Sports Sedans

[FalconEL]

Originally Posted by Robert Ryan

THAT IS THE PROBLEMDoes it beat Ricciardello on a regular basis? Does it have a chance? Mate it is ancient ,1973 ,was 33 yrs ago!!!

Bit of a case of selective reading I think. Where did I say my CAR was 33 years old?? And do I really give a stuff if I beat Riccardello? I've answered that in another post. I've got no problem being four seconds per lap slower in qualifying (his times do come back to mine in a race), because I know the amount of time, money and effort that they put in far outweighs what I can invest in my car.

FFS, do a bit of research, my car is an EB/ED body mounted on our own spaceframe. Yes, it's 13-15 years old. As it currently stands, changing the body isn't going to make it four seconds per lap faster, but updating the shape is something we plan to do in the coming years. It's just not a priority right now. I actually like the EB/ED shape, that's why I run it. Another bonus, is that Phil Crompton, who used to run an EB before buying his Mustang, has since donated all the moulds etc. to us if we ever need to make new panels.

I personally think that Sports Sedans are akin to Drag Racings "Wild Bunch", where you see body shapes from all different eras custom built into rocketships that are designed to do what the original shape was never intended to do!! It's awesome seeing the 57 Chevs, 72 Monaros, XA/XB Falcon Wild Bunch Cars hammering down the strip. I also get the same buzz watching (although I don't get to see them much because I'm usually in the same race) the Alfetta, Nissan 300ZX, SAAB's etc. in Sports Sedans.

I think I said that my gearbox or the technology is 1973 technology. However, it just so happens that my Close Ratio Top Loader has very similar ratios to a Holinger 6-Speed, just less gears. I can make it live by looking after it. Also, the durable 9" is still being used in V8 Supercar competition today as it is by far the best option for taking 550-600hp reliably.

The block we use is a Cleveland with 4 Bolt Mains. Apart from the block which is a strong Aussie version produced in XE Falcons and F100/150's back in the early eighties, the remainder of the engine is always brand spanking new and the latest technology and developments go into it.

FYI, my time, money and energy is currently going into taking more weight out of the car and building a brand new engine. I will be at QLD Raceway and hopefully Oran Park as I was last year, and Shane Bradford will drive the car at Eastern Creek. Shane actually is that keen on the category, that he has just ordered a brand new 6 Speed Holinger that will be being swapped between his Mazda 323 and the Falcon until I am able to also order one. Another young guy who want to progress through the category.

Lastly, and I'm in the fortunate position of not having to justify what I do to ANYONE, it's guys like yourself Robert that are all TALK and no ACTION. Guys like you come and go all the time. Full of supposed brilliant ideas, but with absolutely no intestinal fortitude or $$$$$$ to put his money where his mouth is.

Originally Posted by Robert Ryan

Maybe I am coming from a different angle on this. I am very aware of the present situation, with Drivers, tight finances etc. What I am suggesting is SOMEONE trying to make it more than this. Well you never know, SOMEONE may take it to the next level.

Is this someone going to be you Robert??? I highly doubt it.

I will continue to race my car where and when I choose to do so for as long as possible. I aim to run a full National Series one day. However, in the meantime, if the National Series falls over due to lack of competitor support and we revert back to a one-off Sports Sedan Nationals similar to the Improved Production category as Amonfan has suggested, then so be it.

[racer69]

While not quite the glory days of the mid-70s, Sports Sedans still had some very good times in the mid-late 80s when there wasn't an Australian Championship for the cars in sight, with the Amaroo series (and regular support races at ATCC rounds) attracting healthy and competitive grids.

Are the Sports Sedans getting any TV time on Speedweek this year?

While it would be great to see new bodyshapes/cars out there, surely why cars already built aren't running is what needs to be addressed first, if people with cars aren't running, why would anyone build new ones?

Robert - You mentioned in a previous post about Darren Hossack working on a new car, any details?

[Robert Ryan]

Lastly, and I'm in the fortunate position of not having to justify what I do to ANYONE, it's guys like yourself Robert that are all TALK and no ACTION. Guys like you come and go all the time. Full of supposed brilliant ideas, but with absolutely no intestinal fortitude or $$$$$$ to put his money where his mouth is.

Falcon El...the person with the same "Crazy Ideas" as I have is someone you know. Yes he talked to me at length abou the same thing I am onto.

[Robert Ryan]

Robert - You mentioned in a previous post about Darren Hossack working on a new car, any details?

I have heard an Audi is in the works

[Peter Nightingale]

Originally Posted by cavvy

I am a fan of Basil Ricciardello & his Alfa (s) - I go back to Basil punting his Fiat 2300 at Caversham - love to see Tony come to the East Coast (as did Brian Smith before him) & keep winning - BUT Sports Sedans have been dominated by Alfettas for 20 -25 years. The Prelude took over for a short time, surely a more modern shape can be the face of Sports Sedans & I cant cop the TRanZam shapes which look more like speedway super sedans.

Maybe Sports Sedans need to find a big meeting & get as many cars as possible in one place at one time & try and revive the category initially with a sheer weight of numbers.

CAVVY, i totally agree with what you are saying in your post above . I own a 30 year old SS FORD ESCORT ,built by stillwells in melbourne, fitted with a COSY 4 cyl BDG, hollinger gearbox [1973] ,hollinger full floater rear axle ass, AP 4 wheel disc's & more to numerous to list additions to list, with the right driver,who knows how quick it could be, trouble is it has not been used for near on 20 years....

[Robert Ryan]

Falcon EL, in fact he mentioned it several years ago. Again, he wants to modernize the class, so hopefully some one will push it forward. There is more than one person currently racing in Sports Sedans who wants to see it evolve, get stronger.

[Robert Ryan]

Maybe Sports Sedans need to find a big meeting & get as many cars as possible in one place at one time & try and revive the category initially with a sheer weight of numbers

My herding cats analogy. I had one driver/owner who was definite he would turn up to a big meeting not too long back, he guaranteed he would be there. He did not front.

[Peter Nightingale]

By the way CAVVY ,i have owned it for 20 yrs plus........

[ASSA Member]

Originally Posted by auzziemonza

ASSA, I would like to respond to you but this will take some time, sorry, just came off a single shift but I'm back on a double shift for tomorrow and Sunday so it will have to be Monday if OK?

If we can all look at positive forward ideas instead of backslapping those with 33 year old jiggers that do their best on the odd occasion (no offence intended Falc) would be a good start. Another good start would be to disband the NASSA and get an organiser in there!

Thats fine auzziemonza, it's good to throw around ideas and have discussion about the class. It's also great to know that there are still people out there who enjoy this class of racing.

[Robert Ryan]

Sports Sedans still had some very good times in the mid-late 80s when there wasn't an Australian Championship for the cars in sight, with the Amaroo series (and regular support races at ATCC rounds) attracting healthy and competitive grids.

Also there were not things like the Development series, Carerra Cup etc. They have taken over the niche Sports sedans used to have.

[pete55]

The best era for Sports Sedans was when the Porsches were running in the class.

[Robert Ryan]

personally think that Sports Sedans are akin to Drag Racings "Wild Bunch", where you see body shapes from all different eras custom built into rocketships that are designed to do what the original shape was never intended to do!! It's awesome seeing the 57 Chevs, 72 Monaros, XA/XB Falcon Wild Bunch Cars hammering down the strip. I also get the same buzz watching (although I don't get to see them much because I'm usually in the same race) the Alfetta, Nissan 300ZX, SAAB's etc. in Sports Sedans

I thought someone would come up with that analogy. The Difference "Wild Bunch; Top Doorslammer" are new build versions of US "Nostalgia cars" , with loads of Horsepower. Sports Sedans are old bodies on old chassis's by and large, but yes they do have that "Wild Bunch" feel. Should be a lot more of it.

[ASSA Member]

Originally Posted by FalconEL

I personally think that Sports Sedans are akin to Drag Racings "Wild Bunch", where you see body shapes from all different eras custom built into rocketships that are designed to do what the original shape was never intended to do!! It's awesome seeing the 57 Chevs, 72 Monaros, XA/XB Falcon Wild Bunch Cars hammering down the strip. I also get the same buzz watching (although I don't get to see them much because I'm usually in the same race) the Alfetta, Nissan 300ZX, SAAB's etc. in Sports Sedans.

Exactly what I was thinking.
Strangely enough this category doesn't seem to have any problems with popularity. It's only eclipsed by Top Fuel which more then likely gets more attention due to the sheer noise, speed and spectacle of it all when they actually make it down the track in one piece. The old body shapes used e.g 57 Chev, Camaros, Studebakers etc also don't seem to hinder them getting some good sponsorship either from Castrol, Jack Daniels, Holden Genuine Parts, Lucas Oils, etc

[Robert Ryan]

The old body shapes used e.g 57 Chev, Camaros, Studebakers etc also don't seem to hinder them getting some good sponsorship either from Castrol, Jack Daniels, Holden Genuine Parts, Lucas Oils, etc

As I said they are NEW BUILD cars. The Bodies are "Nostalgia " not old in the true sense. 57 Chevs, Studebaker's etc were the Torana XU1's of the US
Think of the difference as like "antique" as versus "Old" furniture. Old furniture you throw out. Antique is worth money.

[cavvy]

Originally Posted by Peter Nightingale

CAVVY, i totally agree with what you are saying in your post above . I own a 30 year old SS FORD ESCORT ,built by stillwells in melbourne, fitted with a COSY 4 cyl BDG, hollinger gearbox [1973] ,hollinger full floater rear axle ass, AP 4 wheel disc's & more to numerous to list additions to list, with the right driver,who knows how quick it could be, trouble is it has not been used for near on 20 years....

Half your luck Peter -is/was it as quick as the Bassetmobile?

Was it built as a sports sedan or was it one of what I understand were a couple of Mike Stilwell touring cars?

I would love to see it on the track, but it wont help lift Sports Sedans back into prominence.

[Peter Nightingale]

Cavvy, The car was built originaly as an improved production TWIN CAM ESCORT in 1972 and this particular car came 2nd in the ATCC in 1972 to the BOB JANE CHEV CAMARO. It was converted to a BDG POWERED ESCORT for SPORTS SEDANS in 1974 when the rules changed for improved production touring cars.. By the way the BASSET car was built by myself & designed by KEVIN DRAGE ..........

[kmsport]

Originally Posted by cavvy

I am a fan of Basil Ricciardello & his Alfa (s) - I go back to Basil punting his Fiat 2300 at Caversham - love to see Tony come to the East Coast (as did Brian Smith before him) & keep winning - BUT Sports Sedans have been dominated by Alfettas for 20 -25 years. The Prelude took over for a short time, surely a more modern shape can be the face of Sports Sedans & I cant cop the TRanZam shapes which look more like speedway super sedans.

Maybe Sports Sedans need to find a big meeting & get as many cars as possible in one place at one time & try and revive the category initially with a sheer weight of numbers.

Dominated by Alfettas for 25 yrs......or K and A made Sports Sedans

[chavez]

Certainly the first race today at Phillip Island was a good race (the lead changed on the last lap).

Unfortunately the second race lasted only 4 corners for being red flagged.

[Robert Ryan]

Only 94 cars at the meeting not good. The Economy is obviously starting to slow down.

[Oaksnaf]

Originally Posted by Robert Ryan

Only 94 cars at the meeting not good. The Economy is obviously starting to slow down.

Thats only across 5 categories, there were 137 cars at the meeting when you include Superkarts.

[Peter Nightingale]

Originally Posted by Robert Ryan

Only 94 cars at the meeting not good. The Economy is obviously starting to slow down.

Robert, you are correct about some areas of the economy slowing down, just look at new car sales.......

[Robert Ryan]

Oaksnaf..I deliberately excluded them.

[Robert Ryan]

The economy cannot keep on going the way we are. We have a "two tier" economy, the States like WA and Old that export raw commodities are doinf reasoanbly well at he moment, but the other states like Vic and NSW are defintely a lot worse.

[Peter Nightingale]

Originally Posted by Robert Ryan

The economy cannot keep on going the way we are. We have a "two tier" economy, the States like WA and Old that export raw commodities are doinf reasoanbly well at he moment, but the other states like Vic and NSW are defintely a lot worse.

South Australia is really a cot case...

[Peter Nightingale]

Originally Posted by kmsport

Dominated by Alfettas for 25 yrs......or K and A made Sports Sedans

Something or someone will come along , it usually does...