So, exactly which race cars are deemed 'Hotrods'?

[ERC]

Hi Conrad. As we now allow cars to run that are newer than our original cut off date (1977 and run ons), and we also believe that the age in years rather than a specific cut off date is now a legitimate reason to consider a car, we'd have no problem with the BMW. We are well aware of the Turbo...

The fact that it has an engine from the same stable just makes it easier to accept. Like the VCC, the age of the vehicle is then effectively the age of the newest major component. Although we have started identifying the newer cars, (see the website paid up entrants pages) so far, there has been no call to class them separately with a separate overall series trophy, but I wouldn't rule it out as a later possibility.

Remember that unlike all other race series, ALL our points scoring races are handicaps, hence our oft repeated mantra that without handicaps, there is no level playing field anyway. We judge each and every car/driver combination on its merits. Our main consideration nowadays is on driving standards and a gradual push to make sure cars are nearer road legal. One or two have been pushing things a bit and we are on their case.

It doesn't suit everyone and there have been grumbles in the past that we will first of all, be swamped by retro/repower/transplants (we allow a maximum of five) and more recently, by newer cars. We haven't.

With a handicap system, if the driver gradually improves either the car or his/her driving ability, resulting in improved lap times, then the handicap changes accordingly. By doing it this way rather than the convoluted formulaes involving power to weight ratios, engine capacity and the inside leg measurement of the driver, it is self regulating. Why complicate matters with a load of bonnet lifting and finger pointing which is a sure way to kill off the camaraderie aspect?

If we had been totally swamped with pre 1977 cars, then we would have never moved on, but as the number of pre 1977 cars has been steadily declining - which is no surprise - then we have had to consider the options.