CLASSES

ERC Series Class Structure - The Two Speed Groups rather than our earlier split of Saloons/Sports GTs.

The quicker group - Arrow Wheels Sports, Saloons & GTs - initially for pre 1977 (and run ons) European road-going Saloons, Sports & GTs with one or two additional cars that are considered acceptable (age or origin) no slower than 1:15 at Pukekohe in the dry. This is for experienced drivers only and cars are expected to have a better standard of safety equipment than the slower class. Roll cages whilst not currently mandatory are strongly advised. As there is a mix of small sports and large saloons, driver behaviour will be strictly monitored and over-driving will not be tolerated. There is a speed bar, now reduced to 1:05, and as this is considered a fast lap time, so any driver going faster will be asked to either detune their cars or leave the series. Any driver who beats the 1:05 will only score minimum points for that race or will be penalised as appropriate and will be spoken to by the series organisers! All points races are handicaps and therefore the overall winner could be anyone, but it is generally someone who attends all meetings and then discards their lowest score. Same applies to the next class. For the 2009/10 season, we are also allowing in factory Turbo models and a limited number of Retro Classics with classic engine transplants but their numbers may be limited so as to not bias the series against traditional sports cars such as Morgan, TR8 etc.

AES/TradeZone Classics - for pre 1977 (and run ons) European road-going Saloons, Sports & GTs lapping no faster than 1:13 and no slower than 1:26 and also subject to a bit of latitude on an individual basis due to previous involvement with the previous Arrow Wheels series. Drivers can be experienced but for totally new drivers, they must have some track experience (Classic Trial or race) and be able to consistently lap faster than 1:26. Classic Trials cater for drivers slower than 1:20, so this is seen as a natural progression for those easing themselves into competitive motorsport with a classic car...

Drivers who lap between 1:16 and 1:13 will either be allocated a speed group on the basis of car size; (larger cars to Arrows group) or safety equipment; or to balance the size of the grids. Generally, group allocations will remain for the duration of the season. Drivers may choose to be in the faster or slower grids but the organisers will have the final say.... Don't they always...

Drivers are reminded that tyres are to be road legal (DoT rated) and no slicks or bald tyres are allowed. This is a road-going series and drivers need to present a car which is to WoF standard and has the interior door panels, passenger seat and lights - back and front. Lights must be switched on in wet weather and due to the amount of overtaking, that front lighting is essential. If taped, headlights must still be visible. With immediate effect, all cars must now use a minimum 4 point harness.

Started in this basic format in 1996, the series continues to attract more members each season, due mainly to its friendly competitors and the lack of restrictive technical rules - and a handicap structure which leads to close race finishes. Over 100 drivers were registered by the end of the last three seasons, making it possibly the largest classic race series in New Zealand and certainly the most successful.

Auckland Engineering Supplies - part of the TradeZone group have sponsored group 1 since 2007/08

Due to the growth in interest, the time came for a split so that there was initially a Sports/GT grid and a separate Saloon grid. In 2001/2002, we welcomed a new sponsor, Tracer Interiors and Construction. The series is still two grids but is now split so that the faster cars are now in the Arrow Wheels group, our new sponsors for 2009/10.

Arrow Wheels are our new sponsors, having been involved in the classic scene for a couple of years with another series

Greg Bellingham was formerly a co owner and well known on the NZ race scene, particularly with the NZ V8 series. Greg is a long time Jaguar supporter so his current competition car is a Jaguar XJS.

Our first commercial sponsor was Leisuretime Spa & Pool Covers, of Albany, who supported us from 1997 to 2007. Geoff Bonham also ran an MGB GT in the series so it was good to see the sponsor actively involved. The car has since been sold - first to me and then to Derek Moore, adn is now once again for sale. Click on the image to go directly to Leisuretime's web site.

There is NO such thing as the right to a permanent race number, but before you enter or make a request, email for a list of currently used numbers or click on this link to view - entrants.

If you are a Targa competitor, it makes sense to use the same number for racing. The transponder based system is now in place and all drivers need to buy or hire a transponder.

Previous series articles temporarily withdrawn for a rewrite for season 14. Please get in touch if required. Only for the barrack room lawyers. Our half page philosophy dragged out to several pages. Classes were overhauled for the 2004/2005 season, but the general structure and philosophy has been unchanged since 1996. With the change to Arrow Wheels sponsorship, we have allowed in cars previously registered for the previous Arrow Wheels Series.