Repowered Classics

[ERC]

We have a set of regulations in the MSNZ book for Historic and Classic racing that form a framework for H&C racing in NZ, along with the COD system to verify that competing vehicles do in fact meet these regulations. This is workable except for the number of series that spring up not quite adhering to the H&C rules. Just lately we have had the new MX5 series start up with its own set of rules that don't compley with the manual. Why? These cars could have just as easily adhered to the Historic and Classic racing existing rules and ensured an easy absorbtion in the future - now they won't. Same thing with the BMW E30 class, old enough for H&C,but misses out by running a single seat and allowing the glove box to be removed. Why are there four Muscle Car groups? Surely some common ground could be found?

A few relevant points here - and thanks for all the responses.

1) Our series was in existence long before CoDs...

2) The reason one or two series, including BMW E30's and Alfa Trofeo (and our own) plus presumably MX5's do not conform is because within the T & C rules, if adhered to the letter, are not 100% workable.

3) With the Alfa's, they run what the drivers want - knowing more about Alfas than anyone else.

4) Ditto BMW E30's.

5) Having standard dashboards, glove box lids, rear seats, headlinings, original window lifting mechanisms, all original exterior chrome trims etc. are generally petty rules that might be OK if it wasn't for the practicalities of sourcing, (particularly with older and scarcer cars - try and get the hockey stick chrome trims for a Magnette...) fitting decent roll cages etc.

6) You have made the assumption that the T & C rules are totally bullet proof and perfect. They are not and never have been. With Alfa Trofeo, we went through every single word and submitted our suggestions and also the reasoning behind them. Had the Commission accepted them in their entirely, (apart from the repower issue which we left open for a new set of rules), then both Alfa and ERC runners and BMW E30's would have conformed without any real dilution of the intent of T & C.

Although all are entitled to an opinion, I fail to see how standard window winding mechanism or a glovebox lid is so important. We insist on a front passenger seat but why is it so important?

Does anyone think that the average paying spectator sitting up on the bank cares a stuff?

As for running repowers in a separate series, by all means, but let's walk before we run/race. Unless there is a viable grid (which there isn't at the moment), then I am quite happy with them in our series to the agreed limitations as stated earlier. When and only when are there enough around to make it viable will it happen.

AMCO72 - I have give up doing the festivals as much as it is nice to race in front of an appreciative crowd, several of us have opted out having supported the earlier festivals, as scratch races only, with such disparate cars and massive speed differences, is neither racing nor enjoyable and in the wet, distinctly unsafe. Mixing under 3 litre cars, several of which are very standard, small and not very quick, with Muscle cars may appeal to the David & Goliath supporters, but in truth is not very apealing either.

Putting modern gear in old cars makes them a great club car, but it is not for Historic and Classic racing. Imagine the dissappointment of an old guy wondering up to an MG Magnette and saying to his grandson, "this were great old cars son. I remember taking your grandmother for her first date!" Then "Aaaaah what have they done to the engine, the whole cars wrong, oh my heart!"

I am not advocating putting a modern engine into an old car. This message board is full of people raving about Zephyr Corvettes, Morraris, V8 Starlets etc, so let's get this in perspective. A Morrari recreation is not exactly going to upset grandad when he spies a Ferrari engine under the bonnet of a car he did his courting in.

People have modified cars since day one and sorry, but restoring a totally knackered Magnette to original was never going to be worthwhile, as it was too far gone in all respects and just not worth it, much as I love the Magnette as a standard car.

There are times when people tend to forget that we are a small country with just 4m people and the heritage of NZ has always been to adapt with what is available. Purism is wonderful, but once again, who wants to see a grid of six pure 1100cc Ford Escorts and more to the point, it is not a viable, economic race grid unless race entry fees aren't to skyrocket - and who would pay to watch them anyway?

Several smaller "pure" race groups (super historics stands out here and Clubmans a year or two ago) have been very heavily subsidised by the larger less pure groups so be careful what you wish for... Any grid with less than 15 cars on a regular basis is not contributing much to the financial viability of the meeting.