Circuit Racing Categories

Street Car racing has been a sedan category at Wanneroo Raceway since 1978, when cars originally had to be road registered – hence the name Street Car.

Today, current Street Cars technical regulations allow quite highly modified vehicles with liberal freedom across most mechanical components. This freedom allows the car owner/builder to enjoy their own ideas of increasing vehicle performance without too many rules. Essentially, Street Cars are Sports Sedans but with a limited range of modifications.

”Outright” cars could be developing over 500hp, whereas under two litre cars develop around 200hp. Street Cars maintain restrictions on body modifications and aerodynamic aids allows the cars to be easily recognised. The cars are restricted to high performance [DOTrated] ”road legal” tyres, however these tyres are providing lap times in the Outright class in the 59 second bracket.

Street Car racers choose from a wide variety of makes to include: Mazda, Nissan, Ford, Datsun, BMW, Subaru, Honda, Mitsubishi and Holden, and are steered by both female and male drivers.

To enter Street Car racing a hot 2 litre Honda, Escort or BMW could circulate quickly and provide you with lots of thrills and enjoyment in motor racing. Of Course, if your budget allows, you can mix it with the big horsepower cars.

Mostly, Street Cars race in the same event as Sports Sedans & Sports Cars, but compete for their own point scores and trophies.

The Street Car Racing Association always welcomes new members with support and advice to help you get onto the track.

Street Car Racing Association of WA

President – Craig Maloney 

Formula Vee Racing provides the thrill of fiercely competitive open wheeler single seat motor racing at a budget cost using a

 Volkswagen Beetle for donor parts. Permitted modifications are minimal –the emphasis is on driver skill rather than budget. As a result, the class is the first proving ground in motor racing and has always been a stepping stone to higher levels of motorsport.

Racing a 1600 costs considerably more to purchase and run than the 1200’s – the Vee grid is split evenly between both classes and you will always be racing hard against someone whether you are near the front or the back. You will have every chance of being a front runner in the first season but this will be harder in the 1600’s.

Formula Vee Association of WA

President – Rod Lisson

This is a group interested in purpose built rear engine racing and sports/racing cars from 1960 up to the mid 90’s and formed in 2008 to help promote this class of car and to encourage new drivers into the sport.

Brabham, Lotus, Ralt and McLaren are among the many names synonymous with the period as racing cars evolved to rear engine layout and onwards to wings, slicks and ground effects. Current F Classic cars range from older Formula Ford cars to extremely fast and demanding winged machines which are often the fastest cars at WA race meetings.

The Formula Classic group has made many trips not only to the eastern states circuits like Philip Island and Eastern Creek but also further afield to race in New Zealand, South Africa, United Kingdom and Europe. This has helped enhance the experience of owning and driving these magnificent pieces of history.

Formula Classic Racing

Contact – Brian Searles

Formula Ford is the worlds premier junior development category in motor sport. Many of the current Supercars field raced in the Formula Ford category in their early careers, as did many Australian stars racing overseas, including WA’s own F1 star, Daniel Ricciardo, and Supercar driver Garth Tander. As an open wheeled racing car, Formula Fords comply with stringent rules designed to reduce costs for newcomers to the sport, and to allow every driver to compete on their own merits.

Every Formula Ford is constructed from a lightweight tubular space frame designed to maintain the highest levels of driver safety. Aerodynamic modifications, such as wings and spoilers, are prohibited.

A number of manufacturers both locally and internationally build Formula Ford cars. The most common being the French Mygale, British Van Diemen, Australia’s Spectrum chassis built in Melbourne, and Stealth cars built by Fastlane Racing in WA .

Potential competitors should note that WA Competition is for Formula Ford 1600 using the crossflow Ford Kent engine that has been with the category for over 30 years. The National Formula Ford Series also features the later and slightly more powerful Duratec motor, but the WA State competition is restricted to Kent engine cars to facilitate the largest competitor base possible.

The key to the category’s long-term success is the uniquely level playing field dictated by the performance parity rules, allowing the differing skills of the drivers to determine the victor. The relative parity between the vehicles also guarantees the category’s reputation for some of the most exciting and close racing to be seen on any Australian or International circuit.

WA Formula Ford

Contact – Andrew Goldie

HQ Holden Racing is one of the definitive entry level categories in Australia.

Providing the opportunity to enjoy close racing and develop race craft at an affordable price.

HQ Holden racing is a one make series based on the 202, 3 speed, 4 door sedan with front disc brakes as produced by GMH between 1971 and 1974. The class has been designed to produce close racing at a minimum cost.

HQ racing in W.A. continues to attract new and old blood into the category. With large grids at each meeting and the only state to run a reverse grid race, we put on some exciting racing!

Such an iconic vehicle, racing in a competition controlled to ensure competitiveness has created a following, which is steadily increasing. Spectators love watching the HQ’s rubbing door handles in the return to a style of racing where overtaking is possible almost anywhere on the circuit.

Regulations ensure that all cars are presented in the same manner, and that all competitors compete on an equal plain. Some items, camshafts, springs, shock absorbers and tyres are controlled items, which keeps competition close and costs contained. Major components, engine, gearbox and diff are examined and sealed on assembly, ensuring adherence to the rules.

HQ Racing WA

Contact – Michael Howlett

Saloon Car racing is a six cylinder Holden v Ford entry level category available at an affordable cost, which makes it an ideal 

place to start for people who want to get into motorsport.

The series originally started in the 90’s using VN Commodores and EA Falcons, and has since expanded into the newer VT Commodore and AU Falcon. Saloon Cars are a controlled class with tyres, suspension, brakes and other components the same across every car in the field. Additionally, mechanical modifications are strictly limited and controlled in the interests of affordable competition.

Saloon Cars WA can be seen at most major race meetings at Wanneroo Raceway, as well as the separate National series for Saloon Cars which runs at a number of tracks in different states including Bathurst. 

Saloon Cars WA

Contact – Justin Chaffey

A Sports Sedan must be derived from a mass-produced car where more than 5000 examples of the model have been built in one year. Naturally, each Sports Sedan must be fitted with a roll cage and include all other safety features and an engine size restricted to 6 litres capacity.

These ‘wild and winged’ Sports Sedans are motor racing’s most modified machines. Under most generously broad rules, constructors can build wild and wonderful works of mechanical art that originated from the family car.

The Sports Sedans category is one where freedom of expression is regarded as a legitimate means to an end – and that end is performance, and lots of it.

WA Sports Sedans & Street Cars Association

Contact – Ron Moller

Built to CAMS 2A& 2B specifications, cars range from almost standard road registered entries to highly modified turbo Porsche’s and purpose built sports/racing cars. There is a place on the grid for everyone. The class provides extremely close and exciting racing.

The CAMS WA Sports Cars Championship is a CAMS sanctioned state championship for drivers of cars complying with CAMS manual specifications for automobiles 2A Sports Cars.  The Sports Car Category is made up of two-seater sports racing cars and other highly modified cars. Unlike Sports Sedans, these cars are of free construction with no engine size limitations, the use of many electronic aids and no body work restrictions other than having 2 identical seats, mudguards covering 2/3rds of the wheel and comply with CAMS general regulations.

The open slather style of rulebook allows for highly performance custom built race cars and modified production style race cars.

WA Sports Sedans & Street Cars Association

Contact – Ron Moller

The mainstay of the Historic racing movement in Australia, good fields of Historic Touring Cars (HTC) are seen in every State and WA is no exception. In WA we race CAMS Groups Na (pre 1958), Nb (1959 – 1965) and Nc (1966 – 1972) featuring Touring Cars of both 2 and 4 door configuration that were raced in Australia in those years.

Typical fields feature mostly Nb & Nc cars with V8 powered Camaros, Mustangs, Monaros and Falcon GT’s running at the front, closely pursued by such as Torana XU1, Lotus Cortina, BMW 2002, Mini Cooper S etc. The cars are heavily modified for racing, but crucially these modifications are only as was allowed “in period”. Thus no modern fuel injection and computerised ECU’s are allowed, period gearboxes styles and engines must be retained and the cars race on treaded R Spec tyres.

New competitors wishing to build up a “new” vehicle for the category should be fully informed of all category eligibility rules prior to commencing the build. Contributing significantly to the popularity of the Group N competition is the fact that actual cars taking part do not need a period competition history (as is the case in many Historic categories). It is perfectly fine to build up a Lotus Cortina, Mustang etc from a well preserved road going example so long as the Group N rules are adhered to.

WA Historic Touring Car Club

Contact – Randle Beavis

Definition: A race vehicle derived from a registered production automobile, with limited modifications to improve performance and reliability in speed events on circuits. To be eligible, the models of vehicles must be or have been mass-produced touring cars.

Classes: 0 – 1600cc, 1601 – 2000cc, 2001 – 3000cc, 3001 – 6000cc.

Allowable Modifications: The allowed modifications are restricted when it comes to chassis and suspension improvements, but allows significant freedom in engine, gearbox and brakes. The full regulations can be had from the CAMS Manual of Motor Sport. 3rd Category -Touring Cars Group 3 J Improved Production Cars.

Reasons for choosing Improved Production Racing: For the competitors it offers an opportunity to compete at local, club level and national events. On top of which, there is the opportunity to compete at iconic race tracks such as Phillip Island 

Bathurst on a yearly basis, if your budget allows.

Importantly, being a National category, IPC allows the car owner, when they finally want to hang up the helmet or move on to another car, the opportunity to try and sell the car to an Australia wide market.

To the spectator IP racing offers a very wide range of cars to enjoy, from old school Escorts and Mazda’s to the very latest Monaro and Commodore rocket ships and very quick 2 litre Hondas.

Improved Production Racing Association of WA

Contact – Laurie D’Alessio

F1000 is the fastest category racing in WA. The cars provide the newest and most technological advanced open wheel racing for the amateur, whilst avoiding carbon-tub costs and associated access restrictions, in favour of a more user-friendly space frame chassis. Drive comes from a 1000cc Super Bike power train in a largely standard form.

The series started in the US in 2006, then spread to the UK and Europe.  Strength of competition and many technological breakthroughs in chassis and aerodynamic design has enticed global manufacturers such as Firman, JKS and Stohr to develop cars and push the boundaries of this formula. Importantly, the class is now both FIA and CAMS recognised. This has seen major improvements in safety specification which now meet FIA standards.  All this, and the use of cost effective 185 HP motorcycle engines in a high downforce 475 Kg package provides an outstanding power to weight ratio.  The latest paddle shifter technology, with auto-blip on downshift, data logging etc, will bring the ultimate experience to the amateur or those destined for F4, F3 and beyond.

An F1000 drive will provide a visual and sensory experience for those ready to meet the challenge of forces close to 3G.

Contact – Jordan Oon

The newest class in WA is the Excel Cup which features Hyundai Excel vehicles lightly modified for racing, somewhat similar to Saloon Cars or HQs. Eligible vehicles are Excel X 3 models made between 1/7/94 & 30/6/00 and fitted with the G4Fk or G4Ek motor.

Whilst some freedoms are allowed in the area of suspension, racing Excels must use a standard motor, ECU and bodywork. This makes for close and relatively cheap racing which particularly appeals to younger drivers on limited budgets. As a result the class has grown rapidly and they now have enough entries for their own races at WASCC events.

WA Excel Cup

Contact – Lisa Grainger

Regularity Trials are an ideal way to enjoy motor sport without purchasing a purpose built race car.  Regularity Trials are not races.  The club conducts Regularity Trials each year and we encourage non-racing members and officials to attend and have an enjoyable day.  The requirements are:

    License: The minimum Licence requirement is a CAMS Level 2 Licence.  A Level 2 Licence costs $125 and is valid for 12 months; application forms are available from the Club.

    Vehicle Requirements: Basic vehicle requirements are a fire extinguisher mounted in the vehicle and a blue triangle sticker advising where the battery is located.  Competition number.

    Clothing: Fire resistant overalls are recommended. Minimum dress standard at Regularity Events is clothing that extends from ankles to neck to wrists.  Clothing and footwear of flammable synthetic material, such as nylon, is not acceptable.  Drivers whenever on the circuit must wear a safety helmet.

A Regularity Trial is conducted on a permanent or temporary circuit.  There are two permanent circuits, Wanneroo Raceway (short and long circuits) and the Collie Motorplex in Collie.  Two temporary circuits are used by the Vintage Sports Car Club at Northam and Albany.

In Regularity Trials, competitors are grouped in classes; Historic Cars 1920s to 1950s; Historic Production Sports Cars 1950s to late 1970s; Historic Touring Cars 1950s to mid-1970s, historic and modern open wheeler and open sports cars and finally modern sedan/sports cars.  The maximum number of cars permitted on a track is between 25 and 30 – depending upon the circuit and group of cars.

After the 10-minute practice session each competitor nominates a lap time that they will circulate the track.  The object of a Regularity Trial is to circulate as close as possible to your nominated time.  For each second of each lap you are below (faster) your nominated time you receive 2 penalty points.  For each second of each lap you are above (slower) your nominated time you receive 1 penalty point.  The winner of the event is the driver with the least penalty points.  Hence, you do not need to have the fastest car to win the event.

Unlike most races which are standing starts, that is cars positioned stationary on the start/finish straight waiting for the extinguishing of the red light to signify the start of the race, Regularity Trials are flying starts.  Cars proceed onto the track via the north ramp in single file behind the Safety Car for a warm up lap.  At the last corner the Safety Car withdraws to pit lane and competitors will be shown a green light/waved green flag to signify the start of the event.  Each event is between 4 and 5 laps in duration.

The WA Sporting Car Club conducts a Regularity Trial series in which competitors are able to score points towards end of season awards.

All drivers must complete and sign the Entry form.  Entry forms are available before the events and generally close the week of the event.

With up to 30 cars on the track, electronic timing is used and competitors are required to fit a timing transmitter to their vehicle with cable ties.  If you do not have a timing transmitter a unit will be loaned to you.  If the transmitter is damaged, you are responsible for the repair or replacement of the transmitter.

Any person, in the view of an official, found to be racing might be removed from the circuit.  The day is about achieving the least penalty points by lapping as close as possible to your nominated time not racing another competitor on the track or trying to attain the fastest speed.

Previous experience in motor sport, although helpful, is not essential with most of the skills and knowledge of officiating gained largely from experience, whether it be in a specialised field such as vehicle scrutiny, flag marshalling or administration.

When you start you will be teamed with experienced officials, and learn how to do most things “on the job”.  As you gain more experience, the opportunity will arise to further your skills and development as a qualified Motorsport Australia official.  These qualifications are recognised around Australia and the world through Motorsport Australia affiliation with the FIA, so not only can you help out at your local racing venues, but quite possibly officiate at international events such as a Formula 1 Grand Prix!

As a volunteer you will get to work with a great bunch of folks of a variety of ages and backgrounds, all of whom will share your passion for motorsport.

Volunteering your time as an official can also help those wishing to carve a career in the racing industry as a mechanic, engineer or potential race manager for a top motor sport team.  Becoming an official gives you a great understanding of how the industry works and displays your dedication and determination to succeed.

Become a motor sport official today!  For more information about becoming a motor sport official contact the WA Sporting Car Club’s administration via telephone, fax, e-mail or visit www.motorsport.org.au