Dr Datto Motorsport

Datsun Restorations & Modifications - Gold Coast, Queensland - Australia

MOTORSPORT INFORMATION

 we get many phone calls in regards to how to join clubs and enter some events so here's a little helpful information:-

AUTOCROSS is a form of motorsport that emphasizes safe, low-cost competition and active participation. Autocross is a timed competition where drivers navigate one at a time through a temporary course marked by traffic cones, rather than racing on a track with multiple other cars, as in road racing or oval racing. Autocross tends to place more emphasis on car handling and driver skill than on sheer horsepower, and events typically have many classes which allow almost any vehicle, from economy sedans to purpose-built vehicles, to compete. Speeds are slower in absolute terms when compared to other forms of motorsports, usually not exceeding highway speeds, but the activity level (measured in discrete turns per minute) can be higher than even Formula One due to the large number of elements packed into each course. Autocross courses are typically 40 to 70 seconds in length. In addition to being a national-level motorsport in its own right, autocrossing is a good way to learn skills that transfer to road racing, as drivers learn vehicle control and club ethics.

DIRT SPRINTS are held utilising both the shorter (Autocross) and the longer (Short Circuit) track. Competition is similar to Autocross, with the day comprising a number of two lap runs on a variety of tracks, that can include, but is not limited to, the FWD and Reverse directions on the Autocross track, and the Clockwise (FWD) of the longer track. At the discretion of the organisers they can (and do) utilise combinations of both tracks to keep everyone guessing. The witches hats still line the track, however penalties are usually only awarded for deliberate short cutting of the track. Be warned - it is discressionary. Each track is normally run twice, with the best time used. On a normal day there would be 6 runs, with only three counting.  Gives everyone a chance to really try hard and mess up!!! The same basic rules apply to Dirt Sprints as Autocross.

THE INTERCLUB CHALLENGE is a club versus club challenge at a number of disciplines.  Most clubs that enter, organise an event of their choosing. This gives each club a "home ground" advantage once during the challenge. There are 7 events organised this year. It is a good chance to try something different. Events range from Hillclimb, Motorkhana, Autocross, Khanacross, Night Navigation Runs and sprints at Queensland Raceway. For more on the Interclub Challenge info see www.icq.org.au

CLASSES

CLASSES are split by engine capacity for any Two Wheel Drive (2WD) vehicle, whether Front Wheel Drive (FWD) or Rear Wheel Drive (RWD).

Four Wheel Drive (4WD) vehicles have a separate class as they have a traction advantage with all four wheels putting down the power.

Vehicles may be registered, or unregistered. See How to Start for some conditions.

Ipswich also runs a separate ladies class designed for the not too serious femmes, and there is a dedicted Junior class for the young to have some fun in a controlled environment.

The following classes are for 2WD cars (vehicles below are just examples, you could be driving something unlisted

A Class - up to 1600cc Many late model Front Wheel Drives (FWD) eg Civic,  Laser, 323, Corolla and some Rear Wheel Drives (RWD) eg Datsun 1600 (if still a 1600 engine, Early Celicas, some Escorts, Galant/Lancer.

B Class - 1601 - 2000cc Late Model, mainly FWD, cars such as Honda Integras, some Laser/323s/Corollas, Early model Datsuns/Nissan, Escorts, Celicas, Mazda 626 (FWD and RWD),Galant/Lancer with bigger engines, Sigma, Mazda RX series with a 10a engine.

C Class - 2001 - 3000cc Mainly RWDs VL Commodores, Skylines, 240K, 240/260/280Z, Sigmas with the big 2.6 engine, Toranas with a 173 (2900cc) engine, Mazda RX series cars fitted with a 12a or 13B engine, Magnas with the small V6, Camry V6

D Class - 3001cc and over Mainly RWD Commodores (all V6/V8 models, and some earlier), Falcons, Big V6 Magnas, Starion Turbo, any Turbo with an engine capacity over 1760cc, Toranas, Skyline Turbo, 180/200SX/Silvia, Soarer, Supra.  Occassionally people surprise us by turning up in a Cobra kit car! Light weight, injected V8, nice noise, better suited to bitumen!

The next class is for 4WD Vehicles:-

E Class - 4WD Turbo or non Turbo Mainly WRX, EVO Lancer, Mazda Familia, 323 4WD, Landcruiser, Ford Territory etc Doesn't matter what capacity.   We have even had an R32 Skyline GTR - Awesome!!  Also a Holden Cross 8, Gen 111 V8 and 4WD, huge ute.

For the younger generation:-  Junior - For 14yrs to 17yrs, no 4WD Turbo cars

For light hearted female competitors:-  Strictly Ladies - Any Vehicle

eg A Nissan 200SX is a 2000cc (2 litre) engine, multiply by 1.7 = 3400cc ,which places it in D Class.

eg 10a (R100, RX3) (just under 1000cc) x 1.8 = 1800cc,  which is in B class, 12a (RX2, early RX7)(1200cc) x 1.8 = 2160cc,

and 13B (RX4, RX5, late RX7)(1300cc) x 1.8 = 2340cc which are both C Class.

LOCAL CAMS AFFILIATED CLUBS

For more information on Event Dates, Club General Meetings, Contact Lists, Newsletters, Photos, Club Fees, Membership Forms go to these websites of local clubs we recommend

if you need help in downloading club membership forms or CAMS forms email missdatsun@hotmail.com and we can email or fax these forms to you

 

GOLD COAST TWEED MOTORSPORTING CLUB

website - www.gctmc.org.au

Contacts: President Ron King 0414180546 or email kingrm@bigpond.com

Postal Address: PO Box 8582, Bundall Qld 4217

Next GCTMC Club General Meeting - 15 July 2009 from 7.30pm

Merrimac High School, Dunlop Court, Broadbeach Waters

IPSWICH WEST MORETON AUTO CLUB

website - www.iwmac.org.au

Contacts: President John Connell & Treasurer Jan Connell 07 5467 2434

(John 0438 161 434 or Jan 0438 161 435) or email jan@iwmac.org.au

Postal Address: PO Box 112, Ipswich Qld 4305

HOW TO START - REQUIREMENTS TO RACE

The clubs operate under the controlling motor sport body, CAMS (Confederation of Australian Motor Sports) As such most rules we operate under are found at www.cams.com.au but listed is a few of the basic requirements that will see you started

You must be a member of a CAMS club and have a CAMS licence. The application form can be dowloaded from the CAMS website. You can also complete the forms on the day of your first event if needed. If you want to try with less experience a one day CAMS licence can be obtained. 

The Car:

Pretty much any vehicle that will pass a basic safety check (not roadworthy check) Some of the items checked are: 

  • Seats not broken and bolted in OK. (So you can drive without the seat moving, and it shouldn't move if you have an off)
  • Seat belts work and not damaged (So they won't let you fall out if you do have a little oops!)
  • Two return springs on throttle (so throttle will still return to off if one breaks)
  • Positive battery terminal is covered by at least electrical tape (to stop chance of sparking), and battery secured.
  • If registered, you must present an extension letter from your Compulsory Third Party insurer stating the car and the event. Just go in to an office, or try by phone - it isn't hard (Suncorp is free)
  • Tyres not showing wire/canvas/obvious sidewall damage. Also no rally/off road tyres. Normal road tyres are fine.
  • Fire Extinguisher at least 0.9kg, with a metal mount (not plastic like a lot of really cheap ones) Should be 40-50 dollars. Must be in date, ie on the bottom there is normally a year stamped. Must be within 3 years.
  • If you have an electric fuel pump it must switch off when the engine stalls ( so it can't pump fuel out of a broken fuel line in an incident). If you have an unmodified late model car it will have this from factory.

Yourself :

Drugs/alcohol are strictly prohibited in motorsport, and CAMS has the authority has the authority to conduct random checks at any CAMS event.

  • You don't need a road licence at all. But if you don't have one, get someone to bring you out!
  • Minimum age for junior competition is 14 years. Seniors are 17 and over.
  • Clothing that covers you from ankle to wrist, and is not synthetic. (eg Cotton overalls or Jeans and long T-shirt), covered footwear (also not synthetic), so no thongs, but joggers good. Gloves optional.
  • Full or open face helmet that complies with ASA1698, (Aus Standard for helmets).  There is a sticker somewhere on the helmet that shows ASA1698, and any motorsport shop will carry good helmets.. 
  • You must be a member of a CAMS affiliated club and also hold a basic CAMS licence.  These can be arranged on your first day, and there is a one day CAMS licence if you want to try with a reduced cost.