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Thanks Steve, for moving these over from my "Mix of Pics" thread. Great variety and full grids. This is what I like about any racing and particularly our series. Great pics Nigel.
I have announced to our members that at the end of next season, my 20th in the hot seat, I will be handing over the reins to someone else.
My stance throughout business and industry, either within or working as an external advisor/consultant, has always been to preach "Don't let anyone ever make themselves indispensable". So I must practice what I preach.
When I looked at what happens throughout a season, plus losing the occasional friend well before their time, I realised that I had accidentally made myself not exactly indispensable, but that no-one else really knows how the Series operates. Rather than be faced with a very successful Series lurching around for a while if our pilot decides to fly into a mountain, or our ship's captain decides to park the ship on its side, time to set things in place now to make sure that the Series is in good hands for the future.
I don't really believe the "Committee" model works that well. "A camel is a thoroughbred racehorse designed by a committee - Issigonis?" and thankfully, someone has stepped up to take over as from season 31, the 2016/2017 season. Some people may be co-opted to carry the workload, but I am hopeful that the current model has been proved to be successful. An announcement will be made in due course, but for anyone interested, we have booked the CT Club at Remuera to discuss the way forward for the ERC Series, but I extend an invitation to any other Classic racers and supporters to come along, as Classic racing is very healthy at the moment and we never get the chat to chat.
The MSNZ conference only caters for one or two from each club, so getting the drivers together makes some sort of sense.
The long awaited track extension/club circuit at HD may open up more opportunities for racers and club members, so having a platform to discuss things locally seemed a sensible idea.
The meal is $25 - April 20th - bookings essential before April 15th please, via "convenor @ ercrace.nz" (ignore the spaces of course, but this is an anti spam attempt!) but for those not wishing to eat, the meeting will start around 7:30, but doors open 6:30 and the meal at 6:45pm. Pay bar.
ERC members will get a $10 voucher towards their meal.
This is not our awards dinner, that is May 9th at the same venue, but that is not to say that an award will not be presented...
I am very pleased to announce that Chris Browne will take over the role of Convenor as from the end of next season.
Chris and I share the same philosophies and worked very well together when challenged by the Historic Commission, to rewrite the T & C regulations a few years ago.
Chris is a former leading light of the Alfa Trofeo series and the Alfa and ERC series will continue to work together, so that the dates are compatible for both sets of drivers, as there is a considerable overlap anyway.
I will of course assist Chris in any way I can.
Update: May 17th - Neck restraints will NOT now be made compulsory - just an advisory.
Year 29 done and dusted, a great awards night again with lots of laughs. Next year - June 11th to celebrate our 30th.
Congratulations to all trophy winners. Although slightly more substantial than chocolate fish, (and less fattening), no driver knew who had won what award until the presentation.
Top award - the convenor's trophy went to Jaguar driver, John Munro. Grant Kern took out the Arrow Wheels trophy and Brian Yates, the AES award.
For a list of trophy winners and points scored, go to the website and they are under the 'Home' page tab.
http://www.ercrace.nz
The drivers who have already clocked 15 years or more over the last 19 years gained free registrations for the new season as a thanks for their support. There were 16 of them!
New season's registrations paid up so far (including the 'freebies'):
14 Adrian Hayman ARROW MG BGT V8
15 Phil Laird ARROW BMW 318IS
20 Geoff Sparkes AES TRIUMPH Dolomite Sprint
23 Rob Moston ARROW JAGUAR XJ 6
29 Mike Lucas AES DATSUN 260Z
30 Rod Hemmings AES TVR 3000M
31 Eddie York ARROW JAGUAR XJ40
39 Grant Kern AES MG TD
42 Des Redgwell AES VOLVO 242GT
47 Gary Baildon AES BMW E30 318is
49 Chris Browne AES ALFA ALFASUD
56 Ray Green AES MG MAGN8
60 Chris Fraser ARROW MORGAN PLUS 8
64 John Palmer AES MG BGT
70 Ray Green AES MARCOS VOLVO 3L
88 Bruce Manon ARROW FORD ESCORT
89 John Ure AES JAGUAR MARK 2
89 John Ure AES JAGUAR MARK 7
89 John Ure AES JAGUAR XJ12
92 Brian Yates AES PORSCHE 924S
113 Grant Kern AES MG SPECIAL
120 John Munro ARROW JAGUAR XJ6
142 Bruce Kirk AES VOLVO 142
159 Glen Thompson AES MG B SPORTS
169 Neville Thompson AES MG BGT
198 John Tomlin AES TRIUMPH 2500PI
203 Andy Mygind ARROW DATSUN 240Z
213 Dave Mallin AES MG BGT
229 Chris Browne AES ALFAROMEO ALFASUD TI
246 Tony Olissoff ARROW ALFA SUD Ti
280 Ken Williams AES MERCEDES 280CE
431 Phil Josephs AES ROVER 220T
616 Dave Mallin ARROW MG BGT V8
739 Grant Kern ARROW MG B V8 SPORTS
833 Rob Hunkin AES ALFA 33
833 Edward Hunkin AES ALFA 33
891 Chris Hunkin AES ALFA 33
944 Paul Madeley AES PORSCHE 944S2
944 Paul Madeley ARROW PORSCHE 944T
This time next week I'll be away, so don't think that I have keeled over if I haven't posted for a while...
Returning to the fold... Purchased by a confirmed Jaguar enthusiast
It has been a long time since I visited this site. ERC you need to change my car from a Datsun 260z to a Morris Cooper S replica given the caged zed is now in Nelson with a new owner.
Will do Mike - when I get home and also when I have a pic and full details of the 'new' car!
Should be home next Thursday - still with about 200 emails to wade through, so don't expect speedy miracles!
A month before the new season kicks off and we are already up to 41 cars paid up/registered.
14 Adrian Hayman MG BGT V8
15 Phil Laird BMW 318IS
16 Kevin Cantwell PORSCHE 964
20 Geoff Sparkes TRIUMPH Sprint
23 Rob Moston JAGUAR XJ 6
29 Mike Lucas MINI
30 Rod Hemmings TVR 3000M
31 Eddie York JAGUAR XJ40
39 Grant Kern MG TD
42 Des Redgwell VOLVO 242GT
47 Gary Baildon BMW E30 318is
49 Chris Browne ALFA ALFASUD
56 Ray Green MG MAGN8
60 Chris Fraser MORGAN PLUS 8
64 John Palmer MG BGT
70 Ray Green MARCOS VOLVO 3L
72 Karl Sentch DATSUN 240Z
77 Jeremy Thornton PEUGEOT 205 Gti
82 John Nuthall ALFA GT
88 Bruce Manon FORD ESCORT
89 John Ure JAGUAR MARK 2
89.1 John Ure JAGUAR MARK 7
89.2 John Ure JAGUAR XJ12
92 Brian Yates PORSCHE 924S
113 Grant Kern MG SPECIAL
120 John Munro JAGUAR XJ6
135 Don Roy MG BGT V8
137 Glenn Edley PEUGEOT 205 Gti
142 Bruce Kirk VOLVO 142
150 Allan Brook MG BGT
159 Glen Thompson MG B SPORTS
169 Neville Thompson MG BGT
198 John Tomlin TRIUMPH 2500PI
203 Andy Mygind DATSUN 240Z
213 Dave Mallin MG BGT
222 Bruce Jones FORD CAPRI
229 Chris Browne ALFAROMEO ALFASUD TI
246 Tony Olissoff ALFA SUD Ti
279 Barry Hare ROVER VITESSE
280 Ken Williams MERCEDES 280CE
431 Phil Josephs ROVER 220T
616 Dave Mallin MG BGT V8
739 Grant Kern MG B V8 SPORTS
833 Rob Hunkin ALFA 33
833.1 Edward Hunkin ALFA 33
866 Francois Cronje RENAULT R8 GORDINI
891 Chris Hunkin ALFA 33
891.1 Edward Hunkin ALFA 33
911 Steve Rasmussen PORSCHE 911
944 Paul Madeley PORSCHE 944S2
944.1 Paul Madeley PORSCHE 944
Add:
2 Bert Quin ARROW FORD PERANA
8 Mark Parsons ARROW TRIUMPH TR7 V8
21 Bryce Platt AES PORSCHE 924 S
26 Steve Newenham ARROW DATSUN 260 Z
28 Michael Sexton ARROW FORD Escort Mk 1 RS2000
34 Graeme Park ARROW PORSCHE 944S2
37 Darron Curphey ARROW FIAT 131R
48 Ricky Cooper ARROW DATSUN 240Z
66 Todd Forsyth ARROW MG BV8
72 Karl Sentch AES DATSUN 240Z
75 Craig Howser ARROW FORD ZAKSPEED
77 Jeremy Thornton AES PEUGEOT 205 Gti
79 Gary Langsford AES ALFA 75
93 Ivan Selak ARROW FORD ESCORT
115 Chris Barendregt ARROW PORSCHE 944S2
116 Phil Neely AES ALFA ALFETTA
119 Eddie Beresford ARROW Alfa Romeo Alfasud Ti
135 Don Roy AES MG BGT V8
137 Glenn Edley AES PEUGEOT 205 Gti
150 Allan Brook AES MG BGT
158 Tony Vujnovich ARROW FORD PERANA
205 Richard McCarthy AES PEUGEOT 205 GTi
233 Max van Maanen AES ALFA 33
240 Earl Cruickshank ARROW DATSUN 240Z
279 Barry Hare ARROW ROVER VITESSE
281 Paul Chisholm AES VW Golf GTI
295 Mal Chamberlain AES FORD ESCORT
404 Andy Wallace AES BMW 2002Tii
623 Peter Gunter AES RENAULT FUEGO
783 Peter Gunter ARROW SKODA
866 Francois Cronje AES RENAULT R8 GORDINI
910 Simon Mills AES ALFA SUD
One lonely Mini........number 29....Mike Lucas........and not a single Anglia........times are changing. A great lineup never-the-less.
Sadly, you are right AMCO. I am making a start on writing the history of the series and even reading back to my own first newsletters and the low number of participants back then, we haven't had more than 3 Mini's on track at the same time in the last 20 years.
Had we stuck to the original 4 cylinder BMC series rules that I inherited, we would have fallen over within two years - and I doubt anyone would have even noticed.
We haven't seen a Riley 1.5 on track either, even though one was registered initially. Midgets have all given way to MGBs and several of those have now given way to MGB V8s. Guys seem keener on building a Perana Capri V8 - regardless of the expense - and yet no-one wants to run an Anglia and rarely a 4 cylinder Capri, so I am really pleased that Mike Lucas has opted to run a Mini.
We have also lost Triumph Spitfires (there were 3 of those at one stage), plus Triumph 1300's. These cars aren't outclassed either, as the handicap system negates any performance disadvantage anyway. I can only put it down to the scarcity of these cars and the ongoing scarcity of spares for some of them, particularly body and trim panels.
Changing some years ago to "Euro" rather than British, has ensured our survival, though it hasn't been without criticism. But there again right back to season 2, I copped flak for some of the decisions that were made, and in that respect, nothing much has changed!
A pragmatic approach as opposed to a purist approach may upset some people, but I am very happy that by the time I hand it over at the end of this season, the series will be alive and also very well, which it certainly wasn't at the end of year 10.
I hope AMCO that you can join our celebrations June 11th next year, as one of our guests of honour, to celebrate the last 30 years!
Well, ERC, I dont know about a 'Guest of Honour'.......that sounds a bit grand, but thank you for the invitation. Will certainly keep it in mind.
I am not sure that the reason for all the elderly BMC cars being parked up is scarcity of body and trim parts. Rather it is purely a performance, or lack of it, problem. Despite what my mate Dale, of HMC fame, says, drivers do not want to circulate at the rear of the field. I have done a bit of that myself and know the feeling. The HMC brigade is cranking more and more horsepower from these cars that started with about 500hp and are now up into the 800's........dare I say it, to stay in front, or at least be at the sharp end of the grid.......why else would they do it. In other words why spend a lot of dollars if all you are doing is 'having fun'. Podium finishes should not be on your agenda, but clearly they are. The cars are the stars.....yeh right !!!!!
We are lucky with the Mini in that there is a healthy supply of most body bits, but with your zero tolerance on contact in racing, this shouldnt be a problem........yes I know things sometimes get out of hand as the Amco Mini has found out !! I think it is just sheer lack of 'go' that stops these cars from being on the track. This also applies to machines like E type Jaguars for instance, so to save face and preserve the mystique they just dont appear anymore, and quite frankly they are pretty cumbersome to drive spiritedly.
I dont think there is an answer.....just go with the flow......its what the folk want, and the whole series stays alive, which as you have repeatedly said would not have happened if you had dug your toes in and stuck to the original formula.
So you will get a well earned rest at the end of the season, and if anyone has any doubts about whether you have done the right thing or not, they just need to look at the entry for confirmation.
There must be plenty of 'retired' Mini 7s around that could be relatively easily refitted to become classic race cars. If I wasn't busy flushing all my money away on a scruffy old Lotus, that's what I'd do....
Totally agree Paul. I still have a warm 1300cc engine under my bench, but alas, age and other projects that took far to long and cost far too much will inevitably mean that it will soon need to go to a new home.
What many don't seem to realise is that a handful of Minis or similar at the theoretical slow end of the grid will be able to race amongst themselves, with or without the handicaps, so the more the merrier. Totally agree about the huge horsepower elsewhere (and huge cost) when Classic motorsport sport is still about participation - or should be.
A level playing field is not created by 15" wheels alone!
Looking forward to running my mini. Have been a Datsun Zed guy for the 20+ years it will be very different to drive on the track with 60% of the weight of a zed and about 60% less power. The reason for the change was simple. This time last year I was out of work and looking at my almost complete Datsun 260z 2 seater race car and doing the numbers to complete the project plus Ricky a 240z racer ask if I had a spare 260z stub axle. Finding 40 year old stub axles for zed is hard work and bespoke new are expensive. So I changed tactics sell the 260z and with the money for 90% rego on hold zed I purchased a mini k turned into a cooper s replica + a trailer and had some money left over. Also parts can still be purchased new for a lot less than for a Datsun. I still have one Datsun but as this my first classic mini looking forward to giving it a blast around the track this weekend.
And Ray I will take some of those parts from under your bench :)
Another reason for selecting a mini was simple. There weren't any racing in AES anymore so why not bring back a car that has not been seen in the class for a few years.
Hello nzeder........yes is going to be a different kettle of fish driving the Mini compared to the Datsun. What is the state of tune with the engine, and could you post a picture of the car........always interested in looking at another race Mini.
Perhaps your entry will start a resurgence of interest in Minis competing in ERC's excellent race group.
I have a static photograph of Mike's car whilst at Motorsport Fabrications but I'll be driving a camera this weekend at Icebreaker so hopefully, will get one or two action shots and also pics of other new registrations.
We also have on hold, Ken Haycock's Mini Clubman and John Ure of Jaguar fame has purchased an ex Ken Haycock Mini Cooper (not S) that he is hoping to run. We have had a few Minis over the years but never as many as I would have expected, given the availability of parts, from bodyshells to everything else. Pity my 2 Elf projects had to be abandoned 12 years ago. One was going to be a concours 998cc and the other was going to be my version of what the Broadspeed Mini would have looked like had it been based on a Riley! No doubt it wouldn't have got a CoD 'cos it wasn't done in period'... (Posted a pic on the Mini/Imp thread.)
I don't think we have ever had a Hillman Imp registered with the series, which has always been open to Imp and Mini powered cars, such as Davrian, Clan, Ginetta G15, De Joux, GTM, Unipower etc. The nearest we got to that was Adrian Blackburn's Targa Mini Marcos for a season. I think there is a Mini Marcos for sale on Trade Me at the moment.
Just to bring you up to date with the registrations for this season, we are now up to 84 drivers - well over 95 cars - with two or three paying at the moment to get in before the weekend.
One or two more recent cars accepted include ex U2K Cup 205 Peugeots who have found the restrictions of U2K not to their liking. That only goes to show that U2K rules are being introduced or enforced to keep it the way they want but European cars can still move into another class.
No doubt I'll get pilloried for allowing them in, along with a newer thoroughbred, but we are now getting a higher percentage of cars that could be deemed newer, but without more Minis, Imps, Hillman Hunters, Triumph Spitfires, Lotus Elans, Daimler SP250's, Riley 1.5s, Wolseley 1500s, Morgans older Jaguars, MG Midgets, Reliant Scimitars etc. joining the fray, which they are not doing in sufficient numbers, I don't see that we have a choice.
So far we have a grid of 19 AES cars and 10 Arrow Wheels for Icebreaker. Quite why so many always enter late is anyone's guess... That is only a third of those paid up and if numbers do not hit a total of 30, then we will combine the groups to assist in a faster running meeting - but also to provide a better spectacle for spectators. To not do so would make me a hypocrite, as cars on track are still the only thing that will ever make spectating attractive.
Yes you are right: http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/spec...-922567381.htm
Attachment 30156
The Mini Marcos belongs to my friend Robin Greenland. Robin is well known in Mini circles and I have raced with him a few times. Amazingly the Marcos is new, brand new......it was a body that was never completed. Robin has been playing around with it for some years, but due to a change in direction of life it is for sale. It needs completing but everything is there. The colour would not be my choice but everyone is different. I think the asking price is $20,000, but I know that Robin would 'negotiate' !!!!!!! He had quite a collection of Minis but they have all gone except the Marcos.
A bit of history here. Whangarei Street race 2000 - ex TV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzSpdncPE6Q
Robin's Mini Marcos is very nice - I had a quick look over it when I picked up the trailer I purchased from Robin. After I decided not to race a Datsun Zed in the ERC I did think about a Ginetta G15 - a imp powered kitcar from back in the day. But then thought like the Marcos not a lot of race history from back in the day and given NZ festival's all seem to be salon's as was raced in NZ then a Mini was the good choice.
A Ginetta G15
Attachment 30210
Ice Breaker this weekend and a fair few 'new faces'. About 41 in total across our two groups at the moment which is about half the current paid up membership. Pretty good for the first round of the season. A slight imbalance between the slower group and the faster group - about twice as many in the slower group, which I am not exactly unhappy about.
We could have a look at the lap time split, to even up the group numbers - but I know that if we do, all that will happen is that we may lose some of the faster ones in the slower group, so a bit pointless really. As long as we can get a total of over 30 cars out there, I think we are probably justified in keeping the two groups separate.
I may have some good news about the Festival shortly... But first, I have to poll the current drivers. I may be dictatorial, but some decisions are best made after consultation with the membership!
Was have fun this morning learning to drive the mini just before #2 decided it needed to cool down and throw it's self out of the side of the block. Never mind these thing happen with engines in unknown condition.
nzeder......did I not say that driving the mini would be a different kettle of fish to the Datsun !!!!!!! perhaps you need a more accurate rev counter........some old engines dont take too kindly to 8,000 rpm.....:) :) You may have a saviour in Ray with his 'spare' engine, otherwise its lots of $$$$$$$. You may be lucky if the damage has confined itself to the block and not spread to the gearbox as is so often the case with a Mini, so something will be salvageable, but a whole lot of work before the next outing. Ah, the joys of Motoracing.....:)
Posted a pre blow up pic on my Mix of Pics thread... Car sounded great and looked good, so very sad that it let go so quickly.
True I don't know how accurate the Rev counter is even if I did not go past 6000. Was going OK started to get hot quickly then I start to get out of it and drive back to the pits. Then started to smoke up a bit then it went bang before I could get back to the pits. I will remove and strip and see what bits are OK and if the block could be repaired if the hole is below the bore then have a spare engine once Ray and I can sort out a deal on the one under his bench.
Congratulations to Rex Ferrall on his renewal today - he's our centurion of the year! In other words, he's the 100th driver signed up for the season, making it 7 years on the trot we have had over 100 drivers and 9 out of the last 10 years. There are still 3 drivers who are down to race shortly who haven't paid and a few taking a break for various reasons.
Added to the obvious attractions of U2K, BMW, Alfa, MG and Classic Japanese, it just shows the real strength of numbers in the classic categories in this area.
Not getting at you NZeder, but why do so many folks with car maladies they are aware of try to get back to the pits? Surely much cheaper to stop on the track side, or has the propensity for race officials to stop races made folks feel guilty about getting off the track?
Often times means there is a trail of some form of slippery stuff making it a whole lot worse.
Getting off the battlefield and out of the falling off zone ?
nzeder has taken possession of my much loved 1293cc engine. The state of his original engine beggars belief. No wonder it went bang. Either someone needed a stronger arm or a torque wrench or better still, should leave building engines to those who know what they are doing. At least my engine was originally built by someone trustworthy and I sincerely hope that as a spare engine, it serves Mike well. I never even got beyond the running in stage with it, so looking forward to seeing how well it goes. Not a race engine but built for fast road use.
Welcome to the renewals and the new drivers. We are now on 108 paid up for the year. Slightly up on this time last year.
Entries for the Porsche Festival are a little lower than the promises, but still great grids for each weekend. Some are doing weekend 1 only, some weekend 2 only and as fair few doing both weekends. Friday will be as last year, with a morning practice and an afternoon scratch race. The other four races will be handicaps, as they proved to be very popular last year and no winner is ever guaranteed.
As at end November, 28 for weekend 1 and 39 for weekend 2 - and one or two known tardy ones no doubt...
The man to watch from scratch will probably be Bruce Manon - again, but this time in his own car, not Mike Sexton's.
Welcome back to Racing Ray Williams, who has bought the Neil Tolich Perana Capri.
Rob Berrgren has rejoined with ex Bob Groves Perana Capri.
Dr John Elliott is also now also part of the ERC, running with Arrow Wheels with his Holden Torana.
All are experienced drivers with great cars - though Rob had to scratch from Sunday's event due to cracked brake rotors, discovered at the Friday track day.
I believe that Paul Halford may run the 250GTO Ferrari recreation on weekend 2 of the Festival, where our grid is now totally full... (46 car maximum. I think we have 50) Weekend 1 there are only a couple of spaces left. Great support for the Festival.
Entry for weekend 1 of the Festival:
1 Alan Ferguson BMW M8 ®
2 Bert Quin FORD PERANA
10 Neil Fraser LANCIA DELTA INTEGRALE
17 Peter Northin FORD ESCORT
18 Ken Northin FORD ESCORT
19 Kerry Chadderton PORSCHE 911SC
21 Bryce Platt PORSCHE 924 S
29 Mike Lucas MINI COOPER S
36 Win Jacob JAGUAR XJS 3.6
40 Adrian Dobbe VAUXHALL VIVA HB
48 Ricky Cooper DATSUN 240Z
64 John Palmer MG BGT
70 Ray Green MARCOS VOLVO 3L
72 Karl Sentch DATSUN 240Z
77 Jeremy Thornton PEUGEOT 205 Gti
79 Gary Langsford ALFA 75
88 Bruce Manon FORD ESCORT
89 John Ure JAGUAR XJ12
92 Brian Yates PORSCHE 924S
93 Ivan Selak FORD ESCORT
96 Steve Rasmussen PORSCHE 911 RS
150 Allan Brook MG BGT
158 Tony Vujnovich FORD PERANA
181 Ron Findlay FORD PERANA
203 Andy Mygind DATSUN 240Z
205 Richard McCarthy Jr PEUGEOT 205 GTi
280 Ken Williams MERCEDES 280CE
331 John Hudson BMW 320
616 Dave Mallin MG BGT V8
635 Zachary Lawrence BMW M635CSI
739 Grant Kern MG B V8 SPORTS
944 Paul Madeley PORSCHE 944S2
996 David Heron PORSCHE 996
First session up this weekend at 9am! Also of course, first after lunch.
As last year. Practice Friday morning.
First session after lunch is a scratch race.
Saturday and Sunday, 2 handicap races, same time slots.
Paul Halford is now running the Ferrari in Classic Trial.
Sadly, Paul Halford has had to pull out -broken wrist.
Phil Laird out - broken leg.
Couple of others out with mechanical issues. Par for the course.
Horrendous traffic problems to and from the track today. A total of 4 hours getting there and back for documentation...
What caused the traffic problems Ray?
Heading south, just after Hill Rd, Manurewa Collision between a car and a truck carrying human waste... Yeuk! Needed an extensive clean up which took a while. I pulled off the Motorway at Manukau and it took an hour to get to Manurewa. Then made a big mistake and came off at the Bombays and it took a good 10 minutes, just to get out of the BP filling station.
On the way home, an accident on the harbour Bridge heading north.
In sharp contrast, left home about 6:05 this morning and it was a dream run, down to the motorway and on it. Traffic heavy at 3pm heading back and a crawl from about Tip Top corner.