ERC Race Series - Euro Saloons & Sports

[Bryan]

Would I be right in thinking most smaller British classic saloons (Escorts etc) would struggle to fit anything wider than a 205 tyre under the standard guards? Fortunately 205/60x13 seems to be well catered for (or is it?), and keeps the gearing standard (same diameter as 155/80 or 175/70), and would be adequate for a slow-poke like me.

[nzeder]

Would I be right in thinking most smaller British classic saloons (Escorts etc) would struggle to fit anything wider than a 205 tyre under the standard guards? Fortunately 205/60x13 seems to be well catered for (or is it?), and keeps the gearing standard (same diameter as 155/80 or 175/70), and would be adequate for a slow-poke like me.

Correct 15" rims on a standard body Escort (aka T&C compliant) is almost impossible hence so many Forest Flares on these types of cars so they car run a 225/50/15 - however as I understand the rules with Forest Flares that means Schedule K which does not have a 50 percent aspect ratio but a 60 percent aspect ratio for DOT tyres - or period correct tyre required. Under FIA Appendix K which MSNZ Schedule K is based Escorts with Forest Flares are limited to 13" rims anyway.

This is one of the points that keeps running through my mind - T&C = 50 series tyres = I can run a 225/50/15 or even a 235/50/15 on my Datsun 260z. Or I go Schedule K, which allows me to run Group 4 type flares and wide rims - 15x12 in the rear in period but only period rubber and that is going to be big $$ for someone with a small budget for this hobby that is not going to happen - so I don't flare run stock body work and DOT tyre that needs to be 60 series for Schedule K so I am down to 205/60/15 (same diameter as the stock tyre for a 260z which is 195/70/14) or slightly larger 215/60/15 or 225/60/15 - which you can't get a track tyre in those sizes, just high performance road rubber.

However I guess that is the point of all this is it not? Road tyres or period spec tyres - no semi slick track only tyres.

There is a silver lining for us lower budget guys is that road tyres are general a lower price than the higher performance semi-slick. You get what you pay for. I will never have the budget to be at the pointy end of the field, so if that means I run a standard road tyre and be mid/rear of the pack that is fine that is where my pay grade has me playing. So long as there are others in the same boat and we can have a good bit of fun along the way + with the odd handicap there might be a chance of getting to the checkered flag first just to make the simile a little wider once in a while.

[ERC]

I will never have the budget to be at the pointy end of the field, so if that means I run a standard road tyre and be mid/rear of the pack that is fine that is where my pay grade has me playing. So long as there are others in the same boat and we can have a good bit of fun along the way + with the odd handicap there might be a chance of getting to the checkered flag first just to make the simile a little wider once in a while.

Er, winning a handicap once in a while? H'mm. Generally once every few seasons maybe. Wide smiles frequently though, oh yes!

Will be sending the dinner bookings email out shortly, now that I have just confirmed the price with the caterers. Numbers starting to roll in for the April 20th (Easter Sunday) practice day too via HD ticketing (not motorsport entry) website. Within the first few, were two Z's... Just a reminder that the practice day is not limited to ERC drivers.