Aussie Racing Cars

Aussie Racing Cars is an Australian motor racing category. Essentially a motorcycle powered Silhouette racing car class, it was created by former touring car racer Phil Ward, influenced by the American Legends category. Ward sold the category in 2012 to Keltic Motorsport, a motorsport company owned by Queensland based father-son team of Tony and Klark Quinn with Bathurst 1000 winner Jason Bargwanna acting as commercial director.

The category contests an annual Aussie Racing Car Series which is approved by the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport as a National Series. In 2009 the series made the transition from running at V8 Supercar events to run on the Shannons Nationals Motor Racing Championships program. The series has since transitioned some of its rounds back to V8 Supercar events.

The Cars
The Aussie Racing Car combines current racing technology and performance in a one-design class where all cars are mechanically identical with strict rules in place to maintain that position. Five different body styles are permitted. Originally only 1940 Ford Coupé and Holden FJ body styles were available, with Ford AU Falcon and Holden VY Commodore styles which replicate V8 Supercars later made available. A Toyota Aurion body shape was launched in 2008, followed by a Holden Cruze in 2012 and a "Euro GT" in 2013. Cars are constructed on a purpose built steel tubular space frame chassis with integral roll cage construction designed and approved to stringent engineering specifications. The lightweight composite body is a faithfully designed caricature of its full size counterpart featuring opening doors, boot and lift off front section. Powered by a 1.2 litre 125 bhp twin cam 16 valve engine sourced second-hand from used Yamaha FJ1200 motorcycles that revs to 11500 rpm. The 450 kg all up weight provides a high power-to-weight ratio that allows the car to reach speeds in excess of 200 km/h. Lap times achieved at Oran Park Raceway are within six seconds of a V8 Supercar. They feature fully adjustable suspension geometry, huge brakes and controlled competition tyres that produce high grip levels. All cars are hand built in the Aussie Racing Car facility and supplied ready to race.

The cockpit layout is purpose built and fitted with a five point racing harness. The steering requires only one turn lock to lock and minimal steering movement during racing. The sequential gear lever is close to the steering wheel and the carbon fibre dash displays the necessary instrumentation. The chassis design incorporates simplicity in suspension adjustment to cater for all drivers likings including castor/camber, sway bar, roll centre and ride height etc. Brakes have simple front to rear bias adjustment.

The class has proven attractive to amateur racers and sprintkart racers without the budget to progress to Formula Ford. Paul Kemal has won the series title three times, Mike Russell twice, while Phil Ward's two sons James and Brad have also won titles.

Engine

 * Yamaha 1.2 litre twin-cam


 * Four valves per cylinder
 * 125 bhp, 12400 rpm

Gearbox

 * Integral 5-speed dog engagement
 * Sequential manual gearbox

Chassis

 * Tubular space-frame and cockpit with integral driver roll-cage
 * Momo race seat with five point harness
 * Momo quick-release steering wheel

Suspension

 * Front – Coil over shocks fully adjustable rose jointed wishbones
 * Ultra fast rack and pinion
 * Rear – Live axle, optional long and short track ratios
 * Coil over shocks, parallel trailing arms, panhard rod

Brakes

 * Four wheel disc with - Full bias adjustment with balance bar, braided lines

Wheels and tyres

 * 13 x 5.5 various styles available
 * Yokohama A048R treaded race spec tyres

Body styles

 * Holden FJ
 * 1940 Ford Coupe
 * Ford AU Falcon
 * Ford BA Falcon
 * Holden VY Commodore
 * Toyota Aurion
 * Holden Cruze
 * Euro GT

Dimensions

 * Length: 3.0 m
 * Width: 1.35 m
 * Height: 1.05 m
 * Weight: 450 kg