A Quick History
The latest word on the Historic motor racing scene
The 2015 Historic racing season has certainly peaked, but has by no means finished. The Victorian Historic Racing Register’s Classic Sandown meeting is scheduled for November 6-8 and will be well subscribed as always. There’s a three-way battle for the Group A Heritage Touring Cars title between the Nissan GT-R-equipped Carey McMahon and the mighty RS500 Sierra of Terry “The Law” Lawlor, with David Paterson’s Toyota Sprinter, using the points multiplier to its advantage, to likely win the under-2 litre class and perhaps the title overall. It should be a four-way title fight, but Duncan Mackellar’s Eggenberger RS500 has been withdrawn, hoping to get the newly-purchased car de-bugged and ready for 2016. The Group C title will be between Ed Singleton (Commodore), Chris Bowden (RX7) and Greg Keam, who is also punching above his weight in a two-litre Ford Escort, with the series’ points system favouring the popular little bangers.
‘Heritage Touring Car’ is a label also used in Europe. The final outing was due to be held in sunny Algarve in Portugal after this issue closed for press, October 23-25. Genuine competition touring cars from 1966 to 1986 will be lining up to win the JD Classics-sponsored Historic Touring Car Challenge. Group C (Group 1 and 2 in their lingo) and Group A racing in Europe and the UK has taken off so dramatically since 2012, that there are now three organising bodies hosting races over the spring/summer/autumn period. With racetracks like Spa, Paul Ricard, Le Mans and the Nurburgring to choose from, it’s little wonder it’s popular.
So why tell you about the Euro scene? Well, with the early Group A cars becoming more usable ‘up north’, they have also become more valuable. The second PinePac Mustang is heading off to Europe, to join its sister chassis, racing at the exotic tracks that its NZ-based creators would have only dreamt about. Even the ex-Mike Minear 360GLT Volvo – remember that little red rocket? – is on its way back to Sweden to join a collection of Group A race and rally 360 GLT Volvos. It certainly takes all types! Just like back in the day, when Group A cars had a global value, it does make one wonder, what will happen when the organising bodies open up the series to the latter, post-1986 Group A cars. It will certainly see the value of the RS500s racing here and perhaps the more unique Nissan GT-R, reach new levels…
Back on the local front, Chris Stillwell, son of racing great Bib Stillwell, has joined the Heritage Touring Cars’ organising committee. Chris was instrumental in getting Touring Car Masters to where it is today. His business nous, love of the sport and friendly manner will certainly be welcomed by the HTC members. All fans of the 1973-1992 period will also benefit from the addition.
The VHRR’s Phillip Island Classic has been rescheduled to March 10-13 after the F1 powerbrokers changing the date of the AGP to March 17-20. The much anticipated line-up for Australia’s most prestigious event will be announced after Classic Sandown.