OK, with Bathurst just behind us and the Gold Coast 600 in full swing, we all have heard of the V8 Supercars. But what about Aussie Racing Cars? Well, if you just give them a quick glance, they might appear to be just a smaller version. They might look like a Toyota Aurion, or a Ford Falcon or a Commodore. Alternatively, any classic shape such as the Holden EG, or a Ute. But actually, in physical size, they are only roughly half the size of a 'normal' car. Under the skin is a purpose built tubular space frame chassis, with an internal roll cage. All up, the car weighs just 450 Kg all up, which provides an amazing power to weight ratio. Sure, but how big is the engine? Well, it is actually "borrowed" from a motorcycle. The standard engine is either 1.2 or 1.3 litre. Come again? Yes, just 1.3 litre. And on the Bathurst straight they have been clocked at a staggering 230 Km/Hr, and they claim to do 0 - 100 Km/Hr in 4.9 seconds...
Craig Thompson, who in his business life runs a Hertz Rental Car franchise with some 2,200 vehicles, claims he got involved in Aussie Cars almost by accident. Some 5 years ago, having a bit of a chinwag, one of his mates mentioned that he was going to buy a new Aussie Racing Car and Craig casually mentioned "yes, sure, I'll have one too!" Then a few weeks later, he got a phone call to tell him that the car is now ready for pick up... "You really need to take it seriously" Craig mentioned, "it needs lots of work, so you don't come last in every race..." In the beginning though, the aim is to simply finish a race "without making a mistake". What mistake? Well, rolling it and landing on the roof. Multiple times...
So, what sort of financial commitment does one need to come up with to participate? "Not expensive" Craig mentioned laconically, "about $30,000 to enter a car for the year, about $60,000 to fund its upkeep for the whole year" he said. And, one would guess, you first need to actually buy a car - "from $65,000", according to their website. The sport is certainly high tension all the way. The famous saying in Car Racing circles applies: There is no such thing as a comfortable lead". Wanna have a ride? Click here to go for a round at the Gold Coast 600!