Inexpensive racing
Inexpensive racing has been the aim of many enthusiasts over a lengthy period of time. It was so in the days of the racing cyclecar and then the 500 Club hoped to encourage inexpensive single-seaters, which soon became costly machines powered with “double-knocker” Norton engines. It has always been the same, the ideals having to be changed because the drivers and onlookers demand more speed, the scrutineers cannot ensure that cost-defeating rules are adhered to, or because cheating results in endless bickering.
Fortunately we still have the kind of Club racing fostered by the 750 MC, including the ambitious Birkett Six Hour Relay Race, and Group One saloon-car racing is a worthwhile attempt at racing near-standard cars. Some people think there is reason to go further towards the racing of normal saloons and races have been held and more are mooted for 1974, under the following rules:
1. The cars to be road-going saloons marketed before 1st September 1958.
2. Bodywork to be entirely as manufactured, with no more than two metal panels replaced with different material.
3. A current MoT Test Certificate must be held.
4. Racing tyres are not permitted.
5. Wheel-rim width is free, providing no body modifications are necessary, including wheel spats and extensions.
6. Steel road wheels must be used.
7. The original type of cylinder block must be used.
8. The original type of cylinder head must be used.
9. The original type of engine mountings must be used.
10. The original location of the engine mountings must be used.
11. No modifications to the suspension, or suspension medium are permitted, with the exception of dampers (which are free), the addition of anti-roll bars and the strengthening of existing components.
12. Fuel injection, water injection, supercharging and turbocharging are not permitted and cars must run on ordinary pump petrols, diesel fuel, or gas. No fuel additives will be allowed.
13. No more than the original number of chokes (carburetter) may be employed.
14. No advertising will be permitted on the cars except that authorised by the RAC. for the sponsor(s) of the championship or event.
15. No limited slip differentials unless fitted as original equipment.