Even to car guys, a lot of modern racing is boring because there simply isn’t a lot of differentiation in the actual cars. Sanctioning bodies have made the rules so strict that in many cases the cars are basically identical. That’s why the Improved Production class in Australia is so fascinating.
We posted some clips last year of IPRA support races surrounding the Bathurst 12 Hour enduro, and loved the spectacle of cars from all eras and makes duking it out together. Glance at the grid and you’ll see a Datsun 510, B110 Sunny, Mazda RX-3, and SA22 RX-7 — and that’s just the 70s cars. From the 80s, you have AE86s and Nissan S13 and S14 Silvias, but all these four-bangers and rotaries are going head-to-head against modern Ford Falcons, BMW 3-Series, Lancer Evos, and Toyota GT86es.
The first IPRA races of 2018 have just finished, run as support events for the Adelaide 500. There were four in total, all were fairly short, giving teams time to fix their cars for another attempt at glory. The series allows any road cars, as long as 200 or more examples have been sold in Australia. Modifications are welcome.
The races don’t always play out the way you’d expect. For example, Ray Hislop’s V8 Falcon is a beast on the straights and takes the win in Round One after an AE86 that’s been dogging him the whole race breaks down. In the second round, however, that same AE86 driven by Chris Brown manages to take the checkered flag in a reversal of fortune. Round Three is won by a Mazda RX-7, and so on.
We will admit, it is a bit painful watching a Mazda R100 crash or an AE86s head towards a wall. They are probably a bit more plentiful in Australia than they are in the States, but still. Regardless, it’s eminently entertaining to see such a diverse field of cars all competing together, televised, with color commentary. Some things are just better in Oz.
Thanks to Andrew H. for the tip!
Too bad they run backwards and sit on the wrong side…
Dennis, you win the comments section for today.
Actually, we literally sit on the right side when driving a car in Australia. What’s your excuse?
That’s right, stick it to those Yankees!!!! 😉
And let me add one………we can say “aluminium” properly too. Oh, & please explain…..Donald Trump?????
Still, Japan & us can’t both be wrong on the correct side of which to place our butt when in a car!
All jokes America, we love ya! 🙂 Now don’t tariff our steel exports 🙂
It only looks incorrect when viewed from your vantage point. If you take a globe and turn it upside down, you’ll see it’s oriented properly.
That’s why the IPRA rules permit sticky tyres.
Awesome !!
I own several right hand drive cars, they present a unique problem driving in the “States”. Passing is the biggest (and sometimes most exciting) problem on a two lane road. Really enjoyed the videos, I only wish there was a bigger representation of JNC cars in our Vintage Racing series.
Michael we in America DO NOT have to explain anything to you, just like you in WHEREVER you are do not have to explain to us.
Simple right?
Yep, very simple Dan.
Sorry if I may have caused you some offence. I would have thought by the amount of “smileys” used that my light-heartedness would have been conveyed properly.
We, (Ozzies, Australians, people-from-the-land-down-under) always like to joke back when joked on first (original comment by Dennis).
Please enjoy your day, & JNC life! 🙂 My apologies & kindest regards, Michael.
Great write up Ben! Thanks for sharing.