Just as when Australia had a divide in its touring car formula during the early-1990s when super touring and the V8s, New Zealand created its own regulation set catering to the two-litre phenomena.
Schedule S was the regulation ruleset for New Zealand’s touring car title for nearly a decade following the demise of Group A in 1992.
Current Repco Supercars Championship Driver’s Standards Adviser Craig Baird dominated the title from 1994 until 1997 as part of Lyall Williamson’s BMW Motorsport concern, while also pursuing an international career in Super Touring as part of the German marque’s effort in South Africa.
The BMW 325i and 320i models won seven championships in a row as Brett Riley followed by Jason Richards continued Baird’s run at the top. Nissan took the title in 2001 with Richards, while Barrie Thomlinson in a Toyota Altezza ended the Schedule S era on top.
Based on a production style formula, the models competing featured limited aerodynamic aids and limited engine modifications to drive down costs. Engine power was approximately 200-220bhp, a stock gearbox, limited slip diff and 16” wheels
The racing proved popular as manufacturers including Nissan, Toyota, Ford and Alfa Romeo all participated. Drivers included Baird, Richards, Thomlinson, Riley, Angus Fogg, Geoff Short, Ashley Stitchbury, Paul Radisich, Julian Bailey and many more.
Competition was tight despite the BMW dominance as the Ford Telstars run by Allport Motorsport featured a 2.0-litre V6 instead of the 2.5-litre powerplant available to the New Zealand public, while Alfa Romeo entered 155s led by Stitchbury and Toyota bought in its BTCC driver Bailey to contest the championship against rival Radisich.
Even some made the trip to Bathurst for the final Super Touring 1000 in 1998.
Although by the turn of the millennium Schedule S entries dwindled due in part to the rise of NZ V8 Touring Cars and lack of manufacturer involvement, some of these entries still compete in the Archibald Historic Touring Cars NZ rounds on a regular basis.
Ford Telstars, Toyota Coronas, BMW 320is and an Alfa Romeo 155 remind New Zealanders of its own homegrown class, which had plenty of potential.