| Pre65
Saloon Racing had its beginnings at Levels Raceway in Timaru, Labour
weekend 1979, headed by enthusiasts who wanted to recreate the halcyon
days of 1960s motor sport in New Zealand and around the globe. The
class flourished in the South Island in the early days. Then in 1989
Pre65 Racing headed North under the guidance of North Island Club
founder John Alley. Kumho Tyres Pre65 Racing Saloons has since evolved
into being one of the most popular classes currently running in NZ
motorsport with David versus Goliath battle with everything from the
Minis and Hillman Imps to the Ford Anglias and Cortinas
versus the V8 Mustangs and Falcons, Chevy Novas, Thunderbirds fighting
for track space with 6 Cylinder Holdens, Valliants and Zephyrs
a and everything in between. Exciting stuff for drivers and fans alike!
The
cars, are as the name suggests, restricted to vehicles produced
before the 31st December 1965. They must retain their original bodies,
block material, crankshaft stroke, heads and use gearbox housings
in production before Dec 1965. Limited slip differentials are not
allowed and brakes are heavily restricted too. However, contrary
to what people may first think, they are not simply 'hotted up'
classics parading around the track! - They are pure race cars, developed
to a point that most, if not all are superior in performance and
development to any similar car racing in the sixties and then raced
hard! All drivers take the upmost pride in the vehicles and many
wouldnt be out of place winning awards at Classic Car Shows!
Check them out next time at the track to see the workmanship and
engineering that has been put into these stunning older race cars.
A
huge crowd favourite, Kumho Tyres Pre65 Racing Saloons main point
of difference to the confusing one make type of racing
is, first and foremost the cars Full grids of beautifully
presented 1960s race cars, and the race structure, with a fastest
to the front grid race followed by 2 handicap races. Where else
can you see 500bhp monsters chasing down small capacity Minis, Anglias
and A40 Farinas over 8 action packed laps? The Kumho Tyres Pre65
Racing Saloons (North Island) currently has over 35 cars competing
throughout the season at all the top events on the motorsport calendar,
furthermore the class has been voted in the top 3 most popular classes
at every meeting they have attended by the paying public. A feat
the majority of the Motorsport NZ championship classes would love
to emulate.....
Kumho
Pre65 Racing Saloons (inc) is a professionally run and managed organisation
that is 100% member focused and driven. We are a Motorsport NZ fully
Sanctioned Series as well as an Independent Racing Club Summer Tour
(IRC) member, thus having the benefit of all the high profile North
Island racing events. We encourage new members, returning drivers
or members in another series with eligible vehicles to join our
club. Our committee, technical department and drivers are all very
friendly and approachable enthusiasts who are more than willing
to lend a hand and share advice to new members.
If
you are considering joining the class, purchasing a current car
(there are always cars for sale in all price ranges) or building
up a car to compete in this dynamic form of racing, please take
a look at the following documents and talk to a committee member
or technical representative they are always willing to assist.
Otherwise see you at a track near you soon!
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