New Zealand Historic Muscle Cars Under HRC

[kiwi285]

Good on you John - you are a 'doer' rather than a 'talker' and achieve results that others might wonder about (and help others at the same time to get their cars completed). Take a bow.

[crunch]

I took the XA Coupe out to Hampton Downs for a shake down run before the Ferrari meet next weekend.
A far cry from last year when I took an unfinished car out just to make up the back end of the field.
Lots of Porsches and not a Ferrari in sight.
Happily the car got through unscathed and only 3 last niggling problems to take care of.

Photos?

[John McKechnie]

Crunch- I know there was a photographer on turn 4.

[Rod Grimwood]

Crunch- I know there was a photographer on turn 4.

Hope you didn't scare him cobber.

[John McKechnie]

Sounds stupid when you go out there for a shake down, practicing the corners and then you see a photographer, and the first thing you think is- damn, dont want to be caught losing the car here on a ripple strip

[Rod Grimwood]

John, I thought a ripple strip was an ice block, and what you doing looking out side window for any way fella, 'ahead of me is what matters, what's behind is behind'
See you in a few days, if I got time will drop in on way to HD Thursday.

[fullnoise68]

Rod, I`ve sent you a PM.

[Rod Grimwood]

Cheers Steve, will check when I get home.

Is PM onsite or my email

[crunch]

See you all on Saturday. Looking forward to a spectacle and a couple of old Fiats running around....

[fullnoise68]

Okay, incentive time. Thanks to one of my sponsors Truck City, there is a grouse Freightliner sleeveless vest up for grabs for the best HMC photo from the weekends racing posted before Thursday lunchtime. It can be any HMC car, not just my Camaro.

[ERC]

23317
Couldn't resist it!

[John McKechnie]

Excellent photography there catching the moment.
I have this on in car video as it happened right in front of me, does that count as an entry?

[fullnoise68]

Due to Nigel being HMCs most defensive driver, and him racing this pretty valuable Mustang, he actually brake checked me just prior to this and rather than hit his right rear quarter I spun the Camaro to avoid him. Put the video footage on here John. And no, this entry doesn`t count!

[Rod Grimwood]

You always go for the side on shots Steve, suppose it gives sponsor good coverage.

You guys put on a good show, good on ya

PS which entry does not count, yours into the corner or the video.

[fullnoise68]

You always go for the side on shots Steve, suppose it gives sponsor good coverage.

You guys put on a good show, good on ya

PS which entry does not count, yours into the corner or the video.

Ha ha , very funny Rod!!........

[Kiwiboss]

Due to Nigel being HMCs most defensive driver, and him racing this pretty valuable Mustang, he actually brake checked me just prior to this and rather than hit his right rear quarter I spun the Camaro to avoid him. Put the video footage on here John. And no, this entry doesn`t count!

OH man, i can't wait to brake check you this weekend Mr Elliott AKA "the Hampton Hero" you might do it again!! LOL

Dale M

[fullnoise68]

I think `Hampton Holeshotter' is more appropriate Dale, given the traction problems you`re obviously experiencing in that 800hp Mustang of yours at the startline!! 6500 rpm and just side step the clutch, yee hah!!

[Kiwiboss]

Entry has been confirmed for HMC 70 Camaro racer Murray Brown this weekend at the Ferrari festival, Hampton Downs! here's Murrays Camaro leading the pack at Lakeside mid last year. Also joining us is John Dennehy in the Freighters MK 1 Escort that is to schedule K spec with correct 13" wheels and Avon bias tyres. Dale M

[John A]

Congratulations to all for providing some very entertaining racing at the weekend. The "close formation" lap at the end of the last race was an excellent idea.

[Kiwiboss]

Congratulations to all for providing some very entertaining racing at the weekend. The "close formation" lap at the end of the last race was an excellent idea.

Thanks for noticing John A, as much as this event is about the historic cars its also about entertainment for the paying public and to thank the flaggies and safely crews, to my amazement the fences were lined with cheers and clapping so figured most thought it was cool, glad you enjoyed it and we'll do the same again after Sundays last race!! Dale M

[Kiwiboss]

Just posted this up on Face(less)book, our group photo from last weekend thanks to Kiwi285(Mike Feisst) with the Ex Ivan Segedin Mustang, quite fitting since we are about historic racing and also with Ivans recent passing(RIP), it really went down well.

We do it all again this weekend with a few more added cars, we have two Aussie visitors flying over just for this weekend, they will be at our HMC BBQ Saturday afternoon along with Roaring Season host Steve Holmes, all others are welcome.

Let the good time roll. Dale M

[Howard Wood]

Thanks for noticing John A, as much as this event is about the historic cars its also about entertainment for the paying public and to thank the flaggies and safely crews, to my amazement the fences were lined with cheers and clapping so figured most thought it was cool, glad you enjoyed it and we'll do the same again after Sundays last race!! Dale M

Dale,

I run a guest mechanic program over these two weekends and John A was the lucky winner last week. Fortunately as we had no issues the most technically challenging task all weekend was eating lunch! As a result John had far too much time on his hands having time to watch formation laps instead of waiting back in the pits ready to spring into action like a real mechanic!

This weekend, despite his CV including Formula 1, Indycars and Le Mans, not to mention running some kid called Andretti in F/Atlantic, John A unfortunately didn't make the cut for the guest spot so please don't get his hopes up. :cool:

[Snoozin]

So the Thursday lunchtime thing has passed but if that vest is still up for grabs Steve, here's a shot I reckon is a little bit worthy! David pulling out all the stops to keep up with Goliath!

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2871/12097454245_8f52234a97_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/snoozinrichy/12097454245/)
IMG_7887 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/snoozinrichy/12097454245/) by SnoozinRichy (http://www.flickr.com/people/snoozinrichy/), on Flickr

Cheers, looking forward to more action this weekend!

Richy

[crunch]

So the Thursday lunchtime thing has passed but if that vest is still up for grabs Steve, here's a shot I reckon is a little bit worthy! David pulling out all the stops to keep up with Goliath!

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2871/12097454245_8f52234a97_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/snoozinrichy/12097454245/)
IMG_7887 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/snoozinrichy/12097454245/) by SnoozinRichy (http://www.flickr.com/people/snoozinrichy/), on Flickr

Cheers, looking forward to more action this weekend!

Richy

Good shot,...but careful what you wish for!
I understand the vest Steve has offered for his prize is of the string variety and one he wore under his race suit for every race on the Aussie tour and has yet to be introduced to the Fisher & Paykel...

[Frosty5]

Hi Guys, what a wonderful 2 weekends there was. Seemed to be all over too quickly for me anyway. Just want to say a huge thanks to Ray Green for the loan of the BBQ for HMC on Saturday nite. Much appreciated, returned with thanks in good order and condition. Peter "Mr Meat" Stevenson supplied the sausages and assisted with the cooking also, thanks Pete, will keep you on. Each snarler was a meal on its own and people still went back for more and to the ladies who supplied the salads and potatoes so a big thank you to you as well. There was great banter amongst the competitors and a few porkies thrown in for good measure!! Reliving the races as the red mist descends is always great to listen to. So thanks to all the competitors in HMC and U3L who made both weekends so memorable.
Thanks n Regards
Dave Graham, HMC Technical Auditor

[Frosty5]

Oooh! Ferrari V12 on full song or American V8?

Ray, have sent you a PM

[ERC]

Thanks Dave. Happy to be able to assist and glad that you all had a great time!

The Festival may well be about the cars, but you'd have to say that the real strength within the Historic/Classic community is the camaraderie, which transcends well beyond the various classes and within that group, the officials and helpers too.

[fullnoise68]

So the Thursday lunchtime thing has passed but if that vest is still up for grabs Steve, here's a shot I reckon is a little bit worthy! David pulling out all the stops to keep up with Goliath!

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2871/12097454245_8f52234a97_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/snoozinrichy/12097454245/)
IMG_7887 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/snoozinrichy/12097454245/) by SnoozinRichy (http://www.flickr.com/people/snoozinrichy/), on Flickr

Cheers, looking forward to more action this weekend!

Richy

No problems Richy, send me a PM with your address etc and I`ll send you the new Freightliner vest. A great photo too!

[Kiwiboss]

Yes, a big thanks from the HMC directors for the use of your BBQ Ray(ERC) it was a bit of a last minute organising to do this but help from Dave(Frosty5) and Mr-meat Pete Stevenson for the Sausee’s and everyone had a ball, even the F5000 and Sport-sedan guys enjoyed themselves so you are correct Ray the Historic/Classic community has great camaraderie and you should have joined us, made a few new friends and a chance to shoot the shit to boot.

As for the racing, it was friggen awesome and I got the impression the public thought the same, we had a 100% legal grid of 10 HMC cars(with more coming) along with another 10-15 Historic Saloons and over both weekends racing we had only one minor incident which got sorted professionally, we are working on a 13 month ban for those constantly involved in unresolved incidents within our group for this particular event, they do this overseas in historic racing, and a safety car when Pete’s Mustang engine expired in the last race, you gotta remember the machinery starts getting a bit worn down over both these events but otherwise just about all cars finished every race.

Steve(fullnoise) well and truly earned his HMC Festival award trophy for the tireless work done behind the scene so this is big thanks to Steve from all us(PS: keeping big Steve busy helps give us all break, and the “Elliott 20 sec” rule still applies, LOL)

Dave(frosty5)Graham and Keith Hardgraves our HMC tech auditors for doing 2 audits per weekend, both worked tirelessly doing this and is very much a part of keeping the standards high and rule enforcement with-in our class, its interesting that other groups are taking notice of this!! and to Crunch our H&C Commission MSNZ executive for taking the time to come up the first weekend and talking to us about HMC been the Motorsport standard for historic big bore racing saloons across NZ(work in progress)

To Tony(look at my muscles now)Roberts for wrestling the non-power steering PDL Mustang around Hampton in 1:19.2, very well done and that’s with only a 400HP(if that) engine NOT built by John Force, LOL and even Paul Fahey thought it looked real and signed the roof next to his name(price now doubled, LOL)

Overall, what a great weekend. Dale M

[John McKechnie]

Also out there adding his autograph for Steve Elliot and I was another absolute legend- Clyde Collins.
Thats another one from the bucket list

[John McKechnie]

Ok guys, this one is for our very own TonyG in Australia who really wanted to be here and couldnt.
Tony mate- enjoy the sight, sounds of us on Sunday morning 26 January
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWtR86Sp38o.
Just an amateur video from a mid pack runner- my XA Coupe 083
And also for all those who love these cars.
Will post more, but this is best view and quality- its just like being there...
Oh yes, Pete said he missed the gearchange at the end, so thats why he went almost off the end at turn one.

[kiwi285]

Another great festival of racing for the HMC class. Thanks to all the people who spent so much time organising this and the drivers and crew who toiled to keep the cars running and the drivers gee'd up. The commentator was nearly hoarse calling the first race on Saturday morning (second weekend) and said that it was the best race he had seen at the festival.

Howard you are a genius keeping the 2002 with the V8's and hanging in there until the flag drops. Great to see that that attitude paid off.

http://i44.tinypic.com/2rxy7g4.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/2chm2on.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/29eg39l.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/25z1aw6.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/2lxynpl.jpg

[kiwi285]

http://i41.tinypic.com/29loglx.jpg

Our scrutineers seem to have this character wondering
http://i41.tinypic.com/28jjuya.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/2r63387.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/ax1axc.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/2lnvjuf.jpg

[John McKechnie]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTmFASqEVOIhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTmFASqEVOI
Saturday 25 January NZFMR-2014

[Frosty5]

Hey Steve, well done and congratulations on the spirit award. Well deserved. There are gunnars and doers and you are a doer. Your assistance to those who requested your help is obviously held in high esteem and that's why you got the award. I detected moist eyes when you sat back down, bloody great, truly humble and a cracker of a guy. Now tweak that engine and see what you can do. Great stuff. Thanks Raewyn for the coffee and nectarines. No bribe here LOL

Cheers Dave

[TonyG]

Ok guys, this one is for our very own TonyG in Australia who really wanted to be here and couldnt.
Tony mate- enjoy the sight, sounds of us on Sunday morning.
Just an amateur video from a mid pack runner- my XA Coupe 083
And also for all those who love these cars.
Will post more, but this is best view and quality- its just like being there

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWtR86Sp38o


Oh yes, Pete said he missed the gearchange at the end, so thats why he went almost off the end at turn one.

Enjoy !!! Loved it ! Surround sound cranked right up and big screen TV it was like being in the car with you. Awesome camera placement in the car.
Thank you so much John. greatly appreciated. Apart from the camera angle the other clip was pretty damn good viewing and listening as well.
Barry's Monaro was the icing on the cake.

Thanks again
Tony Growden

[kiwi285]

Would agree wholeheartedly with Dave that the award was the best possible outcome for the effort that you and Raewyn put into this class and the help and caring you exhibit. Well done.

John - great bit on in-car video - just like being there with you

[John McKechnie]

Here's another one to add to #1034-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2R-ShmfwI0

Its first weekend racing. Nigel now has his fastback on the track.,. I blew the start by going from first to fourth , then shifting into third, still plenty of experience in passing.
Camera is on the rear window, was not aware that the panoramic view would be restricted by the seats. Shifted it to side window after this for the next weekend, then front screen for Sunday.
Sorry about the poor quality and the sun glare on the screen

[fullnoise68]

Here's another one to add to #1034-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2R-ShmfwI0

Its first weekend racing. Nigel now has his fastback on the track.,. I blew the start by going from first to fourth , then shifting into third, still plenty of experience in passing.
Camera is on the rear window, was not aware that the panoramic view would be restricted by the seats. Shifted it to side window after this for the next weekend, then front screen for Sunday.
Sorry about the poor quality and the sun glare on the screen

John, next time I`m talking to Tony Cardwell I`ll see if he can get me some gloves like yours!!.........

[Kiwiboss]

Paul Fahey was so impressed with the PDL replica build the first weekend that when he came back the second he gifted me this beautiful signed black and white print of him in the real PDL mustang, sure made me proud and what a gentleman he is, and so is Dennis Marwood who had a helping hand in getting Kerry Grant along in-which Kerry very much enjoyed himself.

Paul kindly sign the roof panel on the PDL effectively doubling the price(yeah rite)

Dale M

[Murray Maunder]

The reverse grid race on Sunday went to the wire with Murray Brown holding off Dale Mathers in damp conditions. I had an onboard camera in the Boss Mustang to see how it is to ride in one of NZ's most successful HMC cars as he drives through the field.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXzfVnMA_yQ&feature=youtu.be

[crunch]

Paul Fahey was so impressed with the PDL replica build the first weekend that when he came back the second he gifted me this beautiful signed black and white print of him in the real PDL mustang, sure made me proud and what a gentleman he is, and so is Dennis Marwood who had a helping hand in getting Kerry Grant along in-which Kerry very much enjoyed himself.

Paul kindly sign the roof panel on the PDL effectively doubling the price(yeah rite)

Dale M

Kerry Grant is a quite sort of guy. As he comes from Palmerston North it is obvious that he is a gentleman. He also has a son Andrew who was incrediably quick in a Rally car and burst onto the NZRC scene about 15 years ago for a couple of years until finances dried up. I think he then went speedway midget racing for a while. Kerry was at most if not all of the rallies, and though he did not say much, you could tell he was incredibly proud of his son.

[John McKechnie]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xMsZW7XytY
I have improved this video of the Race11 on Friday 24 January, and reloaded it to youtube (previous video is now deleted).


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xMsZW7XytY

[John McKechnie]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYn7dL-m0ts

Here is the other race from Saturday 25 January - second weekend.

[Andrew Metford]

I thought these banners in the HMC tent were excellent. Unfortunately the tent wasn't so excellent on the first Friday :(

http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u387/JAFA851/NZFMR%202014/IMG_2098_zpsf1d39656.jpg (http://s1065.photobucket.com/user/JAFA851/media/NZFMR%202014/IMG_2098_zpsf1d39656.jpg.html)

http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u387/JAFA851/NZFMR%202014/IMG_2099_zps1c4c1bcc.jpg (http://s1065.photobucket.com/user/JAFA851/media/NZFMR%202014/IMG_2099_zps1c4c1bcc.jpg.html)

http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u387/JAFA851/NZFMR%202014/IMG_2101_zps47c1b3cc.jpg (http://s1065.photobucket.com/user/JAFA851/media/NZFMR%202014/IMG_2101_zps47c1b3cc.jpg.html)

http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u387/JAFA851/NZFMR%202014/IMG_2100_zps53cc9dfb.jpg (http://s1065.photobucket.com/user/JAFA851/media/NZFMR%202014/IMG_2100_zps53cc9dfb.jpg.html)

http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u387/JAFA851/NZFMR%202014/IMG_2129_zpsfec9308b.jpg (http://s1065.photobucket.com/user/JAFA851/media/NZFMR%202014/IMG_2129_zpsfec9308b.jpg.html)

[Andrew Metford]

http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u387/JAFA851/NZFMR%202014/IMG_2125_zpsf611ade5.jpg (http://s1065.photobucket.com/user/JAFA851/media/NZFMR%202014/IMG_2125_zpsf611ade5.jpg.html)

Am I correct in thinking I read an article in NZCC a while back about this white Mustang being a famous car?

http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u387/JAFA851/NZFMR%202014/IMG_2181_zps30445d81.jpg (http://s1065.photobucket.com/user/JAFA851/media/NZFMR%202014/IMG_2181_zps30445d81.jpg.html)

http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u387/JAFA851/NZFMR%202014/IMG_2169_zpsc3498ee7.jpg (http://s1065.photobucket.com/user/JAFA851/media/NZFMR%202014/IMG_2169_zpsc3498ee7.jpg.html)

http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u387/JAFA851/NZFMR%202014/IMG_2133_zpsc3217b5f.jpg (http://s1065.photobucket.com/user/JAFA851/media/NZFMR%202014/IMG_2133_zpsc3217b5f.jpg.html)

[Kiwiboss]

Had this CD disc turn up in the mail today with a few great pictures shown here, thanks to Phil Noble outta Auckland. Another HMC fan and follower. Dale M

[TonyG]

JAFA; "Am I correct in thinking I read an article in NZCC a while back about this white Mustang being a famous car?"

Red Dawsons Mustang before it turned Electric Blue. This shot is how it was restored by the Bowden family in Aus before its purchase and return home.

Didn't it throw a rod or something on the first weekend ? I know something terrible happened to it in the engine dept.

Cheers
Tony

[John McKechnie]

Sadly was an engine issue, hole in the sump would indicate something like a big end part exiting.

[fullnoise68]

For those of you that drive a Toyota Cynos, the following information will have little or no bearing on your sense of speed!!......

On March 8, 2014 at Amelia Island, USA, RM Auctions will be selling Charlie Kemps 1965 Shelby Mustang GT350R, which amongst its very well documented history, is reportedly the worlds fastest 289 road race car, having run at 184 MPH at Daytona in 1969. Someone will be able to put the link on here, but this car won`t be cheap, and don`t expect to see it make our HMC grid anytime soon......... unless I get six numbers in a row between now and then!:cool:

[Kiwiboss]

Latest March 14 Classic car Magazine: Steve Elliott's SCCA 68 Camaro leads the pack!! Dale M

[Grant Ellwood]

Dale, I note in a recent issue of (UK) Motorsport an article about the upcoming Silverstone Classic in July, this year celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Mustang. The organizers are hoping to set a record for the largest number of pre-'66 Mustangs in one event. So, are you planning to race there? Cheers, Grant.

[Kiwiboss]

Dale, I note in a recent issue of (UK) Motorsport an article about the upcoming Silverstone Classic in July, this year celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Mustang. The organizers are hoping to set a record for the largest number of pre-'66 Mustangs in one event. So, are you planning to race there? Cheers, Grant.

Nooo Grant, too much on my plate for this year!!

Dale M

[Frosty5]

Hi Guys, just a reminder that those who have CoD's for cars running under HMC rules and regulations that CoD's will be mandatory post 31.12.14. If you have them now please forward a colour copy to me so I can get them on the database that is being set up. Address for post or courier is 38 Alconbury Drive, Rototuna, Hamilton 3210. To those to whom I have sent emails re said subject please respond.

Regards
Dave Graham
Technical Auditor
NZHMC

[Frosty5]

Hi Guys, just a reminder that those who have CoD's for cars running under HMC rules and regulations that CoD's will be mandatory post 31.12.14. If you have them now please forward a colour copy to me so I can get them on the database that is being set up. Address for post or courier is 38 Alconbury Drive, Rototuna, Hamilton 3210. To those to whom I have sent emails re said subject please respond.

Regards
Dave Graham
Technical Auditor
NZHMC

[John McKechnie]

Hi Guys, just a reminder that those who have CoD's for cars running under HMC rules and regulations that CoD's will be mandatory post 31.12.14. If you have them now please forward a colour copy to me so I can get them on the database that is being set up. Address for post or courier is 38 Alconbury Drive, Rototuna, Hamilton 3210. To those to whom I have sent emails re said subject please respond.

Regards
Dave Graham
Technical Auditor
NZHMC

Dave- just spoke to Mike at MSNZ, mine is being processed at the moment

[Kiwiboss]

Heres some 3D imaging of our HMC cars I received on a CD disc via Steve Elliott yesterday. Dale

[fullnoise68]

My wife rang HD today to confirm an apartment for this weekend. Yes, no problem, number 111 is yours..... Not tempting fate, we got them to change it!

[ERC]

Shame you changed it as that is the best view of the track!!!! Oh, and the owner will be most disappointed if it isn't occupied...

[Kiwiboss]

My wife rang HD today to confirm an apartment for this weekend. Yes, no problem, number 111 is yours..... Not tempting fate, we got them to change it!

I was tryin to get room 666 so i could invite Ray over, LOL

Dale M

[John McKechnie]

Room 370, enter and find yourself in the Twilight Zone.

[ERC]

I was tryin to get room 666 so i could invite Ray over, LOL Dale M

Aha! Satan tries to corrupt the pure - or is it the other way around?

[Frosty5]

I was tryin to get room 666 so i could invite Ray over, LOL

Dale M

Well that's 3 apartments, any spare beds or couches. Entry by Lyon Rouge and contribution to costs!! Just a thought, no pressure LOL

[Kiwiboss]

Well, with the Legends this weekend HMC has the HUGE turn out of arrrrr, armmm 5 cars!! hmmmm!! and as Ray would say not viable(I agree) so OK all you critics what are we doing wrong? well its actually 4 cars as Roger Williams 69 Camaro is newbie!! actually its 3 as I shouldn't be there this weekend but? since we started some 3 years ago cars have slowly dwindle away, new builds are slow coming even though interest is still very high but talk is cheap!! even just Monday I had some unknown building a Capri V8 for HMC but once again he'll most likely be a couple of years!! im open to learn so im all ears, give it too me!! Dale M

[ERC]

Well, you asked for it!

Dale, what you have been trying to establish is honourable and you have found out (as we all have) that getting interest is not too difficult. Certainly you have had the best publicity possible, with Steve's articles, plus the support of Tony, Crunch and probably all of the H & C Commission as you are promoting exactly THEY/YOU want.

Getting registrations of interest (ie a registration fee or other commitment) and even a valid car is less easy.

Having then got that sort of support, converting that to cars on the track for a number of meetings is the really tough part, as we are all subjected to limitations of time, finance, health, work and family commitments and for some, overseas demands.

If you adopt a very restrictive set of rules and requirements, then out of the theoretical pool of cars, some will indeed play with you, some will play with a series with less restrictive rules and some are happy enough to merely own or show those cars. Geographic considerations are also valid.

We have 35 cars at the last count for this weekend out of a potential 100 drivers so a 1 in three turn out is pretty good. For your grid to be valid that probably means at least 45 complete and available cars, to get between 15 and 20. How many completed HMC cars are there?

We also try to have a series of 6 or 7 rounds with the best 5 top scores to count and yes, it is still chocolate fish racing but may I suggest that by offering just 4 rounds a season, there may be some who would like more racing? Why go to all the trouble of getting a 100% perfect car for just 4 runs a year - and even then, Murphy's law will dictate that you'll miss at least one anyway!

Every series has its strengths and weaknesses and I have accepted the flack for a pragmatic approach to the cars simply, because I really don't think we have a big enough pool of 'pure cars' (or drivers who are keen to run 'pure' cars), to have a viable series - and we have spread our net much wider than you, on capacity, body style and most of all, make and country of origin.

Had we stuck to the original BMC 4 cylinder series, we would have fallen over at least 16 years ago.

To preserve your integrity, just incorporate not just U3L cars, but all cars with a Schedule K/Appendix K certification or running to the same rules as you run now. (Strict period mods.) However, you can't possibly expect to list all the allowable bits and pieces the way you do for the current HMC, as you just make work for yourself and when that happens, you get into all sorts of strife! There were cars excluded from the U3L group at the Festival for whatever reason, and each driver turned away is going to go elsewhere.

I don't run a muscle car, I don't know how many are around and I certainly have no idea how many cars you have 'in preparation', so the only way I see it progressing is by having classes within a larger group and then maybe you have to look at the race formats that appeal to the drivers.

If the group eventually gets to the stage where you have full grids, then is the time to sub-divide again. Don't give in though as you do have theoretical support both for the series and the philosophy. As you say yourself, talk is cheap, very cheap, but it doesn't make a profit for race promoters.

[AMCO72]

This time I am going to make 'no comment' for obvious reasons. I have been told I 'don't get' what HMC is all about, and as one of the cars excluded from the U3L group at the Festival, I am going to let other more vocal race car drivers do the talking and taking the flak this time.

Everyone knows who I am rooting for.

[Kiwiboss]

Ray, i value your experience, may not always agree but i know i'll get a straight answer after-all you've been doing this for awhile!! Our HMC car pool is alot less than ERC maybe 30 if where lucky and thats not counting the builds underway but out of those 30 some require work to become legal but usually this is not much!! the one area i do agree is some are merely just happy to "own and show" there cars and i've now figured some of these guys out and stopped wasting time on them. Incorporating the U3L saloons is fantastic and show case's how NZ saloon car racing use to be so we will continue with this and some of the U3L guys get a kick out of beating the bigger cars!! we do allow Schedule K/Appendix K certified cars in but they also have vanished? is this just a sign of the times?

Compared to historic racing overseas our HMC rules are reasonably free and easy and due to economics we have allowed the likes of wilwood calipers, aftermarket gearbox's, replacement engine components, etc which allows for easier builds so i don't see this as been too restrictive, if i had my way I'd want the air in the tyres to be from 1960, LOL but as we know that would never work in NZ!! on the other hand if we just adopted a no enforcement rule on the regs we would merely be going down the same road of the other muscle car groups and that been the case why bother then!! with our bigger muscle type cars the modern aftermarket compontry available to increase the performance in all directions can be huge, i can put another 100 HP into my car just by added a set of modern aftermarket cylinder heads for $3K, this is what must stop(hope you get the idea of what im saying here) so restrictive, i don't think so!!

Of the U3L cars the only one excluded from the Festival was Angus because his over driving style and the damaged he cause to 3 cars at the previous festival, this seemed the rite call as we had one incident over both weekends racing this year and even that was minor, otherwise i've had great racing with him but everyone else with a complying vehicle was allowed or are there other U3L cars i don't know about? the previous festival we had a 43 car grid(with 7 Aussies) and this was way too much!! oh well!! the ups and downs of motorsport!! anyway Ray, your input and ideas are valued and thats because i respect someone thats out there doing it.

Dale M

[CobraV8]

Hi Dale. I think there are a few things coming to play:

1. Economy - spending is down, entree fees, fuel etc cost a lot, and people will pick and choose the events more, I think this year will still have lower entries all round.
2. Your class- it is restrictive, on purpose, but of course you will feel the pinch easier with smaller reserves of runners
3. People like to win - the cost of doing so in your class is probably quite high. Maybe you need some classes within the category, have some reverse grids, handicapped?
4. Eliteness. I think the post you did a while ago showed your opinion of some other classes. Some would not share this, and maybe you need to acknowledge this and be a bit more total picture friendly? maybe encourage events where your group, plus modded cars wtc get together and boost your presence.
5. Time. You are new, not that different from muscle cars, just need time to establish. You may need to run your class within other groups sometimes?

[CobraV8]

Ps the mini in under 3 litre class. I actually understand you excluding. Angus is no doubt a really fast driver. But in the mini I think he drives at 12/10ths. At leadfoot he spun or hit something every run. If he backed it off a tenth he would have an amazing time, probably the same in your class. In his professional racing I guess that is more accepted, in a fun class, not so much.

[Parnelli]

Well, with the Legends this weekend HMC has the HUGE turn out of arrrrr, armmm 5 cars!! hmmmm!! and as Ray would say not viable(I agree) so OK all you critics what are we doing wrong? well its actually 4 cars as Roger Williams 69 Camaro is newbie!! actually its 3 as I shouldn't be there this weekend but? since we started some 3 years ago cars have slowly dwindle away, new builds are slow coming even though interest is still very high but talk is cheap!! even just Monday I had some unknown building a Capri V8 for HMC but once again he'll most likely be a couple of years!! im open to learn so im all ears, give it too me!! Dale M
Struggling with the eloquence needed to fully express my thoughts stops me adding to this great forum as much as I would like to, but my passion for muscles cars is such, that I will give it a try.

1/ We don’t have enough cashed up supporters in a country of our size to participate in a class where you need $100 K to get on the grid, and then to get any closer to the checkered flag first, will cost a whole lot more than that. I fully accept that winning is not what Historic racing is about but processions don’t turn anyone on.

2/ Given the above , you can not afford to put enthusiastic supporters off by continuing to add more and more unnecessary rules i.e. Rev Limiters, COD’s etc My own car will be an ongoing development as and when funds allow. If every time I upgrade my car, I need to upgrade my COD then forget it.

3/ You need to adopt full reverse grid and handicap races to increase entertainment value for both participants and spectators. If supporters see all cars in the field with an equal chance, then more of them may come out and play.

But mostly you need to be patient and accept that given the extremely high standard set by most of the present cars in the field, then new participants will need both time and money to build their cars.

[John McKechnie]

Importing a Historic car ready to race-cage confirmation and replace perspex with glass- instant gratification. 4 have done this.
Building a car from scratch takes time, sometimes what seems like a year can take 3.There are quite a few out there
Converting an existing car should be an easier option, but its like a house renovation,never that straight forward and the hope of why convert if the rules could change-as if.

Motor racing has never been cheap. I got mine on the track for $35K ,no one told me that this amount wouldnt get me on the grid.

Time runs faster than our cars ever will.
If racing was all I wanted to do -I would run in the 2K class.
Cheaper to replace the car than repair it.

Hey guys we have a race meeting on this weekend, last HRC till Icebreaker, lets just get out and enjoy it

[fullnoise68]

John, importing a vintage race car out of the US is not all about instant gratification, it is also quite economical on the basis of what you get in the car as to pricing out building one. Since I`ve been involved with HMC there has been a lot of `gunnas' going to build this and that and christ knows what else. I`m fortunate enough to own two other road Camaros as well as my race one, and there is quite a big difference from polishing your pride and joy and entering a car show than that of racing side by side well past 100mph.....
That takes a different level of commitment and these are the guys that HMC caters to. When you look at the likes of Nigel McDonald with the ex Red Dawson car, that car conservatively is worth north of $400,000 - far more than most of the Ferraris that were on parade at the Festival -yet he gets out there and gets amongst it. It is not about being elite, it`s more about a group of guys with a common interest in racing period correct muscle cars and celebrating an era of motorsport, plain and simple. The class is not a race series so the critics shouldn`t judge it as one, but once we get a few more currently being built out there, then we will get consistent grid numbers.
Life is not a rehearsal, we are only here once, and HMC also respects those racers who are no longer with us.....

[Howard Wood]

Don't get too down Dale, no one said this was going to be easy although the instant grid numbers from the Aussies probably made it look too easy at the start.

Assuming there is an appetite for a grid of period correct cars from both spectators and competitors the concept will succeed especially given the backing and promotion your series has enjoyed, I for one am 100% behind the concept. Already out of this set back there have been some great suggestions and input here already and it is hard to fault Ray's logic and ideas.

In the short term I believe we need to:

1. Combine HMC and its own car specific rules with a wider Schedule K Saloon class, not limited to U 3 litre. There are quite a number of suitable cars already not to mention existing cars which are not being used because they feel there is nowhere to run.

2. Level the playing field with items such as tyres. The HMC guys started on period Goodyear Blue Streaks but the Aussies quickly showed that their Hoosiers were quicker so those who could afford to changed to those which has spread the field. Also currently with sched K cars there is some grey areas regarding tyres with some running race tyres. Indeed in my view the "Angus problem" occurred simply because with his race tyres his braking distance was so compressed that his closing speed into corners took everyone by surprise. Why not make a DOT rated (but not necessarily NZ road legal) tyre compulsory for all? There are several options available which meet this spec.

3. Introduce handicap and/ or reverse grid races. I had my doubts about the reverse top 10 races at NZFMR but in reality they worked really well with no issues.

4. Keep the focus on driving standards and this applies to all participants. My point 2. regarding tyres should reduce the speed differential up to a point but also the David and Goliath aspect is what attracts spectators (and drivers). Little car/ big car inevitably means the big guys passing on the straights only to be repassed in the corners. There is no point in the big car drivers bitterly complaining about being "blindsided", the onus is on the passing driver to pass safely and the passed driver to allow room, regardless if this is on the straight or a corner!

4. Formalise a series with a points structure and calendar even when running within another class, eg Fast Saloon at Manfeild.

[Steve Holmes]

Really good posts there guys, makes for very interesting reading. Steve and John, your comments are really positive. I tend to share a similar positive view, although I'm less at the cold-face than Dale. I look at where HMC started, and I look another 12 - 18 months towards the future, and I feel pretty positive about it.

HMC has been up and running for about 2.5 years. When the rules were first drawn up, there was not one single car in New Zealand that actually fitted them without at least some minor changes required. Dale's Mustang required several changes (eg, wheels, tyres, front a-arms, diff housing etc). There were 10 HMC cars racing at the 2014 Festival in January. There were another 8 - 10 cars that are 100% HMC compliant, and could have been there, but for various reasons, such as financial, or mechanical problems etc (eg, Rodger Cunninghame and Colin Dawson from Invercargill are planning bi-annual visits to the Festival, Craig Stacey had mechanical issues, a couple of others have personal issues etc). Add to that, there are another 10 cars that are either currently being built, or currently being imported out of the US to race in HMC.

Most cars coming to HMC are being built in NZ. Buying a car out of the US is a great idea, and can get you on the track faster, but even that has its challenges, as you still have to find a car that suits your needs, and there isn't a huge pool in the US of available cars. So you have to go looking. And once in NZ, those cars usually require work to comply, either with HMC, MSNZ, or to the owners personal standards. So still a lot of work involved, and commitment made by the owner.

So now you have close to 30 HMC compliant cars. Given the category was started 2.5 years ago, I think thats pretty good. Ray is absolutely right, you'll never get all your cars on the grid at one time, that just doesn't happen. To get 30 cars on the grid, even for a high profile event where owners are really motivated to be there, you probably need 45 cars on your books. For lower profile events, the numbers always diminish further. But I think HMC is headed in the right direction, and I'm pleased by what has been achieved in a very short space of time, from a set of rules in which, at the beginning, not one single car complied with.

[ERC]

To my simple mind, ignoring country of origin or engine size, there are effectively three broad groups of saloons into which just about every classic car slots.

1) Period pure run to a tight set of rules such as HMC or even Oldfart's pre 1961 group. Appendix/Schedule K etc. CoD's whatever. Even the older U2K cars although some might not like it, but they are the future classics!

2) Road going but mildly modified or even reasonably heavily modified, but still on DoT rated tyres and theoretically along the lines of what T & C should be. ERC, Alfa Trofeo, some BMWs, probably Japanese classics, MG Series.

3) Race saloons, be they historic or recreations, or merely classic race saloons of any age. This includes all the other Muscle car classes, Historic Sports sedans, Pre 65's, some open BMWs.


Quite where you'd slot BMW E30's I'm not too sure but theoretically, group 1 as they do run to a tight set of rules but they are not 100% in line with T & C either!

You can subdivide the above any way you like and equally, you should be able to mix and match any of those sub groups. Whether drivers wanted to mix with other groups or the age and performance of the various cars has nothing to do with it. This is merely a car classification comment.

The points above regarding handicaps is still one we stick to and no point in repeating why.

It is when you start to subdivide those basic groups that it fragments and the various sub groups have to decide at what point they are viable or have to combine.

Regardless of the support for HMC as a stand alone class, it does represent one essential section of what we are about.

[John McKechnie]

Steve- thanks for your extra comment-
quite economical on the basis of what you get in the car as to pricing out building one.
That is something that you can lose track of-
cost of building it.
cost of someone elses work already done.

[AMCO72]

Yeh Dale........don't get 'down'. We could all put the boot in, but that would achieve very little. We all need, as Nikita Khrushchev said....'to live in peaceful co-existence'.

Howard, your usual well thought out and sensible comments. Thanks.

The tyre thing shouldn't be a problem.......it already states in the regs that a dot rated tyre is mandatory. Unfortunately, there is very little in the way of a decent DRY tyre in a ten inch size. We did try Bernie Hines 'American Racer' tyres, but they are really a speedway tyre and not suitable for our conditions. We are not spoiled for choice as are most other sizes. The old CR65 is about it.....a wet race tyre which lasts about 2 minutes on a dry track. Could dig out some old C49's!!!!!!!!!

The South Island boys are a bit more upfront with this, and you are able to run race tyres IF the car was raced with them in the day......which ours was. A form was filled in with all the details, photos etc, and permission was granted.
BUT, as you pointed out, the stopping distance with a light car on race tyres, is vastly different to a large car on Dot tyres. [or a large car on any tyres for that matter]

However, I think you can say goodbye to the Mini in the U3L class running with the HMC boys at any future Festival, so you can all breath a sigh of relief, and bring those Muscle cars out again.

[Murray Maunder]

Dale,
The numbers for this weekend for HMC are probably consistent with he fact that so few of the HMC stalwarts supported the glamour event of the year. This (Legends) meeting is always poorly supported so - go figure.....

As a non-competitor I'm probably not qualified to talk shop but as I've been such a keen follower for the duration of HMC including it's birth, here goes....
Dale, you make a HUGE commitment to HMC and you have alway been incredibly realistic in your expectations of growth etc so I appreciate how you must feel at this unviable position.
My suggestion (and it may not be practical for a number of reasons) is you set up a competitor liaison person whose role it is to talk on a regular basis to all members of the group by email, skype, phone or in person. This role isn't to directly sort issues but purely to report issues that the various guys have going on. In some cases non-involvement is for personal or financial reasons but the person envisages being back in the short to medium term. In others the issues run deeper and a disillusionment or loss of interest has set in and the liaison person needs to be trusted to listen and not judge, is to be a messenger not a troubleshooter or defender of the realm.

It's bit like a customer feedback form - if you don't ask you often don't FULLY know what is going on in someone's life, finances and thinking. If you start to connect up the thoughts and feelings of individuals who make up the group you have a better chance of moving ahead smoothly - and planning events to cater for the needs of the group. None of this implies rule changes and COD issues as such. I believe that you can't please all the people all the time - especially in motor racing.

On a positive note I was talking to Dewi Jones yesterday about Aussie TransAm and in spite of the split that happened recently their recent Lakeside round attracted 18 competitors and they are projecting 22 or 23 for next month at Queensland Raceway. And the extra good news is their recent ATA meeting their was talk of sending 12 cars over! Now I'm sure that will dwindle in 10 months time but it looks like a rejuvenated TransAm class may result in maybe 8 cars coming over - time for the Kiwis to get their s#%* together I would say! Remember it was only 7 months ago that 8 Kiwi HMC cars went over and plundered their Lakeside event and all 8 of them finished the final race with only 8 Aussie cars still running. And Dale Mathers taking away the trophy for most successful and consistent driver!

I admit I'm worried a little but this is the time to get the email, skype, phone and boot leather going rounding up everyone with a compliant HMC car and finding out what they are doing, what they would like to see happen and very importantly - what meeting(s) are you going to support? The liaison role probably is better not being a competitor as petty jealousies and gripes often lurk under the surface preventing "full and frank disclosure".

Regards, "the Mini" I say it's just too bad. Angus is a really good guy and a very quick driver but as some feel in historics is prone to the "red mist" and overdriving. Howard's point about the braking zone is very good and because of this and the above comment I think illustrates why, sadly, this great and very historic Mini is an uncomfortable fit for the class in the hands of a top driver.

I hope some of this may be helpful.

Murray

[Parnelli]

An outstanding suggestion Murray. In a class where there is no club meetings to openly discuss issues then we need an opportunity to raise concerns which are not best discussed in an open forum such as T.R.S. I personally have much more to add, and such open dialog can only be beneficial for all involved.

[ERC]

Good suggestion. We poll ALL drivers on any relevant issues (including those still on the circulation list who may not have paid up or are 'resting'). If you then accept that you'll only ever get a 30% return at best, at least drivers are consulted. You make your decisions accordingly.

Having said that Dale, you can trim and blacken your moustache and ignore the poll results anyway... It has been done before, even without a moustache.

Parnelli, please add your comments if you have more to add.

[Grant Ellwood]

Dale,
The numbers for this weekend for HMC are probably consistent with he fact that so few of the HMC stalwarts supported the glamour event of the year. This (Legends) meeting is always poorly supported so - go figure.....

As a non-competitor I'm probably not qualified to talk shop but as I've been such a keen follower for the duration of HMC including it's birth, here goes....
Dale, you make a HUGE commitment to HMC and you have alway been incredibly realistic in your expectations of growth etc so I appreciate how you must feel at this unviable position.
My suggestion (and it may not be practical for a number of reasons) is you set up a competitor liaison person whose role it is to talk on a regular basis to all members of the group by email, skype, phone or in person. This role isn't to directly sort issues but purely to report issues that the various guys have going on. In some cases non-involvement is for personal or financial reasons but the person envisages being back in the short to medium term. In others the issues run deeper and a disillusionment or loss of interest has set in and the liaison person needs to be trusted to listen and not judge, is to be a messenger not a troubleshooter or defender of the realm.

It's bit like a customer feedback form - if you don't ask you often don't FULLY know what is going on in someone's life, finances and thinking. If you start to connect up the thoughts and feelings of individuals who make up the group you have a better chance of moving ahead smoothly - and planning events to cater for the needs of the group. None of this implies rule changes and COD issues as such. I believe that you can't please all the people all the time - especially in motor racing.

On a positive note I was talking to Dewi Jones yesterday about Aussie TransAm and in spite of the split that happened recently their recent Lakeside round attracted 18 competitors and they are projecting 22 or 23 for next month at Queensland Raceway. And the extra good news is their recent ATA meeting their was talk of sending 12 cars over! Now I'm sure that will dwindle in 10 months time but it looks like a rejuvenated TransAm class may result in maybe 8 cars coming over - time for the Kiwis to get their s#%* together I would say! Remember it was only 7 months ago that 8 Kiwi HMC cars went over and plundered their Lakeside event and all 8 of them finished the final race with only 8 Aussie cars still running. And Dale Mathers taking away the trophy for most successful and consistent driver!

I admit I'm worried a little but this is the time to get the email, skype, phone and boot leather going rounding up everyone with a compliant HMC car and finding out what they are doing, what they would like to see happen and very importantly - what meeting(s) are you going to support? The liaison role probably is better not being a competitor as petty jealousies and gripes often lurk under the surface preventing "full and frank disclosure".

Regards, "the Mini" I say it's just too bad. Angus is a really good guy and a very quick driver but as some feel in historics is prone to the "red mist" and overdriving. Howard's point about the braking zone is very good and because of this and the above comment I think illustrates why, sadly, this great and very historic Mini is an uncomfortable fit for the class in the hands of a top driver.

I hope some of this may be helpful.

Murray

Guess that's why you need to sort out which classes can race or just be processional. I would offer that Angus is at obviously at the level where he would expect the guys he is about to pass would be using their mirrors and not make any noddy moves. If it was me in front, I would probably be the noddy so maybe you should fix the classes at over 60 ( noddys like me), under 40 (good reactions,not like me) and the in-betweens (40-60) stay at the pub and watch F1 replays on the big screen until they are old enough to do processional racing.
But the bugger is, it's the last class that usually can afford the F5000s, CanAms, old F1s etc. Kenny Smith not included in any of the above descriptions of course, he is in a class of his own.

[928]

Oh how true Grant. sums up racing (I use the word losely)in this country perfectly

[Parnelli]

Good suggestion. We poll ALL drivers on any relevant issues (including those still on the circulation list who may not have paid up or are 'resting'). If you then accept that you'll only ever get a 30% return at best, at least drivers are consulted. You make your decisions accordingly.

Having said that Dale, you can trim and blacken your moustache and ignore the poll results anyway... It has been done before, even without a moustache.

Parnelli, please add your comments if you have more to add.

O.K.Ray, seeing as you have opened the door – here does ! Better be sitting down cause this is going to take a while ………………………….

On second thoughts, I will hold off until HMC has an alternative discussion option to T.R.S. Similar discussion on the ERC thread suggests that not all participants can handle the honesty of open dialog on this forum. Unless that situation changes, I believe something along the lines of yours or Murray’s suggestions have the best chance of success. .

[Kiwiboss]

Only had time for these pit pictures. good Nite. Dale M

[Kiwiboss]

WOW, What a fantastic weekend of classic racing, what was looking like a down event for HMC ended up been absolutely superb, Roger Williams newly imported American Airlines ex Joe Chamberlain look alike Camaro ran and looked amazing winning the first up race on Saturday from grid 5 his first time in the car, now here’s a guy that’s just imported this 69 Camaro all the way from the USA, only been in the country 2 weeks, he’s painted the car completely in AA colours in just this short time, fitted all the glass, bumpers and lights to make it HMC legal, ABSOLUTLY OUTSTANDING and shows commitment to our group, these are the guys we want and shows what can be done if you put your mine to it, Roger’s defiantly not a “Should av-Could av-Would av” guy and then on Ray’s(ERC) advice we done 2 handicap races today and they worked out spectacular with a grid of around 18 cars including U3L saloons and not one crash with everyone enjoying themselves and very close racing. The public interest(what was there) was amazing with me explaining the class to some, 2 more persons are a definite go for HMC Camaros out of the USA and another ex USA A-Sedan Mustang has just been purchased all looking to come to the group. Not only that we had a group of guys(and wives) travel down from Wangarei just to watch HMC/U3L and their comments were very positive, I asked them why they weren’t at Beach hop, hell no they said this is better(pity more public didn’t think that)!! spoke with the Sinclair’s and there Hemi Cuda is off to the painters next week and will be with us next season, I really came away with positive vibes so I think for HMC its onwards and upwards, very friggen HAPPY.

Only managed these pit pictures, more to come.

Dale M

[Spgeti]

Good on you Dale, great to hear your firing on all cylinders. Love the 69 Camaro and those daisys look great. cheers

[Paul Wilkinson]

The dice between the Camaro and Mustang was a real highlight. It makes a huge difference not knowing which car will be coming 'round the corner in the lead. The dices between the some of the U3L cars and the slower HMCs were great too. Having cars with different speed/handling characteristcs but similar lap times made for some great racing, or at least great viewing. This combination will drag this punter back for sure! Please, even if you get a full HMC grid, combine these classes on a regular basis.

[ERC]

Well done Dale! Great racing and congratulations on having the courage and to your guys for giving a full handicap a real go, rather than a reverse grid.

It really doesn't matter whether the handicapping is brilliant or average as there are too many factors to muck it up anyway, and as Paul says, above, not knowing which car is coming around the corner first, with dices all down the field, adds a degree of interest to the spectators.

When you come away from a meeting jumping up and down, with your cowboy hat on, yelling out "Yeeha!!!!" it's better than actually winning a race that you knew you should have won anyway!

Brilliant weekend with smiles everywhere. Onwards and upwards Dale.

[Murray Maunder]

Wow - that Joe Chamberlain Camaro looks the business and apparently gets the job done, like it's owner! Great to see pix and only wished could have been there. Paul's comment about cars with different speed/handling is spot on and what is missing from all modern categories, HMC is made more of a spectacle by U3L not merely for the extra numbers but that "David and Goliath" aspect that the crowd love.

Roll on January 2015 for the return of Aussie TransAm and all the new HMC cars in the pipeline. Well done to Dale and your faithful supporters to keep with the program and not be diverted by the naysayers and those who want to dilute your original vision for HMC. :)

[Hillbilly]

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[Steve Holmes]

Wow, isn't that new Roger Williams Camaro a cool addition to HMC! For those who aren't aware, Roger has painted this car up to replicate the colour scheme worn on the second Trans-Am Camaro that American racer Joe Chamberlain raced in New Zealand in late 1972/early 1973. Very cool colour scheme.

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[kiwi285]

I have just had a read through all the recent comments on this thread and see what has happened this last weekend. I like the idea of a liaison person as, with no class meetings on a regular basis, id is difficult to guage what people are really thinking. Even in a meeting some people will not really open up and say what they really think or would like to see happen.

I like handicap races as has been said recently, you don't know who is going to appear first round the next corner or the progress through the field of the cars off scratch. Keep the U3L cars there - that's the way it was in period with the smaller capacity cars being in the majority back then and the punters always loving the possibility of them rolling the V8's. Even if some of the faster drivers fox a little to stir the field up then the punters love it.

Rogers new Camaro looks fantastic and with a few more of these cars due on track hopefully later this year it augurs well for the class. I strongly believe that the interest is there and soon we will get past the critical numbers and more will want to join up and actually race.

Good to hear that you feel re-juvenated Dale and looking forward to the start of the new season which is less than 6 months away now.

[fullnoise68]

One of the good things to come out of the weekend is Rogers commitment to HMC with his new Camaro. By the time the Icebreaker meeting comes around in September the battle between the #2 and #3 Camaros is in itself going to be great to watch. No pressure Kev.......!!

[Steve Holmes]

Another car making its way to HMC. This is Paul Stacey's 1970 Mercury Cougar XR7. Paul is the brother of Craig Stacey, who races the AMC Javelin. Paul is a neat guy, a genuine car enthusiast, and the exact kind of person HMC was created for.

This will be a neat build, as Paul is actually building up the Cougar as a tribute Nascar Grand Touring racer. Although Mercury Cougars were hugely successful in the SCCA Trans-Am championship in 1967, run by Bud Moore, Ford decided it didn't want Mercury competing against the Mustang on the track, so Bud Moore, with support from Ford, convinced Nascar to create a Trans-Am style series, but run mostly on oval tracks. So Bud Moore switched across to Nascar GT, took his Cougars with him, and when the new 1969/70 shape Cougars came out, there were factory teams for these in Nascar GT. The 1969/70 Cougar never raced in the Trans-Am, but it was really well represented in Nascar GT, and I think it even won the championship.

Check out more on Nascar GT from a Roaring Season article I wrote here: http://www.theroaringseason.com/showthread.php?41-Nascar-Grand-Touring&p=48#post48

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[Steve Holmes]

Paul's is actually a factory 351/top loader/9" diff car. So a top spec car from the factory.

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[kiwi285]

Jes Paul that is good to see - really looking forward to seeing this car hit the track in the near future.

[John McKechnie]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5FHPS1soHQ

Camera is in an unusual position, but just happens to capture one of the minor irritations that can happen while racing..
5 minute to repair and back out for the next 3 races.

[rogered]

Oh Dear:(

[Kiwiboss]

The reason for a master kill switch i guess!! great bit of footage John, boy the engine sounds awesome and i can tell you're having fun!!

For those not there on the weekend John wheeled the Falcon Coupe around with a best 1:16.6 lap and that's very impressive, come along way in less than 2 years John.

Dale M

[Malcolm McLeod]

Looked like your car John just couldn't suck up any more smoke from that other car you were battling with!!!!!
Very quick work stopping and hitting the kill switch.

Oh Dear:(

[GD66]

How come no gloves, John ?

[John McKechnie]

There is a proverb- when you come to race the gloves are off...........

[928]

followed by the fingers when heated

[ERC]

One of the reasons I am not racing at the moment is not only the lack of use of the left hand but the extreme difficulty of donning the gloves! I wouldn't race without them. Would you be able to carry out your trade with damaged hands John?

[John McKechnie]

Ray- I have checked the rule book, gloves are recommended, but not compulsory.
If I choose to race I do so accepting all the consequences.
Your comment about the damaged hand is therefore not relevent in comparison with injuries that can be sustained while undertaking this dangerous activity- remember, I was paralyzed from my waist down in my 30s and enjoy the second chance at normal life.
And during my working day I do hoodlinings that you say you damaged your back doing.
Ask JacMac his views on this.

[ERC]

It is indeed personal choice John. No criticism implied, but like Stirling Moss, I fear the damage caused by fire more than any injury.

[Kiwiboss]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5FHPS1soHQ

Camera is in an unusual position, but just happens to capture one of the minor irritations that can happen while racing..
5 minute to repair and back out for the next 3 races.

So what caused all the smoke John? did you spin out backwards with your "Jandal" still up it, LOL

Dale M

[John McKechnie]

Dale- it was one of the most minor things.
The oil pressure light is attached to the roll cage, and the 2 wires run down it under the dash.
With all the movement of the dash while racing- you can see it in the video, -the dash rubbed the wires causing them to touch and smoke.
Removed 24 inches of buggered wire, and replaced it,and went out again.
Never panicked as it was obviously a dash prob. not under bonnet.Went off when I turned off the key, turned off kill switch for safety.
How often would the car camera catch something like this?
The team asked me if the smoked mullet for lunch was done.

[GD66]

Wasn't winding you up John, just am surprised to learn gloves aren't compulsory. The old girl sounds great !

[John McKechnie]

GD66-Nah, youre good mate. But we must value what freedoms we still have.
Glad that your ears are still 100%

[Bryan]

The reason for a master kill switch i guess!! great bit of footage John, boy the engine sounds awesome and i can tell you're having fun!!

For those not there on the weekend John wheeled the Falcon Coupe around with a best 1:16.6 lap and that's very impressive, come along way in less than 2 years John.

Dale M

Love Falcon Coupes, my favourite muscle car.:D

Pity I can't afford one.:(

[John McKechnie]

Bryan-One and a half coupes sold for $8800 last weekend, One at the moment on trademe is about $10k.
You only need to buy one once, only the roughies are out there, come and see me if you want to know how to do one.
Mine cost $375 on trademe 7 years ago, and it was the worst at the time.

[Rod Grimwood]

Yep your choice cobber, but believe me, when it gets hot at the time, you are very glad you have them on. Never used to bother with them or head gear, but after witnessing the Capri at Manfield I changed my mind and thank god I did as I and car would have been not good at Puke years later and without gloves could not have removed wiring etc and got fire out. still a mess but I was ok and car repairable.

[fullnoise68]

Yep your choice cobber, but believe me, when it gets hot at the time, you are very glad you have them on. Never used to bother with them or head gear, but after witnessing the Capri at Manfield I changed my mind and thank god I did as I and car would have been not good at Puke years later and without gloves could not have removed wiring etc and got fire out. still a mess but I was ok and car repairable.

I was going to mention Bill Leckies fire in the Capri at Manfield, Rod. Apart from his other injuries, the curved shape of his sunglasses actually saved his eyesight - and they had to be removed surgically....... food for thought John.

[Bryan]

Bryan-One and a half coupes sold for $8800 last weekend, One at the moment on trademe is about $10k.
You only need to buy one once, only the roughies are out there, come and see me if you want to know how to do one.
Mine cost $375 on trademe 7 years ago, and it was the worst at the time.

John, thanks for the offer, I'll make sure I do come and see you the next time I manage to get to a meeting.:D

My dad's only new car was a Falcon wagon in 1973, 200 3-speed in Cosmic metallic blue with slot mags - very cool with my 12-year-old mates.:cool: Sadly, he passed away a couple of years later, so they have a certain emotional appeal.

In the meantime, I have a cheaper restoration project to practice on - a different coupe that also came out of Australia in 1972, the somewhat less sexy Morris Marina TC Coupe:p (but rarer than a rare thing these days).

[John McKechnie]

I remember Judy Hanbury/Mary Carney doing rallies and hillclimbs in Marina TC- a gutsy car
Shame they never did the V6

[Steve Holmes]

Another photo of Paul Stacey's awesome Mercury Cougar. You can see now its really taking shape, and looking more and more like a Nascar Grand Touring car with its steel wheels. By the way, the exhaust will be trimmed down!

24737

[Jac Mac]

Another photo of Paul Stacey's awesome Mercury Cougar. You can see now its really taking shape, and looking more and more like a Nascar Grand Touring car with its steel wheels. By the way, the exhaust will be trimmed down!

24737
Wonder if Pamela supplied the two 'Woody's' holding the front end up!

[Steve Holmes]

Not your best work Jac! Ha ha ha

[John McKechnie]

Looks like another cool blue car to hit the track- sure Dale has thought of the award for this colour already.
Great job, and it also has a Cleveland to please the ears.

[Kiwiboss]

http://my105.com/ListingDetails/tabid/65/p/1/k/Boss/id/12824/Default.aspx

Heres a good deal for someone!! Dale M

[Rod Grimwood]

Jesus you can be a bugger at times Dale, more sleep lost, more Lotto tickets, and another divorce settlement.

Just see the sign outside your office 'Dale Mathers Marriage Guideance Councillor'

[John McKechnie]

Rod- It is not surprising that you have been swept off your feet by the instant attractiveness of this model.
However if you step back, you will see that yours and this are the same age.
While this may look flashy it is mainly cosmetic, and these models like these tend to be overweight, hence the curves, especially the width of its backside. Just look at the size of the shoes needed for it to negotiate the road.
Yours on the other hand, is already light weight, very nifty having had consistant modifications during its life. No liposuction is needed for weight reduction, so its tiny little feet will waltz around the heifers .
Some minor botox and skin toner to get the body attractive so its easy on the purse.
And most important- dont get swept off your feet with a sexy recent import, I know of a couple of older gents who while initially gratified, have found these girls are high maintainance
In short-get your Escort down to Tony Rs place asap, that way you are committed to one course of action and not be distracted by things like this-
"John McKechnie Marriage Guideance Councillor"

[Rod Grimwood]

It has moved John, not far but has moved.

[Steve Holmes]

Rod- It is not surprising that you have been swept off your feet by the instant attractiveness of this model.
However if you step back, you will see that yours and this are the same age.
While this may look flashy it is mainly cosmetic, and these models like these tend to be overweight, hence the curves, especially the width of its backside. Just look at the size of the shoes needed for it to negotiate the road.
Yours on the other hand, is already light weight, very nifty having had consistant modifications during its life. No liposuction is needed for weight reduction, so its tiny little feet will waltz around the heifers .
Some minor botox and skin toner to get the body attractive so its easy on the purse.
And most important- dont get swept off your feet with a sexy recent import, I know of a couple of older gents who while initially gratified, have found these girls are high maintainance
In short-get your Escort down to Tony Rs place asap, that way you are committed to one course of action and not be distracted by things like this-
"John McKechnie Marriage Guideance Councillor"

I'm confused John, are you still talking about cars?

[Rod Grimwood]

I'm confused John, are you still talking about cars?


Your confused ?

[John McKechnie]

Oh, dear, looks like my venture into marriage guidence has ground to a halt....back to my daytime job

[Kiwiboss]

HMC gets a feature in the current online Motorsport news!! Dale M

http://news.motorsport.org.nz/historic-muscle-cars-the-real-deal/?utm_source=MotorSport+News+%28Sept+2012%29&utm_campaign=b71eaef11d-MotorSport_News_March_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_72094261da-b71eaef11d-406387993

[Murray Maunder]

According to our young correspondent from Queensland, the Aussie TransAm guys have 17 confirmed starters for the Musclecar Masters at Eastern Creek in September. Clearly there are signs that there is a growing strength in their ranks with a number of new builds well under way. And they are still aiming for 12 cars to come over in January for our big meeting(s) at Hampton Downs. Let's hope there is strength in both numbers and quality in NZ's HMC class to take them on in a classy field of real authentic musclecars. The signs are that HMC should have a few more cars at the pointy end of the field compared to last time even if overall numbers may not have increased.

[Kiwiboss]

According to our young correspondent from Queensland, the Aussie TransAm guys have 17 confirmed starters for the Musclecar Masters at Eastern Creek in September. Clearly there are signs that there is a growing strength in their ranks with a number of new builds well under way. And they are still aiming for 12 cars to come over in January for our big meeting(s) at Hampton Downs. Let's hope there is strength in both numbers and quality in NZ's HMC class to take them on in a classy field of real authentic musclecars. The signs are that HMC should have a few more cars at the pointy end of the field compared to last time even if overall numbers may not have increased.

Yes, correct Murray I have made a list and we should have 20 confirmed HMC racers alone and that's only counting the serious persons and not all the gunnas!! i've given up on them!! still, as I've found in the past life gets in the way so even some of these 20 may drop off but most all are aiming for the Festival, if we just get 15 along with 10 Aussies that would still make for a hell-off-a event.

Lots of behind the scene work going on already!

Dale M

[ERC]

Good news Dale. That means that we get a decent grid of Muscle Cars. Maybe two grids of F5000s, and a large ERC grid (weekend 2 only) plus the other grids.

This might well turn out to be one of the best Festivals on track, so far!

[Kiwiboss]

Good news Dale. That means that we get a decent grid of Muscle Cars. Maybe two grids of F5000s, and a large ERC grid (weekend 2 only) plus the other grids.

This might well turn out to be one of the best Festivals on track, so far!

Quite possibly Ray, I got my fingers crossed for sure as there seems to be considerable interest for next Jan's festival in all class's across the board!! With the Aussie's Trans Am cars we will stand alone but don't want to get too cocky as i've been let down before, but i'll be keeping the hammer down that's for sure!!

Dale M

[Kiwiboss]

Ray has kindly invited all HMC persons to his ERC awards dinner which is on Saturday evening May 10th, please read below for details: Dale M

Date: May 10th

For HMC & F5000 drivers, cost will be $51. Great buffet – as long as Tony hasn’t scoffed most of it... Partners welcomed as we try to make sure it isn’t too ‘car’ based!

Payment: Strictly in advance to the Series bank account (see signature file below).

Bookings and payment must be before May 6th . I’d appreciate an email confirmation from attendees as to whether they are HMC or F5000 so that the table plan (tables of 8) can be organised.

Venue: CT Club Remuera

Time: Doors open 6:30pm seated 7:15pm Pay bar.

Dress: The theme is “Marque” or “Make” or maybe we’ll extend it to “Country”...

Although it’s the ERC Awards evening, it is very informal and hopefully a few laughs – usually at someone’s expense of course...

One of the important parts of the evening is the raffle or tombola /auction in aid of Child Cancer so donations of raffle prizes are welcomed.

Could be a very good night for you guys! It always is for us. There is a convenient Hotel just three minutes walk away on Green Lane.

[Kiwiboss]

Latest HMC E-mailout. Dale

Greetings HMC Fans, Guys and Gals Sorry for the delay in getting this mail-out done. Busy, Busy, Busy.

They say that “Rome wasn’t built in a Day” and you could also say that “All roads lead to Rome” and this typically describes HMC at the moment. We have all these cars coming but are very slow in showing up. We have vehicles been built, others undergoing major work, upgrades, and several looking to buy their dream historic racer. This all takes time and then there’s the “Fence sitters” and my god there’s enough of them to field their own group but will we see any? Certainly hope so. I know most are in self-employed business’s and it’s still a battle out there even though we know the economy is looking favourable so new builds have understandably been slow and on the back burner, generally second priority but do keep at it. Some parked up their cars missing the legends meeting for just this very reason but with a good 6 month break until September’s Ice Breaker I am sure we’ll see a couple surface and they need too. This is a good shake down event for the coming summer season, and once the Festival rolls around there will be no time to sort your car, as with those "Hot Shoe" Aussie's over you need it to be turn-key ready for both weekends.

As mentioned in past Mailouts I’ve been experimenting with the Avon 15” CR6ZZ historic radial DOT tyre on my Mustang and have found them extremely good. They are made in England and are a proper historic spec tyre for GT40’s, Shelby Mustangs, E-Type Jags, Camaros and most other larger saloons. Its what they must race on in Europe and England at events like Goodwood. For my Mustang I found them a great medium wet to dry racing tyre and when starting out in a wet race where the track slowly dry’s they work fantastic. They don’t go off like many wet tyre do, so with that in mind this will be our spec wet weather tyre for HMC and this also retains our 15" period wheel size.

So far Gimblett, MacDonald and myself have purchased them, so you should go for it. Lucky we have a Avon dealer here in Hamilton and they can be contacted at http://www.dold.co.nz/news/avon-ventura.aspx they handle Avon motorbike race tyres but will import the correct saloon CR6ZZ tyres for HMC, so give them a call. If you need some ideas of sizing please contact me.

For myself I also missed having the PDL Mustang at the Legends meeting for this very reason, and it also required damage repairs from the Festival Marque incident last January, so while it was apart I decided to do some upgrades. This will be ready for next season, so there you go guys NOW is the time to get that work done and get that HMC racer ready.

The Legends of Speed, March 2015. As mentioned above we had turn-key HMC vehicles ready to race but for this event their owners were a no show for the various reasons. However this was not good enough because if you want events we need you to turn up. The Legends is one of the premier classic meetings on the calendar and a perfect time of the year, great weather, still warm but not baking hot and daylight savings is still in. So make sure you mark your calendar for next year because we only had 8 HMC vehicles entered along with 15 under 3 litre historic saloons and Sports/GT’s. The racing was fantastic and socially it was a great weekend. On Ray Green’s advice we decide to do two roll up handicap races and this certainly worked a treat, giving everyone a reasonably even chance. The spectacle of this meeting was having Roger Williams newly imported American A-Sedan Camaro with us. What a fantastic effort by Roger and his team, only 2 weeks landed in NZ and he had the car repainted completely in American Airlines colors representing the ex-Joe Chamberlain Camaro as raced in back in 1972/3. Doesn’t it look the part.

Not only that, he refitted the headlights, door glass, bumpers, etc to make sure it was HMC compliant. This is what historic saloon car racing is about so a great effort Roger. But even at this event we didn't lose sight of historic racing values, we want the cars correct and it’s also about remembering the past era of NZ saloon car racing. So, because these old cars have made all the history they’re ever going to make, it makes winning that one extra race not so important and certainly isn’t going to add any value to your old racer! It’s about taking it out and enjoying it and THAT friends and racers is what HMC is about, and what we saw in Rogers effort at the legends.

U3L Historic Saloon Cars: The feedback from the Under 3 litre Saloons has been immense. Many have shown a keen interest to be incorporated in with HMC at the historic race meetings and as many have run with us are already up to MSNZ T&C specs. As they want to race in a more appropriate historic field, we have decide to allow this. It also makes good sense as this was the way New Zealand saloon car racing was run, back in the day. The U3L group still have the option to race in other groups at the same meetings should they so desire. So from this year’s September Ice Breaker meeting we will welcome all U3L pre 78 Historic saloons and GT’s that meet T&C or Schedule K regulations and have a current COD. For further information contact myself or Arther Vowles at janandarthur@gmail.com , more to come on this.

Certificate of Descriptions(COD's) for HMC cars are now mandatory. The only exceptions would be if you have filed you application and it’s not returned in time for the event. We will consider this acceptable but expect you to have it finalised for the next meeting. Raymond "Crunch" Bennett, our H&C Commission chairman, along with the rest of the H&C Commission committee have a made a big effort in working with HMC in ensuring applications once submitted, will usually be returned promptly. All HMC COD’s will be stamped by an official MSNZ stamp so check that yours is done. As mentioned in the past compliance will be a 2 step exercise for HMC Firstly they need the COD and then secondly they need an audit by a HMC Approved auditor.

By the Howden Ganley Festival, January 2015(8 months away) ALL HMC vehicles will need both these reviews. A COD is not hard and I am happy to help and Tony also has a very good handle on the COD system. Remember, a COD is your vehicles "Technical Passport" to historic car racing so it’s important to have it have regardless of the HMC Audit process. Our Tech auditors David Graham and Keith Hardgraves will handle the HMC Audit, and by the way David Graham is now a full fledged MSNZ COD auditor now, so well done David.

If you do not have a COD please go ahead and start your COD application now http://www.motorsport.org.nz/sites/default/files/motorsport/manual/35%20App%206.03%20COD.pdf If your vehicle has a COD and you would like a audit pre-event then please contact myself or Tony and we will organise our tech auditors to get in touch. This will make things a lot easier at the race event if your vehicle is pre-audited.

Desirae Cameron, owner of HMC 65 Mustang 389 from Stratford has kindly offered her services to run our Historic Muscle Car Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/historicmusclecars so if you want to add any info please send it to her direct at desiraecameron@xtra.co.nz or maybe just post it yourself, this Facebook stuff is kind of new to me but I guess it’s another way to help promote HMC and old saloon car racing

Other News: We will very soon incorporate HMC as a society. The club will register with MSNZ and annual membership fee’s will apply. The sanctioning of the class with MSNZ to formalise the rules is currently under way. These two actions will help the class with such things as MSNZ recognised auditors, formal published class rules, facebook, magazine articles and promotional events outside the racing.

This is all but done bar the final paper shuffle and has taken a lot of work between myself, Mike(Coory) Steve, Tony, Crunch, and the other H&C commission members so though Mailouts have been tardy, behind the scenes plenty is happening. Health House has kindly agreed to come back as the HMC supporter for the 2015 Howard Ganley Festival. More info on this in future newsletters. Please remember that for all of us this is voluntary, if you haven’t heard anything for a while do feel free to call for a chat.

Australian Trans Am: Its still early yet but now I can confirm that at least 10 Australian Trans Am cars will make the trip to Hampton Downs in January 2015 for the Howden Ganley Festival. This is part of our bi-annual arrangement between HMC and ATA. In working together both ATA and HMC will look after each of their own perspective groups for vehicle compliance, with the goal that on track performance is kept evenly matched. Last time we came together only a fraction of a second separated the front 8 cars so this makes for very close racing. For those that don’t know, the 3 events we’ve done with ATA has been a hoot and even if you only do it once in your life it’s a must.

For the first time this year ATA will be racing at the Muscle Car Masters, Eastern Creek, Sydney, the event date is September 6/7th. So if you want to get away from the winter blues here’s a good change to visit this great event, support ATA and make yourself known! But, please make sure you’re back by the following week for the Ice Breaker at Hampton.

[Kiwiboss]

Australia 2015, Next year will see the return of HMC Queensland in June/July 15 for our bi-annual support trip to race with Australian Trans Am at QR and Lakeside. I know it is over a year away and a lot can happen in that time. But all I am asking for is for a show of hands of those interested, so please E-mail me direct. Currently this is the list below with those I’ve spoken too, who have expressed an interest:

1 - Roger Williams, 69 Camaro
2 - Tony Roberts, 70 PDL Mustang
3 - Andrew/Keith Sinclair, 70 Cuda
4 - Murray Brown, 70 Camaro
5 - Colin Dawson, 68 Camaro
6 - Roger Cunningham, 65 Mustang
7 - Steve Elliott, 68 Camaro
8 - Dale Mathers, 69 Mustang
9 - Craig Stacey(pretty sure Craig will be in?)

Now, if you are keen and not on the list don't panic, I probably haven't had a chance to catch up, have a chat and mention it. But go ahead and send me an E-mail if you're keen, believe me last year was fantastic.

Saloons Cars Post 12/77. A few have asked why no Commodore's, XD and up Falcons and other later saloons in HMC. “Don't you like Commodores!” one person asked. “Good question I said but no they aren't a Muscle or Saloon car in racing trim(blank look on their faces) they are "Touring Cars".

Group A & C touring cars came under a different set of rules in the day and were allowed different technology such as slick tyres, fuel injection, independent rear suspension. This is a major technological change for instance compared to pre Dec/77 Group 2 & 5 Saloons which HMC races under. There is a change over date between these category's by about 3 years which started in late 1974 and this makes some Torana Hatchbacks and Falcon Cobra coupes considered Touring Cars, but the FIA ruled that December 1977 was the "change in technology" time-frame date as did MSNZ, Historic and Classic Commission.

So this is the date we will use and is how its done overseas. If you are building a Commodore, XD+ Falcon or any other later Saloon car, to the Touring car regulations and want to race it at historic and/or classic events please contact Gerry Hodges(NI) gbhodges@xtra.co.nz and Rick Mikels(SI) rick@evoms.co.nz as they run their two historic touring car groups in NZ at various events such as the Festival of Motor Racing, Hampton Downs and the Southern Speed-fest, Teretonga. This is an awesome class when both groups come together, Commodores, Falcons, Sierras, XJ Jags, BMW's, Ford Telstars, a worthy class to be involved in and great to watch.

Maximum RPM Rule: Recently we have implemented a RPM limit rule to stop those from building mega dollar high revving engines. For engines over 350CI its 7000RPM max 302CI to 350CI is 7500 RPM max under 302CI its free. We will at our discretion rev limit engines within 10 percent of those sizes and if someone builds a 347 (just under 350CI) we may limit him to 7000RPM regardless if their is a proven advantage. We haven’t worked out the finer details of this but as most use a MSD ignition box we will supply our own HMC rev chips and fit them at the track. Once again this is for the benefit of historic racing and close exciting racing, so sorry NO complaints allowed.

Below are out race dates for 2014/15:
1 – Ice Breaker, September 13-14th 2014 at Hampton Downs
2 – Yet to be Named(Maybe a TACCOC, Pukekohe Event)
3 – Ferrari Festival, January 16-18th 2015 at Hampton Downs
4 – Ferrari Festival, January 23-25th 2015 at Hampton Downs
5 – Legends of Speed, March 28-29th 2015 at Hampton Downs
6 - Days of Thunder, Queensland Raceway, Australia, June 2015
7 - The Lakeside Classic, Lakeside Raceway, Australia, July 2015

Some may wish the race at the MG Classic, November 8/9th, which is a great event to support. I have been in touch with Ron Roberson over their wheel/tyre ruling so hoping to hear back with an answer before this event rolls around.

Also, go to our HMC website http://www.historicmusclecars.co.nz/pages/about/about..html as I’ve now added a “Do’s and Don’ts” page to list some rulings and this will help most understand a rule definition.

Philosophy. Historic and Classic motorsport is that branch of the sport where vehicles from a past era are used in friendly rivalry to allow them to be exercised in a manner that the manufactures intended. It is not a branch of the sport where series and trophies for winning races are held in higher regard than the sheer enjoyment of being involved..

Steve Holmes continues with his monthly articles and ramblings in Classic Car Magazine, currently there is a great article on the March Legends meeting showing Roger Williams new 69 "Chamberlain Replica" Camaro and next issue will have an article on one of our own HMC racing legends.. Articles like this help lift the profile of Historic Saloon car racing in New Zealand, it certainly attracts the type of person we want to see in HMC.

In today’s high tech world it is a must to keep up with the play on the http://www.theroaringseason.com/forumdisplay.php?2-General-Discussion with some fantastic information and discussion. Historic Muscle Car Tee Shirts are available for $20 each plus postage, E-mail me for size’s and colour.

[fullnoise68]

Latest NZCC HMC article is amusing..... it`s about a retired pensioner living the dream!

[Steve Holmes]

How about this then! Its getting closer, and looks stunning.

25128

[DewiAusTransAm]

Found this circling around on Facebook, thought it would be great to share here in regards to Lakeside 2013... ATA doing here in Aus (haven't posted much at all for a long time on here, been pretty busy), I think a couple of you may be coming over to watch us at MCM in Sydney and we are all looking forward to coming over in January for the Howard Ganley F5000 festival!
25136

[Steve Holmes]

Thanks Dewi. Interesting map of Lakeside. The Loop actually doubles back in that picture.

[Kiwiboss]

The Speedshow is in 2 weeks, July 19/20th at the Greenlane Expo Centre, Auckland. These two HMC cars will be at the HRC stand, over the weekend myself and Steve Elliott will be there for general discussion and chatting, we'll have Dennis Marwood along to sign give-away poster and hopefully Paul Fahey.

See you all there. Dale M

[Kiwiboss]

HISTORIC MUSCLE CARS at the Speedshow this weekend.

For those that will be at the Speedshow this weekend I have Paul Fahey, Dennis Marwood along for Saturday only, have plenty of give away posters that they'll sign so make sure you're in!! HMC is in building 2, spaces 52 and 52A on the HRC stand which is a premium spot.

Steve has also organised a draw to win a large poster so make sure you put your name in.

It'll be a hoot, see you all there

Dale M

[Kiwiboss]

Heres some pics from the Speedshow today thanks to HMC photographer Phil Noble, having Paul Fahey and Dennis Marwood along was a treat!! our stand was very cool thanks to the hard work of Camaro racer Steve Elliott, part of the Hampton and HRC display, huge amount of interest and meet quite a few new faces and people that are building cars for HMC. Make sure get along tomorrow if youre in the Auckland area.

Dale M

[Limezed]

Without a doubt, to two coolest cars at the show. Good work guys, and a treat to talk to the legends at are Mr Fahey and Mr Marwood.

[fullnoise68]

Speedshow Wigram Poster Quiz: We had 212 entries and 57 were correct: The Wigram Poster winner is Alan Power, who also wins a hot lap prize in the PDL tribute Mustang, as does Philip Cheer, and the two hot lap winners in my #41 Camaro are Denise Mossman and Peter Sowerby. Thanks to everyone for taking part, and to Terry Marshall for allowing us to use one of his Wigram photos.

[Rod Grimwood]

Denise should peddle your Camaro very well.

[fullnoise68]

Denise should peddle your Camaro very well.

Very funny Rod, is Denise Ralphs wife?

[Rod Grimwood]

Yep, and he has his (old) car ready for a run as well, so he can pace her.

[Kiwiboss]

Heres a couple more from the weekend, pics courtesy of HMC photographer Phil Noble

Dale M

[Steve Emson]

Two old buggers! I know they can tell a few stories. I had the pleasure of many great battles with Dennis, however never raced my god father, Paul.
Both of them, very hard chargers!

[Steve Holmes]

Those Speedshow pics are awesome! Great work you guys.

[Kiwiboss]

Heres a quiz for you guys, I just refitted this rear spoiler onto this vehicle that never came with one factory, which vehicle was it and why? and why is this car allowed to race with this spoiler in HMC but no other car can that is the same make and model :)

Dale M

[rogered]

well its 35, (mustang royalty) and ran with it in the day (possibly)

[GD66]

Yes it did.25533

[John McKechnie]

Red Dawson fitted it for the 69-70 season, so it can run.
If Dexter Dunlop ran one on his same model Mustang,then that car also can.
My Monaro ran a non genuine spoiler then , so I am allowed to also run it.
No other Monaro can for that same reason.

[fullnoise68]

What`s it made of Dale, is it alloy?

[Kiwiboss]

Made it too easy for you guys but yes it is number 35 and for sure its defiantly mustang royalty! Any "original" big bore saloon with NZ race history can race in HMC with its period modifications(even if not factory correct) but must be from the FIA group 2/5 era(1967 to 73/4) and not the sports sedan era(1974 onwards) its what we call a historic Schedule K saloon, and correct John only THE original car can be like this.

Im refitting the front and rear spoilers as per the Dawson days, amazingly the original holes where showing on the underside of the boot lid, just drilled them out!! All 69/73 Mustang rear spoilers were fiberglass with a genital curve to fit the shape for the 69/70 Mustang fastback bootlid, XW/Y Falcons were constructed of aluminum and were dead flat. 71/3 Mustangs the rear spoiler was the same except the mounting pedestals were out wider and the legs shorter, these spoilers were only fitted to fastbacks, nothing else.

Thats a good looking car GD66

Dale M

[John McKechnie]

I have a pic of it racing with my Monaro in 1970 , it shows the rear view- there was no opening for the petrol filler in the boot lid under the spoiler like now.

[Kiwiboss]

I have a pic of it racing with my Monaro in 1970 , it shows the rear view- there was no opening for the petrol filler in the boot lid

Because this is a factory Shelby Trans Am car(number 26 or 27 ever made) it would have come with it John and a 33 gallon gas tank(stock is 16, they welded two bottom half's together) for long distance USA races which was its first event at Riverside before been shipped to NZ(a 3 hour race i believe, Nigel has the plaque)! i'd say(but i'd have to check) but i'd bet the stock gas tank and filler was fitted for NZ saloon events prior to coming in. Somewhere along the way(it may have been when John Chapman owned it) it was repaint in its original off white colour(how it first raced in NZ) and this tank and filler system refitted to correct specs.

Post that picture up John

Dale M

[John McKechnie]

Dexter Dunlop bought in a genuine one also and its filler was between the rear window and boot lid, so was there variation in this location?
Update- when it entered NZ Dexter ran it in boot lid- different filler system, I took a b/w pic at Puke and will post it.
When I ran against it in early 90s the filler had been shifted .

[rogered]

Made it too easy for you guys but yes it is number 35 and for sure its defiantly mustang royalty! Any "original" big bore saloon with NZ race history can race in HMC with its period modifications(even if not factory correct) but must be from the FIA group 2/5 era(1967 to 73/4) and not the sports sedan era(1974 onwards) its what we call a historic Schedule K saloon, and correct John only THE original car can be like this.

Im refitting the front and rear spoilers as per the Dawson days, amazingly the original holes where showing on the underside of the boot lid, just drilled them out!! All 69/73 Mustang rear spoilers were fiberglass with a genital curve to fit the shape for the 69/70 Mustang fastback bootlid, XW/Y Falcons were constructed of aluminum and were dead flat. 71/3 Mustangs the rear spoiler was the same except the mounting pedestals were out wider and the legs shorter, these spoilers were only fitted to fastbacks, nothing else.

Thats a good looking car GD66

Dale M


Im assuming you were meaning to say "gentle curve"

[Frosty5]

"All 69/73 Mustang rear spoilers were fiberglass with a genital curve"

Well that puts a whole new perspective on the term "muscle cars" doesn't it!!!! Try spellcheck Dale, LOL

Cheers Dave Graham

[GD66]

That's a good looking car GD66 Dale M


Dead right mate, and compared to the other runners was an absolute stunner back in the day. I built a tribute 1/32 scale slot car of it, complete with lime yellow beard spoiler, black boot spoiler, matt-black bonnet stripes and big gold door numbers, with lots of help from Murray Maunder. But to see the real one on-track was a treat , with Red straining forward against the belts as he wrestled with the roaring beast, the nose rising high under acceleration, the thing sliding wildly on too-soft suspension, and even post-race in the pits, Red mumbling and grumbling about what might have been, overall buttons open as he mowed through another pack of gum at high speed. No wonder so many of us recall those heady days with such affection, those blokes were dead-set legends in front of our eyes !

[Kiwiboss]

"All 69/73 Mustang rear spoilers were fiberglass with a genital curve"

Well that puts a whole new perspective on the term "muscle cars" doesn't it!!!! Try spellcheck Dale, LOL

Cheers Dave Graham


No No Dave, thats what i mean "Genital" curve bro, LOL, LOL

Dale M

[Steve Holmes]

Dead right mate, and compared to the other runners was an absolute stunner back in the day. I built a tribute 1/32 scale slot car of it, complete with lime yellow beard spoiler, black boot spoiler, matt-black bonnet stripes and big gold door numbers, with lots of help from Murray Maunder. But to see the real one on-track was a treat , with Red straining forward against the belts as he wrestled with the roaring beast, the nose rising high under acceleration, the thing sliding wildly on too-soft suspension, and even post-race in the pits, Red mumbling and grumbling about what might have been, overall buttons open as he mowed through another pack of gum at high speed. No wonder so many of us recall those heady days with such affection, those blokes were dead-set legends in front of our eyes !

Thats an awesome description and great recollection!

[Steve Holmes]

Because this is a factory Shelby Trans Am car(number 26 or 27 ever made) it would have come with it John and a 33 gallon gas tank(stock is 16, they welded two bottom half's together) for long distance USA races which was its first event at Riverside before been shipped to NZ(a 3 hour race i believe, Nigel has the plaque)! i'd say(but i'd have to check) but i'd bet the stock gas tank and filler was fitted for NZ saloon events prior to coming in. Somewhere along the way(it may have been when John Chapman owned it) it was repaint in its original off white colour(how it first raced in NZ) and this tank and filler system refitted to correct specs.

Post that picture up John

Dale M

I'm pretty sure the Mustang still had its big tank and bootlid filler in its first season in NZ with Frank Bryan. Group 5 cars were eligible to compete in longer distance races in 1967/68, such as the Wills 3 Hour, so the big tank would have been a useful device.

When Dawson bought the car in 1968, he switched in the small tank, although I'm not sure if he did it before or after he raced the car in the 1968 ATCC at Warwick Farm. That race took a few seconds shy of 1 hour, so you'd think he'd have kept the big tank in.

The Dexter Dunlop Shelby that arrived in NZ in late 1970 had raced in the Trans-Am since new (plus local A/Sedan races) with its previous owners Bob Egan and Bob Kennett. So it always had the big tank fitted.

[John McKechnie]

Just going through my Motorman- in Sept 1968 there is a centre fold of the start of the Dunlop half hour race, April 20.
The 3 Aussies were here in their light weight biscuit tins.
Pic #1167- shows clearly filler on boot lid of Frank Bryans car, look at rear window and see shiny cap.

[John McKechnie]

25554

[John McKechnie]

25555
Dale-Pic as you requested. My Monaro and Reds Mustang,probably mid Feb 1970. No sign of filler cap here.

[John McKechnie]

25556
I took this pic, was meeting at Puke, Dexter Dunlop number 52 ,Red in Kensington Camaro, Grable in Firebird, Fahey in Orange PDL Mustang.
Fuel filler cap is flat, almost recessed into boot lid, attached by wire to original location on taillamp panel.

[Jac Mac]

25556
I took this pic, was meeting at Puke, Dexter Dunlop number 52 ,Red in Kensington Camaro, Grable in Firebird, Fahey in Orange PDL Mustang.
Fuel filler cap is flat, almost recessed into boot lid, attached by wire to original location on taillamp panel.
Nope, that's the hood pin retainer for boot lid, fuel filler is just below the 'WG' of WGTON

[John McKechnie]

jacmac- full marks, Next time we meet I can show you this pic.
Dale say is the Shelby fillers were here on the boot lid, as seen by #1167.
So that is the filler sticking out of the tail lamp panel under WGTN?- looks pretty gay (olde English for happy) at that angle.
Will go back and find the mag that shows Kennard running it at the USA events.

[Kiwiboss]

25554

Pretty good spotting John so it looks to be the case, came in with the Shelby filler and then changed later!!

You know, quite possibly the big 32G tank got damaged and a stock mustang one replaced it somewhere in its life!! it must have been before fitting the wing as I currently can't open the filler cap with the spoiler mounted and as mentioned above I know the spoiler is in the correct original position.

Dale M

[John McKechnie]

Maybe Red fitted the spoiler, saw this situation and decided that the boot lid filler had to go.
Apart from earlier Wills 3 hour and this Dunlop half hour there were no long distance events needing this big tank and special boot lid setup.
So....how are you going to get around it?

[Kiwiboss]

Maybe Red fitted the spoiler, saw this situation and decided that the boot lid filler had to go.
Apart from earlier Wills 3 hour and this Dunlop half hour there were no long distance events needing this big tank and special boot lid setup.
So....how are you going to get around it?

He just has to open the boot lid to open the filler cap, at least you can't steal his fuel at the track now John, LOL, LOL

Dale M

[Jac Mac]

Might be a bit simpler than that. At the time if you had a car where the fuel filler was not on the body exterior you had to fit a splash apron with drainage to the outside to prevent fuel spillage possibly getting into the cockpit driver area, this was 'meant' to cover refuelling during longer events and should probably have been ignored for our shorter races, but some tech guys enforcing the rules did just that. As well as these cars it caught stuff like Imps, VW's in the same net. I would suggest that the Dunlop car guys might have just fitted the external filler tube to save the hassle.

[John McKechnie]

Jacmac- probably would have been our Kiwi boys in USA when they were running it , before Dexter got it.

[John McKechnie]

25559
Knew I had this article some where-
Motorman May 1970.
This is the car in USA that Dexter Dunlop swapped his McRae single seater for.
It was run in the Transams and is now in Bodwens.
Note the petrol filler in the boot , same as Nigels.
Car was run with NO rear spoiler, so looks like you cant have them both

[Kiwiboss]

That's a great article John, you must have some archive mate!! The rear spoiler deal was only a Red Dawson thing and have never seen it on any other(non 69/70 mustang) anywhere in the world.

Heres the filler set in the Dawson car, im sure the stainless bowl isn't correct but probably necessary along the lines of what Jacmac mentions above, a MSNZ requirement?

Dale M

[John McKechnie]

Its a good that we can see Kennets original ownership and presentation.
Then the next owner Dexter Dunlop and his presentation.
Someone can now step in and give the list, in order, of the consecutive owners and pics.
When I raced against Steve Ross in 1992 , I am sure it was white while he owned it.
And Nigel is a fortunate man to own its stablemate.

[Jac Mac]

25566This pic shows Kennet, Dunlop, Haig car still with rear wing & now bonnet scoop also..

[Kiwiboss]

25566This pic shows Kennet, Dunlop, Haig car still with rear wing & now bonnet scoop also..

Very cool JacMac :) Teretonga I presume?

Dale M

[fullnoise68]

Jac Mac, did John Armstrong race that Mustang after Kevin Haig?

[Jac Mac]

Yes Dale, Teretonga.
full noise, no John Armstrong owned/raced the ex Paul Fahey-John Riley 65 mustang prior to Rod McElrea, that car was green with #222 IIRC during Armstongs ownership.

Ownership of the car in question must be Kennet-Dunlop-Haig-Bruce-Morris-Slade-Kennard, then onto the guys you folk know.

Just another of several 'what if' scenarios for me, can remember looking at the car as a roller in a Ferry Road car sales for around $3500.00 and thinking 'should I' at the time

[fullnoise68]

I think the Bowdens bought it off Gary Doyle in the Manawatu area?

[Murray Maunder]

Dead right mate, and compared to the other runners was an absolute stunner back in the day. I built a tribute 1/32 scale slot car of it, complete with lime yellow beard spoiler, black boot spoiler, matt-black bonnet stripes and big gold door numbers, with lots of help from Murray Maunder. But to see the real one on-track was a treat , with Red straining forward against the belts as he wrestled with the roaring beast, the nose rising high under acceleration, the thing sliding wildly on too-soft suspension, and even post-race in the pits, Red mumbling and grumbling about what might have been, overall buttons open as he mowed through another pack of gum at high speed. No wonder so many of us recall those heady days with such affection, those blokes were dead-set legends in front of our eyes !

Your analysis and description insists you missed your vocation as a motorsport scribbler back in the 70s Glenn, but leave my name out of it. LOL :cool: Sadly four wheeled racing for me never got bigger than 1/24th scale and more often 1/32nd scale where us fanatics kicked everyone's butt with the latest chassis tech!

It's those images of Red's blue Shelby in my mind that continue to stalk me. When I go to HMC meetings - and Dale's workshop where the car has recently undergone some work from Dale Mustang Mathers - I dream that this car may, no MUST, end up in electric metallic blue with a Nascar-styled #35 down each side.

[Kiwiboss]

Your analysis and description insists you missed your vocation as a motorsport scribbler back in the 70s Glenn, but leave my name out of it. LOL :cool: Sadly four wheeled racing for me never got bigger than 1/24th scale and more often 1/32nd scale where us fanatics kicked everyone's butt with the latest chassis tech!

It's those images of Red's blue Shelby in my mind that continue to stalk me. When I go to HMC meetings - and Dale's workshop where the car has recently undergone some work from Dale Mustang Mathers - I dream that this car may, no MUST, end up in electric metallic blue with a Nascar-styled #35 down each side.

Nigel picked it up saturday and i believe its off to the painters very shortly so it can be painted electric blue with a gold 35 on the door for the Festival, that will be a sight for sure!!

Dale M

[GD66]

Horn !!

Probably worth mentioning that the gold 35s on the doors had a yellow outline.
25572

[Steve Holmes]

Maybe Red fitted the spoiler, saw this situation and decided that the boot lid filler had to go.
Apart from earlier Wills 3 hour and this Dunlop half hour there were no long distance events needing this big tank and special boot lid setup.
So....how are you going to get around it?

Sounds like they might have to attached the spoiler with wingnuts to fuel the car between races LOL.

[Steve Holmes]

25566This pic shows Kennet, Dunlop, Haig car still with rear wing & now bonnet scoop also..

That funny little hood scoop was fitted to the car when Dunlop owned it. He made quite a few changes to it from the time he got it off Kennett. I'm pretty sure it ran its early NZ races just as Kennett (and Bob Egan before that) drove it in the Trans-Am, with 4-barrel 5 litre motor and 8" wide American Racing wheels.

Note that by the 1972 season, as pictured (photo by Warwick Clayton), the car has sprouted the rear spoiler, wider Minilite wheels, and the hood scoop. I'm sure he also had a bigger motor fitted too.

25570

[John McKechnie]

looks like the front spoiler has been "dextered" on the right hand side.

[Jac Mac]

When the Egan, Kennett, Dunlop etc car ran with a 4bbl was it a Windsor originally or Boss 302? Quite likely that the scoop was reqd for Weber IDA clearance on a Boss version, but not reqd on 289/302 Windsor applications. Boss engine was definitely fitted when purchased by Kevin Haig.

[John McKechnie]

In that year were they running tunnel port 302s that were giving all the problems?

[Jac Mac]

In that year were they running tunnel port 302s that were giving all the problems?

1968 & with two 4bbl carbs, but your pic w/out the hood scoop makes me wonder.

[John McKechnie]

You think that makes you wonder, Jack, wait till you see the next pic I am putting up....................

[Steve Holmes]

The Egan/Kennett/Dunlop etc Mustang was a Shelby built A/Sedan car, and sister car to that of Frank/Bryan/Red Dawson. Shelby built approx 26 of the cars, keeping a couple for themselves to run a Ford factory backed effort in the '67 Trans-Am series, with the rest being sold to customers. They were all fitted with 289 Windsor motors.

Up until 1969, teams could run multiple carbs in the Trans-Am. I assume the Egan car was fitted with either a single or twin 4-barrel set-up. Like most privateer A/Sedan cars, it ran mainly local SCCA A/Sedan races, then took part in the big-dollar Trans-Am series when it came to town.

Egan campaigned the Mustang until selling it to Bob Kennett, who'd raced a Porsche 911 up until the 1969 season, when the SCCA decided the 911 was not a sedan. Kennett then raced the Mustang in 1970 Trans-Am and A/Sedan races before it went to Dunlop.

For 1970, the SCCA declared all cars must be fitted with a single 4-barrel only, no more multi-carbs. So the Mustang was converted to that set-up, if it wasn't already doing so.

The tunnel-port motor was used by the factory Shelby team in the 1968 Trans-Am, and proved a disaster. It was created in an attempt to keep up with the Penske run Camaros, and was 302ci. The design was taken from their Nascar program, but didn't work on road courses. They then developed the Boss 302 for 1969, which, like everyone else, was forced to run a single 4-barrel in 1970.

Its unlikely the Egan/Kennett car would have had its 289 motor replaced with a Boss, but its possibly it might have been fitted with a larger 302. But it definitely arrived in NZ with a single 4-barrel motor, as thats what it was forced to run in the US.

I'm sure I read somewhere Jac that Dunlop had a new mega-motor built for the car after the first season, which would be when the multi-carbs were fitted along with that little hood scoop. I'd need to go through my old mags to check, but maybe he fitted it with a Boss motor?

[Jac Mac]

Getting reliable info on this stuff is like getting teeth pulled! Rang a 'reliable' source yesterday and it would seem that' Murray Bunn' built a Boss 302 engine for Dexter, this motor was still in the car when Kevin bought it, Kevin had problems ( and I believe these might have been a continuation of some suffered by Dunlop ) with that engine & rebuilt it along with some replacement bits after that first abortive OSCA season along with a lighten it up program & the colour change to Detroit motors signage. If you look at pics on the NZ Mustang website Kevin appears to have tried two different hood scoop designs.

[John McKechnie]

25575

Going, going,going..........watch for the next instalment.
Good to see Southern Men werent worried about being P.C. then.

[John McKechnie]

25578
going................and gone.
this sequence with our very own Jacmac in a OSCA-deserves to be here, not an an Imp thread.
Smile, Jack.you were well covered this day, its seems every magazine had you covered.

[John McKechnie]

25579
The caption for this was- life with Dexter can be tyring
Who wasnt there and missed this gem.
Car has bonnet scoop
Motorman Oct 73-D.G.Seymour photo.

[Jac Mac]

No should be in the Mini & Imp thread...Now John, was it not you who suggested that exuberant driving styles would not be tolerated in HMC, or are you just reinforcing that thought.:).
My Story-cos I was there!- total loss of brake pedal when braking for the elbow at Teretonga, decided to make the elbow into a sweeper, just about got away with it and damage was confined to RR corner, it was Stewy Q that called it 'lil black sambo' which stuck, and there is a 3rd pic somewhere that caught the car in mid air just as it contacted the bank.... now if it happened today the whole RHS of the car would be stuffed from contact with the tire wall and I daresay I would be nursing some severe belt bruises, but you pay your membership fees and that's what you get.:)

BOT.. looks like the fuel filler was on that rear panel of Dexters car.

[John McKechnie]

Nah, you got me confused with someone else- my suggestion was to run exhaust pipes through the bonnets to honour Rod Coppins.
Dale said that at the Ice Breaker he would be discussing exuberant driving- something along the lines that only high dollar racers would be allowed that, us in the cheap seats would have to improvise...LOL.
I will keep looking for your low flying effort as I got the sliding shot out of MotorAction, and the other from Motorman-peter Woods photo-nov73 ,, 4 other publications to go through. Found some good pix of Gerald Hargraves getting airborne in Jims MK1 Cotina,
BTW- did you know what you wrote- that you would have seat belt bruising. Does that mean you would be wearing seat belts, geez, that would be like me wearing gloves.

[Kiwiboss]

Come on guys, WE want exuberant driving styles, lots of noise and sideways!! you know, just like Jacs driving style in the imp! after all that car would now be "historic" probably like the owner A JacMac, LOL. besides its just the running into each bit other i don't like!! wish full thinking maybe but we try anyway!!

Dale M

[Jac Mac]

The Hargraves prang was fairly simple cause- ugly result. Personally I don't think OSCA stuff was too bad from the contact point of view, worst I got on track from other cars was a few tire marks up the side, got a door turned inside out while parked in Ruapuna pits by the guy with Dodge truck that used to serve as incident/recovery vehicle, apparently that was my fault! A few others like the Imp as above & the Mk2 Cortina in practice at teretonga.
Yes Imp would be Historic, so guess that makes me vintage, Imp is long gone & I am barely worth restoring:)!
Yep wearing belts, but never used gloves, overalls had been used all week on day job and had the added incentive to make sure the car never went on fire as probably had a weeks worth of oil & grease in the fabric..:) oh & I still have my old helmet that has probably became current again the way things go in & out of fashion these days.

[John McKechnie]

Jack- I was just looking through the mags, no luck finding your low level flying efforts,sorry.
Just noticed that Gerald rolled 2 MK1 Cortinas- his in that endurance standard production race, and Jims one. Is it true his nick name became Flipper?( LOL)
Mk 1 Cotinas had bad runs- the two above, Jack Nazers- flames and became a dirt track car, Barry Phillips wrote his off when almost new, Bruce McLean hit something heavily and of course John Ward.
Thats 5, can you think of any more?

[Jac Mac]

Andy Threckhold rolled his chev powered version at Teretonga ( loop?) around the same time as Gerald was doing his effort at Ruapuna, don't remember many if any of the 4 cyl club versions coming to grief in a major way though.

One funny ( well it was not at the time ) one was while we ( ESCC) were marking out a grasstrack course at Lumsden one evening, most member cars parked infield and a late arrival in a MK1 2door with fat feet arrived, bit of evening dew on the grass, Cortina with brakes locked up @ all of 10 mph with missile lock guidance aimed at a 125 Fiat, all bar the two owners retired to the outfield while the situation was resolved. Not much noise in rural Lumsden @ 7pm so it was very hard not to hear the discussion:).

[Steve Holmes]

Great side-profile shot here from the Keith Growden Collection of the Frank Bryan/Red Dawson Mustang when still owned by Bryan. The decklid fuel filler is clearly visible here.

25649

And here it is again the following season, now owned by Dawson. Note the 'NZ' lettering on the rear quarters. The car had just recently returned from Australia where Dawson, Fahey, and Coppins all took their Mustangs to compete in the one-race 1968 Australian Touring Car Championship at Warwick Farm, plus a couple of other events.

The fuel filler is now gone, but the rear spoiler hasn't been fitted either. This came the following season, along with the chin spoiler.

25650

[Kiwiboss]

Hey Guys, go grab the latest copy of Classic Car Magazine and read Steve's fantastic 3 page article about what Historic racing cars are suppose to be and why HMC has the rules it has, its very good read with excellent detail because in any historic class like HMC its the attention to detail that sets us a part.

Dale M

[ERC]

Sorry Dale, just cancelled my standing order for NZCC. I am so far behind reading the others I subscribe to, that something had to go and NZCC was deemed the weakest of the bunch.

We get all the important info from here!

[Frosty5]

Just to follow up from Dale's note, HMC guys don't forget your COD's for the Icebreaker. I need to get those who haven't already sent them to me. Only 4months to go before the pressure comes on. If you are still building an HMC compliant car get those into MSNZ as soon as you can so I can record them on our HMC register.

Cheers
Dave Graham
MSNZ COD Auditor
Licence # 23013

[fullnoise68]

Since I won`t be racing the Camaro at the Icebreaker Dave, can I bring the latest MRI scan of my right knee, as it`s not being very compliant either at present.......

[khyndart in CA]

Pukekohe 1969.
I took these 2 B&W photos of the Dawson Mustang in the paddock at Pukekohe.
Do correct me if I am wrong.
I think the first one was in September 1969 and the second was early December 1969.
(Sorry I did not do colour photos back then.)

25803


25804



( Ken Hyndman )

Hey if anyone in NZ wants see an interesting auction, check this out !

http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2014/07/28/blood-muscle-highlights-seized-vehicle-sale/

[Frosty5]

Since I won`t be racing the Camaro at the Icebreaker Dave, can I bring the latest MRI scan of my right knee, as it`s not being very compliant either at present.......

As long as the wheelchair is compliant then I don't think we will have too much of a problem!!!

Cheers Dave

[stubuchanan]

http://s6.postimg.org/mup82q2cx/Puke_March_690003.jpg (http://postimage.org/)

This colour photo of mine is labelled March 1969 (Pukekohe).
The car looks unadorned by advertising etc, was it a fairly new import then? There must have been too many people looking at the car, so that I had to get too close to even get the number "35" in the shot.

Check from the programme shows that Fahey's and Dawson's Mustangs were 1 & 2 on the grid for the main 23-lap feature race, Red led for the first 2 laps then retired, Spinner Black and Fahey fought it out for the next 15 or so before Fahey dropped out leaving Spinner to win.

Stu

[GD66]

I thought the car was ex-Frank Bryan, and Red painted it blue. Red's other, dark blue car was ex-Segedin.

[stubuchanan]

I thought the car was ex-Frank Bryan, and Red painted it blue. Red's other, dark blue car was ex-Segedin.

Yes, slight brain fade, I'm sorry. I should have looked back a few posts. Can you see the rear spoiler??

Stu

[Kiwiboss]

Some HMC racers went over to the MCM in Sydney on the weekend, smaller event this year and the wet cold weather didn't help either but still a great event. We helped support Australian Trans Am and they put on some great racing in the wet, infact they really never had a dry race the whole time. Been a smaller event we didn't have to wrestle with crowds and got to catch up with plenty of people, ideal weekend for that.

See you all at Hampton this weekend for the Ice Breaker

Dale M

[Kiwiboss]

Invercargill's Colin Dawson ran his HMC 68 Camaro on the weekend at Teretonga, sounds like the weather was as bad as the Ice Breaker? he's looking forward to bring it north for the two Festival events in January.

Our next event is the TACCOC Pukekohe one day meeting Saturday 4th October, TACCOC is very keen to have HMC on-board and we are keen to race at their events were the theme is "Historic" racing.

Dale M

[Kiwiboss]

This is from the Ice Breaker, Hampton Downs previous weekend!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTx6f9b-4wc&feature=youtu.be

Many thanks to Phil Noble working with Sky Speed to put this together.

Dale M

[Kiwiboss]

Here is David Grahams updated auditors report. Dale M

NZ Historic Muscle Cars October 2014

COD Auditors Report

Hi Team, this is the first report for HMC on the activities of your auditors who inconvenience you by requesting information and inspecting your vehicle for compliance with HMC rules and regulations, otherwise known as the COD police!!!!!LOL

A little indulgence if I may. By pure chance I became involved with HMC through a comment on The Roaring Season. Steve Elliott mentioned a chaps name in one of his posts on TRS, the name was familiar so I contacted Steve to confirm it was the same person. Sure enough it was. Steve invited me up to HD to have a look at the HMC cars
running in the Icebreaker meeting 2012 and I got hooked. From then on it was HMC morning, noon and night! I wanted to become more involved with HMC, rather than just watching the races, as these were cars I grew up with back in my single days and as a flaggie at Pukekohe, so put my name forward when Dale was looking for an auditor. As they say the rest is history. I am passionate about these cars and their history, so much so my wife thinks there is another women, one is enough!!!! But all good.

I have now attained my MSNZ COD Licence and am looking to become a certified MSNZ Technical Officer and am pleased to have the guidance of Keith Hargraves - MSNZ Technical Officer - to point out things and continue my learning experience.

Anyway down to business.
We commenced auditing at the 2013 Legends meeting and to date have completed audits on seven cars. I think guys were initially a bit suspicious of our presence but soon warmed to the idea that our aim is to ensure all the cars are period correct and HMC compliant. This is not an onerous job, but a necessary and pleasurable one for me. If I/we are unsure of any particular point we will refer it to the Directors for clarification.

Once we have completed all the initial audits, it will be a case of random audits from time to time. So don't be surprised if we drop by and ask you to jack up your car, remove the wheels on one side so we can do an audit. For those building cars currently, please ensure you get your COD to MSNZ as soon as you can. In other words don't let this be the last thing you get organised. This helps speed up the auditing process at our end. And please, check that your returned COD's have the red MSNZ stamp on each page, if not, return it to MSNZ for rectification. Your COD is NOT VALID if it doesn't have the red stamp on each page. I have had to send a number of COD's back to MSNZ, with an appropriate speedball, to have these rectified because of non compliance by MSNZ.

I am currently compiling a digital register of current COD's along with photos etc which will be put on DISC or USB so that we have a permanent record on the history of each HMC car. Computer files and DISC/USB will be kept in different locations to ensure security in the event of any Act of God etc.
Eventually I will get photos of each car (front and drivers side) with owner/driver, placed on this file. Would like to try and do that at the Festival 2015.


Once you have received your RED stamped and approved COD back from MSNZ, please forward a colour copy to me for inclusion in our register, via email, david@fleetcaregroup.co.nz or the original via courier to me C/- Fleetcare Group Ltd, 16 Grasslands Place, Frankton, Hamilton. Your hard copy will be scanned and couriered back to you the same day I receive it - guaranteed.

If you have any queries just call or email, if I cant answer the specific question/s I will tell you, but will speak to someone who can and get back to you. I don't know everything - yet!!
Well, that's about it for now, see you at the Festival if not before.
Contact details below:-

Work email: david@fleetcaregroup.co.nz
Home email: drmgraham@xtra.co.nz
Work Ph: 07 847 4159
Home Ph: 07 560 2773

Best regards
Dave Graham
MSNZ COD Auditor
Licence # 23013
NZ Historic Muscle Cars

[GD66]

Very good. Staying ahead of the game, and giving MSNZ a rocket to keep up, love it ! Although I am more of bike guy, in historic racing I have always found the best eligibility arbiters are those running in your own class, so to have Dave under your wing tidying up these loose ends is just another tick in the margin for HMC. :cool:

[Kiwiboss]

Thanks GD, were lucky to have keen person in Dave Graham(and Keith Hargraves). So far its been a great system with a few minor niggles!! the regulations are becoming a less of a problem to those entering historic saloon racing in HMC as most are now "getting it" but still one can't undo 30 odd years of Kiwi hot-rod mentality overnight as that's the one outstanding reoccurrence we keep getting, EG: NO, they didn't use a "mono block radial mount caliper" on your 71 XY Falcon back then and as this is historic racing??(is one example) :) you gotta luv it though!!

I've always said right from the get go we will continue to tweak and fine tune the regulations but this is requiring less and less of this these days.

Dale M

[Jac Mac]

71 Falcon caliper mounts with one radial and one flange mount bolt, more tweaking and fine tuning coming up..:)

[Kiwiboss]

Are 18months work Brett Pearce will have his HK Monaro at Januarys Festival of Motor Racing

[Kiwiboss]

Greetings HMC Racers, Fans, Gals and Guys

Some Random Thoughts

Historic Muscle Car and Saloon Car racing is the ultimate in amateur motor racing. There are many factors, which I think make it so. To a historic racing driver, each race can be as important, satisfying, or challenging as any other. From the high profile, mega event races, down to the smallest of club racing events that provide sheer exhilaration from driving our race car well. There is, to be sure, a unique satisfaction being in a competitive field, with the challenge of great road racing circuits in this country. Most of us race for our own satisfaction and to achieve our goals. Some race to win, but at a pace that our talent, car set up, physical condition, other competition, etc allow us to on the particular day.

Where we finish may give us bragging rights in the post-race pits and at parties, but it does not guarantee another great result in the next race!

The advantages of the Historic Muscle Car class are the secret ingredients in making our sport the greatest form of amateur racing in this country. There is a great variety of saloon cars in a given era and one can choose from several different models and styles, spanning the 60’s and 70’s, in which to go historic racing. The car one owns doesn’t become obsolete, nor need constant improvements or modernisation if raced in “the true spirit of Historic” and that’s what we in HMC are about. Most don’t drop in value with rule changes or passage of time - in fact they can escalate in value. Back in the day these cars, (the real ones), raced for trophies, glory, points and championships and sometimes prize money. Many of these legendry drivers won some, lost some, became legends along the way and I have no doubt they prized that experience. But the series and sanctioning bodies changed the rules all the time, moving the goal posts and rendering last year’s winner and vehicle obsolete. The vehicles usually decreased in value and got moved onto lesser known series and became more modified, taking years out of their racing life and value, until some ceased to even existed.

The other plus factor for owning and racing a “Historic Muscle Car”, is that no constant, expensive, time-consuming updates are either required or desired (though some may desire!). Remember there should be no evolution in historic racing. In contemporary main stream racing, for which the motive is almost always to WIN or go faster and quicker, there are a couple of sayings which apply. “going faster cost more money. How much do you have?” “To win takes all your money and all your time”, plus in the best of historic saloon car racing worlds, we take pride in our cars and their history (if known) and we enjoy the privilege of racing them with other like-minded people. So I challenge all the competitors to give this some thought, and maybe be willing to sacrifice that third place plastic trophy, or that second race win for something far more valuable: The camaraderie and gentlemanly enjoyment of an amateur sport with like-minded friends.

Those are some of my random thoughts of sorts, but as always, race in the spirt of true Historic Muscle Car racing and always enjoy the day and your vehicle.

[Kiwiboss]

MSNZ Classic and Historic Tyre Regulation changes

Recently the MSNZ Historic and Classic commission implemented new tyre rule changes for Classic and Historic T&C Group 1 and 2 vehicles. Although this doesn’t effect HMC as we have implemented our own tyre regulations (which T&C is now alighted to) I do see this is a positive move in the right direction and I’d like to thank Raymond (Crunch) Bennett the H&C chairman, and the rest of the H&C commission for bringing these tyre rules in line with proper Historic/Classic racing, as used in period here in NZ and overseas. With the ever changing DOT tyres made by the various manufactures that seem to come and go in motorsport it had gotten ridiculous, to the point that a road legal radial slick tyre with two grooves, never intended for Classic and Historic racing, was considered acceptable so well done guys. For some event organisers these changes may mean nothing but let’s hope they gasp the concept and get classic and historic racing back to where it should be, well at least the tyres anyway.

Goodyear Blue Streak Bias Ply Treaded Tyres as used by Fahey, Moffat, in period here in New Zealand and Hoosier HOTD Bias Ply Treaded Tyres as used by HMC today.

A link to the regulations below, go to 3.13 Tyres to review these changes http://www.motorsport.org.nz/sites/default/files/motorsport/manual/Live%2035%20App%206.05%20Sch%20T%26C_0.pdf

NZ Festival of Motor Racing, Hampton Downs, January 2015

We (HMC) now have a class sponsor for the NZ Festival of Motor Racing in January. I’d like to welcome on-board “Classic Driver Magazine” for this two weekend historic meeting. Our group will now, for this event, be known as the Classic Driver Historic Muscle Cars. That has a good ring to it doesn’t it? Each vehicle will be required to fit a Classic Driver Magazine supplied sticker on each side of their car - not a big ask I think. Thanks goes to magazine owner Bruce Mountain for backing us, im sure we’ll give him good value.

Once again we’ll have our NZ motorsport legends, Dennis Marwood, Paul Fahey, Kerry Grant, Leo Leonard, Ray Stone along for the festival but we need them all, we gotta round these guys up to honour them for their motorsport achievements so if anyone knows the where abouts of these guys please contact me or Steve Elliott VMT@xtra.co.nz . Also any other notable racing legends from our great era of the 60’s and early 70’s, the years are ticking on for all these fellas so we gotta do it now.

Entries for this event are now open online, so please enter now http://www.motorsportentry.com/ this helps the event and class organisers sort out the groups. Make sure you tick the “Marquee” box as whether rain or shine you will need it, certainly a bargain and also keeps our group together.

It’s looking very likely we’ll have a full grid of 30 cars so all races will be rolling start, those that raced in Australia last year enjoyed this style and found it easier on the car, we’ll talk more about this at drivers briefing. Speaking of drivers briefing, all must be in attendance and a roll call will be taken. Qualifying will set the first morning scratch race starting grid positions, the afternoon race will be reverse top 10 and the winner of every race will start from the very rear in the next. Remember this is display racing so we must put on a show for the paying public, but don’t worry it will still be competitive and exciting.

For those interested see our event schedule below for a pre Festival twilight practice session on Dec 18th.

[Kiwiboss]

Go here for Festival details: http://www.nzfmr.co.nz/index.php of contact Jim Barclay at jimbarclay@xtra.co.nz for further details

Our current event schedule as below:

A. Pre Festival 4pm to 7pm, Dec 18th Twilight Test Session, Hampton Downs for HMC cars(others welcome)
3. Howden Ganley Festival, January 16-18th 2015 at Hampton Downs
4. Howden Ganley Festival, January 23-25th 2015 at Hampton Downs
5. Legends of Speed, March 28-29th 2015 at Hampton Downs
6. Days of Thunder, Queensland Raceway, Australia, June 2015
7. The Lakeside Classic, Lakeside Raceway, Australia, July 2015

Australian Trans Am

It’s now confirmed that 8 Australian Trans Am cars will be shipped over for the Festival to race with the Historic Muscle Cars, although racing to a different set of regulations these cars are still on period 15” wheels and tyres, have conforming body work and other tightly controlled regulations. Both class’s continue to work together to keep the performance levels evenly matched and remember, of all the historic/classic saloon car class’s in Australia and New Zealand, this is the most closely matched Trans-Tasman class that’s equal in looks and performance, this is very important. So come January you will see some fantastic trans-Tasman historic saloon car racing that’s not to be missed.

The Australian Trans Am series have their annual Prize Giving/X-Mas Dinner and end of season function on 15th November in Brisbane, anyone from NZ is welcome to attend. Please contact John English john@budgetheightaccess.com.au for further Details.

Historic Saloon Cars(U3L)

Its still work in progress but I can see this will be a rapidly growing class. From today’s date onwards, this group will be for Saloon/Sedan cars pre 12/77 only, as recommend by the Production Manufacture or FIA. All make and model under 3 litre saloons that actually raced in New Zealand and Australia, back in the period will be given preference over saloons that did not. This does not mean that any odd-ball saloons won’t be welcome, we just need to know what they are first before approving. Remember, it’s the recreation of history that interests us. Obviously vehicles like MK 1/2 Escorts, Mini’s, Datsun’s, Mazdas, Vivas and others were the more common small saloon in the day and will always be welcome, but we need to keep track of them. All cars must have a current MSNZ COD and be to Schedule K or T&C regulations, this is mandatory.

HMC Drivers/Owners Meeting

At the recent Ice Breaker meeting we attempted to organise an HMC conference/get together which didn’t pan out due to me been sick and unable to stay, along with other circumstances. I must apologize for this as most went out of their way to attend. In the future we will have at most every race meeting some sort of racer/driver/car owner get-together to discuss the direction of HMC and other ideas, this maybe from the social aspect up to organising racing at other tracks. My involvement with the Historic Trans Am group in the USA has shown me how they do this and it works for them, so at the Festival we’ll plan some sort of group meeting, this could be prior to the Festival but at least I know at this event most will be in attendance, watch this space.

Other News: If you’re looking to build, buy or update your current HMC car with improvements you must always keep check of the website rules page for updates. We are from time to time adjusting the rules for better understanding, this is usually minor but recently we decided to limited the wheel rim width on smaller cars like Chev Monza’s, Torana 6’s, Capri V8’s & V6’s, 64/6 Mustangs/Falcons, etc as although HMC has a 10” wide wheel rule these cars simply can’t fit a rim that wide without oversize sports sedan style flares, although some think you can! You can still offcourse use the same tyre such as the larger rear 26.5X9.5X15 Hoosier that was designed for an 8” wide wheel. We do have a very good tyre rule that’s unchanged which allows for the maximum size tyres front and rear, always check that you have the correct tyre size as per the rules, no exceptions.

MG Classic Meeting, Manfield.

This is always a great event and worth attending and in its 29th year, well organised and well run so please support Ron and team, the dates are November 14/15/16th

That’s it for another month, any further information contact me, Tony or Steve direct, or turn up at any of the above events for a chat. I’m always happy to talk HMC and historic saloon car racing in general! Remember we have a monthly article in Classic Car Magazine on HMC happenings, along with our race dates, so purchase from your local book store to keep up with what’s going on.

Take care and race carefully!

HMC Tech Auditor, David Graham COD Licence # 23013 david@fleetcaregroup.co.nz
HMC Tech Auditor, Keith Hardgraves, MSNZ Licence Officer, keith.hargraves@clear.net.nz
HMC Photographers, Mike Feisst, Phil Noble, Greg Panton, Euan Cameron, Terry Marshall, Alex Mitchell, and anyone else I’ve missed
HMC Facebook Page, Mike Feisst mikefeisst@xtra.co.nz with Phil Noble helping
HMC Classic Car Magazine articles, Steve Holmes

HMC Directors
Dale Mathers, dmathers@xtra.co.nz or 07-758-8852
Tony Roberts, tony@hamptondowns.com or 021-133-2895
Steve Holmes, monsterracewear@gmail.com or 06-370-3939

www.historicmusclecars.co.nz

[Kiwiboss]

Gary Raiti Red XA Falcon coupe comes under pressure for the angry pack of Historic Muscle cars

[Kiwiboss]

Glenn Allingham, 71 XY Falcon, 580HP 351 Cleveland, 4 speed Toploader, 9” diff, 15X8 Minilites Wheels, has Motorsport NZ Certificate of Description(COD) and is HMC compliant. See this fantastic looking XY Falcon racing at Januarys Festival of motor Racing in the Historic Muscle Car and Australian Trans am class

[Kiwiboss]

Murray Brown, 70 Camaro Z28, 377 SB Chevy, cast iron dart 23 degree heads, 600HP, 4 speed Jerico, ford 9" Diff, 15X9 and 10" Minilite wheels, has Motorsport NZ Certificate of Description(COD) and is HMC compliant, Murray has already put in his Festival or Motor Racing entry in the Historic Muscle Car class and is keen to take on the visiting Aussies in January.

[Bryan]

A couple of beauties. :D

[Kiwiboss]

Historic Sports Sedan fearless leader and HMC racer John McKechnie in his 73 XA Falcon coupe, stroked 351 Cleveland, 630HP, 4 Speed Toploader, Traction lock 9" diff, 15X10 wheels with Goodyear blue Streak tyres, car is HMC compliant with a full MSNZ COD and John has put his entry in for the Festival already, a cool car with a strong following :cool:

[Kiwiboss]

Pete "Mr Meat" Stevenson, 66 Mustang FB, Pete has a newly built 347 stroker engine with dart iron heads making 600HP(like giving a monkey a machine gun, LOL) 4 speed Jerico replacement gearbox, 9" diff, 15X8.5 wheels rear and 15X8 front with Hoosier bias tyres, Shelby R front and bonnet, HMC compliant with a MSNZ COD, the crafty ol butcher has entered the Festival and is keen to take on the Aussies.

[Kiwiboss]

Dave and Ken Sturrock have entered and paid up there Festival entry in there much anticipate 67 HMC Camaro, currently he is hard out working on this beast to make sure he makes it, the workmanship is simply awesome and car is a lot further on than the picture here!! All iron Small Block 406 Chevy, Kinsler mechanical fuel injection, Tex 101/T10 gearbox, AP brakes, 15X10 wheels and Hoosier tyres. This Camaro currently has a COD and will be HMC compliant for this event. If he makes it will be a fantastic effort, and certainly a lot cheaper than the FREE beer and meals he's promised everyone if he doesn't LOL

[Kiwiboss]

Another one who's entered early is Kevin(i'll show those Aussies)Gimblett, having changed his Camaro to meet HMC regulations Kevin has raced at just about every HMC event including all the Festivals and was one of the 8 HMC cars to make the Australian trip last year. His 67 Camaro is prepare in Dale Earnhardt livery and runs a 406 all iron SB Chevy making 630HP, Jerico gearbox, ford 9" diff, Wilwood brakes, Kevin is an ex super saloon speedway dirt track racer and has taken to Historic racing like a duck to water. Kevin had to remove his aluminium cylinder heads, modern brakes, 16" wheels, aluminium diff head and a few other small items to meet HMC rules, he was one of the first persons to do so, his Camaro is HMC compliant and with a full COD.

[kiwi285]

Great to hear that the Sturrock Camaro will be on the grid come mid January. The livery should make the car stand out in the field. The field is certainly starting to look appertising to say the least. This group should provide some of the most watched races at the festival as they have done in the past.

[Kiwiboss]

Nigel MacDonald is the latest Festival entry for the Historic Muscle Car class, Nigels impressive 67 Mustang Fastback is powered by a 289 stroker engine make 347CI, 580HP, cast iron dart cylinder heads, 4 IDA weber carburettors, Jerico Toploader replacement gearbox, trusty old 9" diff, Wilwood brakes, 15X8 torque thrust wheels with class compliant Hoosier HOTD tyres. Nigel(like Gimblett) was one of the first guys to remove his non-complaint parts to make his Mustang HMC legal, and has a Motorsport NZ COD.

[Kiwiboss]

The latest HMC Festival entry is Roger Williams in his Ex-Joe Chamberlain replica 69 Camaro, Roger is one of the newest guys to join the HMC ranks with his American A-Sedan Camaro that mostly raced on the west coast of the USA. Been an American A-Sedan car meant it was already very close to HMC regulations only requiring door glass, headlights, etc to comply. Fitted with a all iron 377CI small block Chevy, Tex T-10 gearbox, 12 bolt diff, wilwood brakes and period correct magnesium 15X8 wheels and Hoosier tyres. This car had only been in NZ two weeks and he was at the track, a great addition to the class. Has motorsport NZ COD to comply and Rogers spectacular sideways driving will make him one two watch.

[Murray Maunder]

What, no Boss Mustang entered? Or are you just keeping mum on your details Dale? Was that 800HP mate???

On a more serious note are we going to see a Kiwi Cuda? How long before we see the ex-Red Dawson Shelby back (in electric blue)? Will there be anyone taking up the challenge of driving the PDL Mustang tribute car? With the rumoured 8 Aussies will we see over 20 HMCs at the Festival? Sorry, so many questions - fill my Christmas stocking Dale!!!

[Kiwiboss]

What, no Boss Mustang entered? Or are you just keeping mum on your details Dale? Was that 800HP mate???

On a more serious note are we going to see a Kiwi Cuda? How long before we see the ex-Red Dawson Shelby back (in electric blue)? Will there be anyone taking up the challenge of driving the PDL Mustang tribute car? With the rumoured 8 Aussies will we see over 20 HMCs at the Festival? Sorry, so many questions - fill my Christmas stocking Dale!!!

Yes off-course I've entered Murray, the 800HP engine is for Australia only, not allowed that in HMC buggar!!

Yes Sinclair's have entered the Cuda but Nigel wont have the Dawson car available, its still at the painters but he'll race his Apache mustang and Tony Roberts will once again drive the PDL until it finds a new owner(one day) currently with the 8 Aussie cars we have 28 cars entered, remember we could just fill the field with all and sundry modernized look-a-like vehicles but that's not what proper historic racing and this event is about, the "Cars are the Stars" :)

Dale M

[GD66]

Ah, you mean like this stuff, Dale ?
26774

Couldn't wait to get a look at their delayed arrival in Perth, then I looked inside : good, old-fashioned silhouette racing at its best...:(

[Kiwiboss]

Keith Sinclair has entered his monster 70 Hemi Cuda in the HMC class at the Festival, he's had a couple of runs and is still coming to grips with this beast, runs an all iron 426 hemi engine off-course with twin 4 barrels, tex-101 T10 gearbox, fat old Chrysler truck diff, wilwood brakes, 15X10 wheels and the class legal Hoosier tyres, recent MSNZ COD issued and complies to HMC regulations, this will be one beast to watch at the festival. Keith has just under gone a successful back operation, we wish you well and a speedy recovery.

[Shoreboy57]

Enjoying the drip-feed of entries and profile of each car Dale. 28 HMCs will make an impressive grid

[Kiwiboss]

Enjoying the drip-feed of entries and profile of each car Dale. 28 HMCs will make an impressive grid

Yeah for some reason everyone's got in and entered early?? this meeting is fast becoming the premier Historic and Classic event on the motorsport calendar, gotta be good I guess!!

Dale M

[Kiwiboss]

What, no Boss Mustang entered? Or are you just keeping mum on your details Dale? Was that 800HP mate???

On a more serious note are we going to see a Kiwi Cuda? How long before we see the ex-Red Dawson Shelby back (in electric blue)? Will there be anyone taking up the challenge of driving the PDL Mustang tribute car? With the rumoured 8 Aussies will we see over 20 HMCs at the Festival? Sorry, so many questions - fill my Christmas stocking Dale!!!

YES, as fearless leader off-course I've entered, mind you not the first one to do so!! Probably not needed but here's some spec for those interested, genuine 69 Boss 302 Mustang, Boss 302 style engine(Windsor block with Cleveland heads) making 560HP(800 in Aussie, NOS in the roll cage, LOL ), Jerico Toploader replacement gearbox, 9" full floater diff, Wilwood brakes, 15X9 Arrow daisy wheels, Hoosier bias tyres, all steel body with a slightly chizelled nose, 1615KG race ready with me in it. Was built to MSNZ T&C regs 10 years ago with a COD. Feel free to come have a chat at the Festival :) Dale M

[ERC]

Yeah for some reason everyone's got in and entered early?? this meeting is fast becoming the premier Historic and Classic event on the motorsport calendar, gotta be good I guess!!

Our grid is already oversubscribed Dale - 55 cars...! Looking forward to this Festival more than any other since the initial McLaren one. I think from a spectator's point of view, this may be the best yet, with more competing cars and more F1 cars too.

[Kiwiboss]

Our grid is already oversubscribed Dale - 55 cars...! Looking forward to this Festival more than any other since the initial McLaren one. I think from a spectator's point of view, this may be the best yet, with more competing cars and more F1 cars too.

Correct Ray its certainly shaping up to be great one, almost scary!!! I really hope they get Spectator numbers because the turn out at the weekends "Thunder in the Park" and the recent "V8 Festival" was very poor(I thought) maybe they're saving up for this one? lets hope so!!

I'll enjoy watching your group Ray, great numbers as always.

Dale M

[Kiwiboss]

Ah, you mean like this stuff, Dale ?
26774

Couldn't wait to get a look at their delayed arrival in Perth, then I looked inside : good, old-fashioned silhouette racing at its best...:(

Sure GD66 but they actually come under CAMS as a "Sport Sedan Category" and are a full on "Race Series" so nothing historic or classic about them except the look, most I've talked to in Aussie understand this so they're not fooling themselves, BUT what I do like is other than a great spectacle they still have their correct style of engine even the correct size although running aluminium heads, but most importantly they're still on 15 inch wheels so this is a fantastic "look alike" silhouette series which I too enjoy but not for persons of limited funds such as myself.

Dale M

[Frosty5]

YES, as fearless leader off-course I've entered, mind you not the first one to do so!! Probably not needed but here's some spec for those interested, genuine 69 Boss 302 Mustang, Boss 302 style engine(Windsor block with Cleveland heads) making 560HP(800 in Aussie, NOS in the roll cage, LOL ), Jerico Toploader replacement gearbox, 9" full floater diff, Wilwood brakes, 15X9 Arrow daisy wheels, Hoosier bias tyres, all steel body with a slightly chizelled nose, 1615KG race ready with me in it. Was built to MSNZ T&C regs 10 years ago with a COD. Feel free to come have a chat at the Festival :) Dale M

Hmmmmm! NOS in roll cage, will have to do a thorough audit on this car at the Festival to see what else maybe hiding!!!!!!!

Dave Graham
NZHMC Auditor

[Shano]

Correct Ray its certainly shaping up to be great one, almost scary!!! I really hope they get Spectator numbers because the turn out at the weekends "Thunder in the Park" and the recent "V8 Festival" was very poor(I thought) maybe they're saving up for this one? lets hope so!!
Dale M

You have to ask what promotion they are doing for these series as I saw none (and I keep my eye out for these things).

Just sayin'...

[Jac Mac]

Hmmmmm! NOS in roll cage, will have to do a thorough audit on this car at the Festival to see what else maybe hiding!!!!!!!

Dave Graham
NZHMC Auditor

But was it for the engine or the driver?, probably both needed in OZ.