What is Historic Motor Racing

Motor sport commenced in Queensland in the 1920s and took the form of Sprints and Hill Climbs (Mt Gravatt and One Tree Hill - MT Coot-tha). The law forbade racing on public roads, but a “high speed reliability trial” was run at Woody Point on the Redcliffe Peninsula in 1936. An account of the event in 1996 by the winner, Mr Nim Love (Alvis Sports) and other competitors verify that in fact this event was a real race, and as such was the first held in Queensland.

After World War 2, several airfields became available - Strathpine, Lowood and Leyburn, and road racing was finally established; AGPs were held at Leyburn 1949, Southport 1954 and Lowood 1960. Lakeside and Surfers Paradise were purpose built road racing circuits and many important races such as AGPs, 12 Hr Sports Car & Touring Car Championships were run.

Historic Motor Racing is all about recreating these past activities as closely as possible. Unfortunately old motor racers do not live forever, but many of the cars, the memorabilia and the places can be preserved. Historic racing provides the opportunity for amateur drivers to race Historic Cars in an atmosphere similar to that enjoyed in the various historic periods. It also involves the collection, preservation and historic documentation of these cars.

Originally only actual cars that raced were eligible for Historic Racing. Now pre WW2 styled racing cars can be created using parts from the period, and the production Touring and Sports Cars can cover the period 1941 - 1977. No previous history is necessary. Strict guidelines apply.

History of The HRCC

The Historic Racing Car Club (Qld) Inc. was formed in early 1990's with the amalgamation of two similar racing clubs.

These Clubs were the Historic Racing Register (Qld) that catered for Sports Cars and Racing Cars that had a racing history, as well as Production Based Sports Cars. The other Club was the Queensland Appendix J Association.(named after the racing classification of the era). This organisation catered for Production Based Touring Cars up to the end of 1965. The cars were replicas of the cars that raced in the period and most did not have a specific racing history.

As time moves on new groups of cars become eligible for Historic Racing which has led to remarkable growth and interest in the Sport. The HRCC now caters for all types of cars, Open Wheel Racing Cars, Sports Cars (purpose built and production) and Touring Cars The Club is part of a network of clubs with similar objectives and guidelines that operate in other States of Australia.

Aims and Objectives of The HRCC

  1. Encourage the preservation of Motor Racing History, especially pertaining to Queensland; the cars, competitor memorabilia, publications, programmes, photographs, films and results and compile a register of all Historic vehicles in Queensland.

  2. Actively promote and support Historic Racing and competitive events and welcome public interest and involvement.

  3. Improve the standards of driving through participation in Historic Motor Sport by encouraging participation in Races, Sprints and Regularity Events and to foster driver education safety and courtesy on the road and track.

  4. Provide a forum for the exchange of technical information, literature and spare parts so that Historic Racing Cars can be preserved, restored, maintained, reconstructed and used in the best historic tradition.

  5. Schedule a number of General Meetings, guest speakers, social events and static displays for members and friends in order to develop mutual interests, friendships, co-operation and club spirit between members.

  6. Publish a Club Journal or Newsletter of sufficient frequency to communicate details of forthcoming events, Club news and items of interest.

  7. Provide representation of Club members 'views and concerns to CAMS, the Historic Commission and its Committees and Councils.



Activities
  • Organise and promote Historic Race Meetings, Sprints and Hill Climbs at various venues in Queensland.

  • Encourage member participation in other Historic Race Meetings and Sprints organised by kindred Historic Clubs in Australia.

  • Participation in static Car Displays at Motor Shows and other Car Club functions.

  • Conduct monthly General Meetings and social events during the year.

  • Organise training days for competitors and officials