This is a favourite category within Repco’s The Garage office, but what’s not to like about it?
Powerful muscle cars drifting, screeching and all out spectacular on the race track. It is heaven for race fans down under.
Although it is a category set-up in a similar spirit to Australia’s own Touring Car Masters class, as demonstrated when the NZ Central Muscle Cars travelled to Bathurst a few times, these beasts are vastly different.
Formed in 2003, the NZ Central Muscle Cars was set up by a group of enthusiasts aiming to set-up a class for classic models. This grew rapidly as a larger competitor base emerged wanting to race the best muscle cars on offer from America and Australia, which was parallel with the category’s fanbase.
A wide array of models manufactured between 1958-1978 and where 1000 were built in a calendar year define the eligibility. Entries fit into Group 1 and 2, while the driver must own their car to compete in the series.
Group 1 is split into A and B where freedoms include wheel size of up to 17”x11”, installation of composite panels are permitted including a front spoiler and brakes are limited to 6-pot calipers on the front and 4-pot rear.
A is the top class, while B is a second tier to the same regulations.
Group 2 is aimed for a purist with limited bodywork modifications, while wheels are limited to 17”x9” and a maximum of 4-pot brakes all round.
Previous competitors in top line Kiwi motorsport including Angus Fogg, Andy Booth and driver in Group A, Bruce Anderson are among a field of entries representing Holden, Ford, Chevrolet, Mercury, Pontiac and Chrysler.
Some of these liveries represent previous Bathurst winners including the Chickadee Commodore of 1986, the last of the ‘Big Banger’ HDT VKs from the previous, even some Australian flavour such as Larry Perkins’ ENZED Commodore and even the Anderson Pinepak livery from the local touring car scene.
The NZ Central Muscle Cars race at the top circuits in the country including the soon to be closed Pukekohe, Manfeild, Taupo and Hampton Downs across the summer period. The season kicks off at Pukekohe supporting the Repco Supercars Championship on September 9-11.
Modified more than the similar Touring Car Masters category in Australia, these cars are extremely quick as proven by Fogg’s lap of Bathurst a few years ago at a 2m 14.852s. In comparison, Steve Johnson in Mustang Sally set the Touring Car Masters lap record at 2m 16.484s.
If you’re not watching this category, you better!