Letter to Historic Commission

Proposed Breakerless Ignition for Group S

Justification: 

• Lack of parts for 60’s period points ignition systems

• Increased reliability by discarding points and condenser

• Lower maintenance costs by maintaining an accurate timing

• Does not change the visually “period correct” look of Group S cars

Why differ from Group Nc/Nb Approval: 

• “Two wire” Nc/Nb approval eliminates most electronic ignition systems currently on market – Pertronix is virtually the only option

• “Two wire” Nc/Nb approval precludes some Group S cars from using electronic ignitions because of lack of adapter kits and/or lack of space around distributor

•  Remote module is in keeping with Sc/Sb period practise, as it was a common aftermarket fitment

Proposed Group S Approved Ignition System: 

• Distributor to be of same type but not necessarily same brand as supplied by manufacturer

• Points and condenser may be removed

• Electronic components may be used to replace points and condenser functions

• A remote module may be used but it must be located under bonnet where it can be scrutinised

• The coil may be replaced by a high energy coil

• Ignition advance shall be restricted to mechanical actuation within the distributor

• Traction control, launch control, computer control of ignition advance curves, etc, are banned

Why Extend Approval to Group Sa: 

• Group Sa has the same problem of parts availability as Group Sb

• Group Sa should also benefit from increased reliability and lower maintenance costs as well as Group Sb

• Group Sa frequently race with Group Sb

• To not extend to Group Sa is a disincentive for competitors to race Sa cars at a time when Group Sa needs new blood

GSRA consultation with Historic Commission regarding Group Sh

 John Young and I were delegated by the GSRA Committee to attend the CAMS Historic Commission meeting of 23rd April in Sydney to discuss the proposal to introduce Group Sh into Group S.

The sentiment expressed to the Historic Commission was generally in accordance with the majority view registered by the GSRA membership in the recent GSRA Member Questionnaire. While the GSRA supports any initiative that assists to get old racing cars out of sheds, the GSRA was opposed to any outcome that would undermine the key eligibility criteria for Group S. 

At the Commission, discussion took place as to how many candidate cars might be involved in the proposal, and with what modifications. There was considerable uncertainty over this. The GSRA also expressed considerable concern over the open-ended nature of the Group Sh eligibility criteria. The widespread concern within Group S over the proposal was noted. 

Although the minutes of the Historic Commission meeting are yet to be published, the GSRA understands that the Historic Commission will require far greater research about Group Sh before it can reconsider the matter. The GSRA may well be asked to work with Tony Caldersmith, Chairman of the Historic Eligibility Committee in this regard. 

Regards,

Brian Weston

Group “Sh” background information

The CAMS Historic Commission is seeking comments on the proposed introduction of a Group “Sh” class, with a view to having this class introduced in 2007. 

Essentially, the Historic Commission is proposing the following: 

“Vehicles of a type eligible for either Groups Sa, Sb or Sc which have a period competition history and which are presented in a period specification will be classified within the relevant historic sports and racing car group (i.e. Groups L, M, O or Q).   Such vehicles need not comply with the normal technical requirements of Group S but will be eligible to compete in events for Group Sh provided:  

• the vehicle has an Australian competition history established prior to 31 December 1981 in events which specifically catered for marque or production sports cars;
• the vehicle has been classified in either Group L, M, O or Q in the specification in which it competed in such events;
• approval has been given by the HEC for the notation Sh to be included on the vehicle’s C of D confirming the correct period specification;  and
• the vehicle is fitted with tyres approved for use in either Group L, M, O or S. The use of ‘slick’ tyres is not permitted when competing in Group Sh events.

Vehicles with an appropriate competition history established outside Australia may be eligible for Group Sh on individual application where the extent of modification from the standard vehicle specification is consistent with period regulations for production sports car racing in Australia.”(CAMS Historic Commission minutes, August 2005) 

Your views are being sought via the questionnaire which has been sent to GSRA members. This issue has been raised by the Historic Commission several times previously and has been given the “thumbs down” by the majority of Group S competitors. However, it is important to seek the views of the Group S Racing Association membership in order for the association to provide a formal and current point of view to the Historic Commission. 

What follows is a summary of the pros and cons which have been used in discussions on this topic to date.

Group S History Wanted

The information regarding Group S history contained within this web site has been compiled from the recollections of competitors. If you have additional information, photos etc. we would welcome your contribution to this most important aspect of our sport.