the number of people considering HMC as "their group" and those that are actually going ahead and building cars I didn't even know about, quite amazing.

Some maybe interested to know that we have been working on, (sometime prior to the Ice Breaker meeting) reorganising HMC as a proper Incorporated Society. With the help of interested parties and a small legal team with tax knowledge we are currently writing the HMC constitution that will be linked to the Historic Racing Club and forever linked to "Historic" racing. It is important we get this right to future proof HMC's growth so that the class/group doesn't change direction wildly with out-going and in-coming members.

We want the basis of HMC and its regulations to be the same in 10 years times as it is today. Looking across the ditch at the way Aussies have controlled historic saloon racing is an inspiration, what you build and race today, still must be eligible in the future and not out classed, watch this space for more to come.

[Kiwiboss]

And the next page, Dale M

Below are out race dates:

1 – Ice Breaker September 14-15th 2013 (Been and Gone)
2 – TACCOC December 8th 2013 one day at Hampton Downs
3 – Ferrari Festival, January 17-19th 2014 at Hampton Downs (our own grid)
4 – Ferrari Festival, January 24-26th 2014 at Hampton Downs (our won grid)
5 – Legends of Speed, March 29-30th 2014 at Hampton Downs

And quite a few of us will be at the Manfield MG Classic, November 9-10th racing in the “MSNZ T&C Classics” class.

Certificate of Descriptions(COD's) this has now been sorted with the Historic and Classic Commission, after various discussions we decided just to stick with the current MSNZ COD system with no changes. What we have worked out is that having a COD will be a 2 step exercise for HMC eligibility, within the next year (or so, but sooner than later) ALL HMC vehicles must have a current COD issued by MSNZ.

All NEW vehicles currently been built must first have a COD issued before they can race, the COD issuing authority is in no way connected to HMC so they will issue COD's in accordance with their guidelines. This will get all proposed HMC racers very close to correct classic car ruling status. It's not hard and I am happy to help with this, Tony also has a very good handle on the COD system.

Remember, a COD is your vehicles "Technical Passport" to classic car racing so it’s important to it have regardless. Once a COD is obtained, to race in HMC we need to make sure your vehicle is still HMC eligible (as non HMC cars can still have a COD).

At future HMC events when your car gets audited our HMC tech officers will first ask for your COD passport booklet to check that the details recorded match your vehicle. They will then (by using the HMC audit forms) check that car is HMC legal. Some of this will be done well before events, especially newly built cars and at other times it will be random!

The COD process is a very good system that is already in place at MSNZ so why not use it as it will help keep our HMC vehicles in check, remember good for one, good for all. Please go ahead and start your COD application now
http://www.motorsport.org.nz/sites/d...6.03%20COD.pdf

On the Tech side it has been pretty peaceful, most seem to know to phone, E-mail or drop in for a visit with either myself and/or Tony (Steve’s too far away). It seems most are "getting" what HMC is about and its rule definitions, certainly the 15" wheel rule is now accepted by all, so with that behind us we can move on.

But while on "wheels" I often found myself re-educating those about what "Historic Racing" actually is. Back when these cars were racing, a 15" wheel was all you could get, anything larger was usually mounted on a truck! I often find it interesting that some didn't quite understand what a "Historic Racing Vehicle" is supposed too be.

All vehicles prior to December 1977 had 15" wheels and that is a part of what makes your race car a “historic race car”, pretty simple really. Our supply of 15” tyres is now consistent all year round with Cardwell Racing Supplies stocking our spec Hoosier tyre for HMC and the price is reasonable.

This is one of interest; the ignition system can be the ONLY electronic device able to be fitted to any HMC car, WHY well because we are Historic racers that’s why.

But first let’s talk ignition, your HMC vehicle must have a working distributor mounted in its original position with leads running to each spark plug and ONE ignition coil. In most cases this is an electronic MSD ignition box, this type of system (although very early) was used in American Trans Am racing. What you can't have is a crank trigger ignition system, with 8 (for a V8) ignition coils running to each spark plug and a computer controlled module box that can be programed and down load information.

This is NOT V8 SUPERCARS so none of this is allowed and is not historically correct either. What we also don't want to see is any track plotting GPS device, traction control, in-car intercom system allowing the driver to communicate with his crew, etc. Sound tough? Not really, whatever happen to seat of the pants driving, have we all gone too PC. Come on guys this is "Historic Racing" remember, so none of these devices in your HMC racer.

The other is “Belt Drives”. The water and power steering pump along with the alternator must be belt driven off the front of the engine just like they were in the day. The use of electric water and power steering pumps is not allowed, neither is a alternator driven of the diff head (NASCAR style).

Once again historic racing is about having you race car spec’d how it was. A lot of these modern aftermarket parts are all very neat and maybe cheaper but is not the direction we want to go in. I also don’t buy into the “I need an electric water pump” so I can cool the engine after a race, most including myself have raced using a regular belt driven water pump for years and never needed to do this, if so you must have another problem. So please, correct belt driven accessories.

Also, go to our HMC website http://www.historicmusclecars.co.nz/...out/about.html as I’ve now added a “Do’s and Don’ts” page to list some rulings and this will help most understand a rule definition.

While I’m more than happy to talk to anyone about Historic and Classic racing and in particular the rules for HMC, most of the questions like the above are actually about “modernising” your Classic racer rather than keeping it “Historic”. HMC is about keeping your classic race car as Historic as possible and although we allow some newly made replacement parts like engine heads and blocks they still must be of the same dimensions and material. Below is a great saying that got mentioned on the video about restoring classic cars in Japan: “If you make a 40 year old Classic into a modern one, they are no longer classic cars” HMC is about achieving the “Classic period of Motorsport”.

Whether one may agree or not, the object of any HMC rule is to have a level and fair playing field for everyone and try our best to keep the costs to a minimum, while allowing replacement componentry that is readily available.

Remember this isn’t “Modern” car racing, it’s about been Historic!! When reading the rules and contemplating a replacement part think of the written item below(e.g. Cheating/Philosophy), note the very strong wording "the spirit of sportsmanship" this is probably the 4 most important words to understand before you join and race with HMC.

[Kiwiboss]

And the last page, Dale M

CHEATING: Our rules are simple. They are not exact in many areas as “the spirit of sportsmanship” is the primary focus. The "Statement of Purpose" will take precedence in any rule dispute. If an entrant is found to have contravened the spirit of the rules he will risk disqualification from any further involvement with HMC. In other words, cheating is not something that will be taken lightly. READ THE RULES and ask questions.

PHILOSOPHY Historic and Classic motorsport is that branch of the sport where vehicles from a past era are used in friendly rivalry to allow them to be exercised in a manner that the manufactures intended. It is not a branch of the sport where series and trophies for winning races are held in higher regard than the sheer enjoyment of being involved.

HMC has been congratulated by The Roaring Season as the first posting to go over hundred thousand views, quite a milestone and shows the interest in what we are doing. I am sure we will get to a million; it just might take a little longer, LOL. For viewing go to here: http://www.theroaringseason.com/show...der-HRC/page46

Steve Holmes continues with his monthly articles in Classic Car Magazine, currently there is a great article on Dean Cameron, HMC's 65 Mustang racer and general all-round Mr Nice Guy. Dean personifies what Historic racing is all about and like most has to work to a budget, but shows no matter where one is on the grid it’s all about FUN and competing, Dean is the real winner here. Articles like this help lift the profile of Historic Saloon car racing in New Zealand, it certainly attracts the type of person we want to see in HMC. In today’s high tech world it is a must to keep up with the play on the
http://www.theroaringseason.com/foru...ral-Discussion with some fantastic information and discussion.

Remember the Festival of Motor Racing is January 17-19 and 24-26, 2014 so not far away, HMC will race as a stand along group with invited under 3litre T&C Saloons. More to come on this towards the end of the year, but keep it in-mind as it will roll around quickly. Some of us will be at the MG Classic, November 9/10th at Manfield, racing in the “Classic’s” group, anyone’s welcome to come up for a chat.

Historic Muscle Car Tee Shirts are available for $20 each plus postage, E-mail me for size’s and colours.

That’s it from me again this month, any questions and queries don't hesitate to contact Myself, Tony or Steve. Remember if you are changing your car to suit HMC/MSNZ T&C Rules or building a new racer you will NOT be racing with other non-compliant cars, it’s a level playing field for all. Let us keep the "Classic and Historic" in Classic and Historic racing. And I know I don't need to remind you but remember, "The Cars are the Stars" so that’s all from me for another month, feel free to contact me or anyone of the directors below.

To race and be apart of HMC you need to join HRC http://www.grandprix.org.nz/Contact_Us.wse their $50 membership deal is a bargain, and a requirement to race.

HMC WEBSITE: http://www.historicmusclecars.co.nz/

PLEASE NOTE: If you wish to be removed from this E-mailout please let me know, if you wish to add someone please do the same.

Take care and enjoy your Historic Motor sport

Dale Mathers dmathers@xtra.co.nz , Tony Roberts tony@hamptondowns.com , Steve Holmes enquiries@monsterracewear.co.nz
HRC Members/HMC Directors

[Frosty5]

As an adjunct to Dales dissertation above , I came across this code of conduct for "Heritage Legends of Bathurst". Makes for some interesting reading and not far distant from what HMC are trying to achieve. Dave Graham

2.0 ATTITUDE
Actions that are not aligned to a historic motorsport attitude shall not be tolerated.
Historic motorsport is an amateur pursuit with no monetary reward offered for participation or success. As such a “win at all costs” approach is neither applicable nor acceptable in our category. This applies equally to on track driving standards as it does with compliance to specific vehicle eligibility rules.
Specifically, safety, vehicle preservation and courtesy must be demonstrated by participants at all times.
Notwithstanding significant differences in experience and skill, our category affords the right to every participant to enjoy their racing regardless of experience.
Camaraderie between participants is paramount to the success of our category and can only be achieved if the attitude in our sport is aligned at all times.

3.0 SAFETY & AWARENESS
Actions that compromise the safety of any participant, official or spectator shall not be tolerated.
Our vehicles are offered concessions in regard to compliance with modern vehicle safety regulations and
must be driven accordingly, with the safety of fellow participants as the primary consideration in assessing
on-track manoeuvres.
The racing category spans a twenty year period of vehicle development and performance. Participants
must carefully consider the significant performance differentials between vehicle makes, models, and eras,
and apply this consideration when on track in both qualifying and racing environments.
Experienced participants are expected to demonstrate their advanced skill in safe and courteous conduct,
whilst less experienced participants are expected to drive within their limits, and gradually build up their
race craft from event to event.
No participant is entitled to drive outside their own limits, regardless of the performance of their vehicle.
Safe driving must extend to the pit paddock, marshalling grid and pit lane.
Participation in advanced driver training courses, race tuition initiatives and additional track time is
encouraged to ensure all participants gain further experience in their vehicles, particularly with regard to
dynamics and control.

4.0 DRIVING CONDUCT
Contact between vehicles shall not be tolerated.
Protocol for engaging with faster and slower vehicles in an overtaking environment must prioritise safety.
Slower vehicles must maintain the racing line, and where possible acknowledge the presence of the faster vehicle and direct them past. Faster vehicles must not crowd or force slower vehicles off the racing line when passing and neither the faster nor slower vehicle should use the overtaking event to improve their track position in their racing group.
Overtaking at corners is the most likely occasion where contact may occur. Late braking, out of control moves “up the inside” and crowding on the exit of a corner is not acceptable conduct. Participants must allow sufficient room at corners and be prepared to yield to a competitor in the interest of safety even if at the expense of track position.
Faster vehicles should complete their overtaking of slower vehicles at the exit of a corner, or on a straight, rather than attempting an overtaking manoeuvre at the entry to a corner.
At some race tracks, further overtaking protocol may be introduced to the group, and all participants are expected to abide by the protocol so agreed.
All participants must be fully aware of the supplementary regulations applicable to the specific race meeting, and follow the direction of stewards and marshals at all times.
Particularly, a thorough understanding and observation of flag signals and starting protocol must be demonstrated at all times.
Participants that incur formal warnings or fines for any driving infringements from event officials will be ineligible for Championship points at that round.
Participants involved in more serious incidents shall be reported to an Australian Historic Motor Sport Commission approved Driving Standards Observer (DSO and may be excluded from the current and in some cases future events.

[Rod Grimwood]

Keep up the good work Dale, man you have a pretty good crew on board already and may it stay that way. Have not meet a grumpy bugger in the pack, and love the way you don't take the mick out of each other. Yea right, only happy people can do that and laugh.

PS is it common for t-shirts to shrink in the draw over winter, may need new one.

[GD66]

Like that cheating rule, Dale ! As you know, drag racing has a number of categories and classes, all of which are calculated by a number of parameters, including the vehicle's weight and capacity. Soberingly, if the car is found to be under-weight or over-capacity, the offending participant is disqualified FOR LIFE !
Certainly cuts out any grey areas...

[Kiwiboss]

Thanks Frost5(David Graham, HMC tech auditor) there's some useful information in that "Heritage Legends of Bathurst" code of conduct and I dare say i'll use some of it!! its also interesting that pretty much all overseas historic racing groups are going down this road, the cars are the stars and the owners, along with the public don't want to see them damaged and are bringing the axe down on over zealous drivers, good to see!!

Rod, im probably the only grumpy bugger in the pack, with good reason though, LOL but yes, lots of fun and banter and that's what makes this class so great,its all you have left when you remove the need to win!!

GD66, this is nothing new in overseas historic racing, the philosophy behind the cheating rule speaks for itself as its the "Spirit of Sportsmanship" that's most important for HMC!! but some just can't help themselves and want to bring a "gun to a knife fight" it seems to be the kiwi way? and HMC is not about that, plenty of other class's were winning comes first and how you get there doesn't matter!!

As always lots of interest but I believe in "steady as she goes"!!!

Life is Good

Dale M

[fullnoise68]

Having just got the latest issue of NZ Classic Car magazine, and in seeing the HMC write up, I`ll have to get some advice from Dale about how to cope with the limelight.........

[Shoreboy57]

Having just got the latest issue of NZ Classic Car magazine, and in seeing the HMC write up, I`ll have to get some advice from Dale about how to cope with the limelight.........

Another classy article from RS founder

[kiwi285]

Our founder has a way with words, that for sure. But I'm sure it is all true Steve and a lot more could be said about your racing activities.