HRDC ‘TC63 Touring Greats’

[YMJ]

I have an in-depth article on group 2 cooper prepping from late 62 from a very rare magazine, wiil attempt to scan it an post it up in the next couple of days.

That would be great. It may make all the difference as to whether I go racing this year or not!

[SMOKE GREY]

[Pete]

Ouch , my neck !!

[IAIN]

Hey I did it !!!

[SMOKE GREY]

Cheers

[YMJ]

Specific Mini regs out soon according to Julius.

[Yorkie 'S']

HRDC 'TC63' REGULATIONS 2012

This invitation-only non-Championship Series is expressly for pre-1964 Touring Cars complying with Appendix ‘J’ Group 2 to the International Sporting Code with the exception of the following cars

• Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA
• BMC Mini Cooper ‘S’ 970/1071/1275
• BMW 10800TI /TISA
• Lotus Ford Cortina Mk.1

The above mentioned models will not be permitted to race in this Series.

OVERVIEW
The aim of HRDC ‘TC63’ is to provide a competitive historic racing arena with an affordable entry level. The BMC Mini was an iconic player in this formative period of the ETCC, upon which this Series is modelled. However, with the current lack of development and availability of parts for BMC Mini Cooper 997 or 850 cars, the HRDC is prepared to allow some pragmatic alternatives in the employment of parts used in the building of such models for this Series.

Please be aware that the abuse of this privilege may result in your car not being permitted to race. Please therefore be also aware that all cars will be inspected thoroughly before being permitted to race.

BMC MINI Mk.1
In respect of BMC Mini Cooper 997 cars or 850 model cars, the following modifications are permitted when using Homologation sheet 1095 (1961 Austin 7 Cooper / Morris Mini Cooper)

BODYWORK
• Only the Mini Mk.1 bodyshell may be used*.
• Perspex may replace the original window material to side and rear windows only. Any replacement of such window material must be housed in the manufacturer’s original frame and/or within original pattern mounting material.
• Front windscreen must be of laminated glass manufacture.
• Original pattern front passenger seat will be fixed in its original position.
• Original pattern door cards will be in place.
• Original pattern rear quarter panel cars will be in place.
• Headlining may be removed.
• Original pattern bumper blades must be retained.
• Quick release front grilles may be employed.
• Closing panels (doors, bonnet and bootlid) must be of original material and construction and may not be lightened.
• *Wolseley Hornet and Riley Elf variants of the Mk.1 Mini are acceptable as long as they conform to the specifications set by these regulations.

INSTRUMENTATION
• As per original homologation.
• Auxiliary instruments and switches are permitted provided that they are housed in period-correct housings See ‘PRESENTATION’)

ENGINE
BMC ‘A’ Series 998 cc block assembly with bore of 64.567 mm and stroke of 76.2mm may be employed with a permitted maximum overbore of +60 thou is allowable with a resultant capacity of 1045.7cc.

CYLINDER HEAD
All cylinder head employed on Minis in TC63 must be of 9-stud fitting. This is the maximum number of studs permitted.

Permitted cylinder head casting numbers are
2A 628
12A 1456
12G 202
12G 206
12G 295
• 2 external and adjoining cylinder head studs are mandatory required to be drilled to accept locking wire seals.
• Cylinder head ports and valves to remain in original location.
• Roller rockers are not permitted.

CARBURATION
2 x 1.25in H2 or 2 x 1.5in H4 or HS4 type S.U. carburettors to be fitted to the original inlet manifold using the original fixings. No other carburettors may be used.

EXHAUST MANIFOLD
• Free.
• Please be aware that all HRDC races are silenced to a maximum of 105 dbl.

IGNITION SYSTEM
• As original.
• However, a simple electronic system utilising a mechanical advance may be employed only if it is completely incorporated inside the distributor housing.

CAMSHAFT
• To remain in original location and chain driven.
• Camshaft profiles are free.

CRANKSHAFT
• Only original BMC 998cc crankshaft maybe used.
• Truftriding the crankshaft is allowed.
• No EN40B steel crankshafts may be employed.

CONNNECTING RODS
• Must be of BMC manufacture.

PISTONS
• Free.

TRANSMISSION
• Only original period BMC type gearboxes - 3 or 4-synchro may be used with the gears being both cut and ratio free.
• Only original standard BMC helical cut drop gears may be used.
• The original Mini Cooper type cast aluminium type remote gear shift assembly must be used.
• FINAL DRIVE: Only the following original ratios may be used 3.44 - 3.764 - 3.978 - 4.133 - 4.276 - 4.35. Only original or semi-helical cut gears are permissible (No straight-cut gears are allowed).
• No LSD’s of any type are permitted

CLUTCH / FLYWHEEL ASSEMBLY
• Steel flywheel/assembly is mandatory (to include backplate).
• Alloy flywheels are prohibited.
• Clutches are free.

WHEELS
• Original pattern 3.5 X 10 inch steel wheels.
• No alternative wheels are allowed.
• The use of a spacer .300” (7.5mm) maximum is permitted.

TYRES
• Dunlop 500L X 10 CR 65 in 204 compound is mandatory.

STEERING
• To original pattern.
• A period style replacement steering wheel maybe fitted.

SUSPENSION AND SHOCK ABSORBERS
• The original suspension system to the period must be employed as per homologation.
• Suspension maybe lowered as in period.
• Shock absorbers must be of oil filled type and maybe adjustable.
• Suspension bushes maybe replaced with a harder, but not solid material.
• No other suspension alterations or additions are allowed.

BRAKES
Cooper ‘S’ brakes conforming to Appendix ‘J’ of the International Sporting Code may be employed.

DRIVESHAFTS
Hardy Spicer-type drive-shafts may be employed.

MINIMUM WEIGHT
600 kgs without driver

SAFETY
It is strongly encouraged that all cars should comply with FIA safety standards. MSA ‘Blue Book’ safety standards as a minimum should be employed as per race
entry regulations to U.K events. (Please satisfy yourself that your car meets the regulations of overseas meeting before leaving the U.K).

PRESENTATION
The ethos of the HRDC is to present historic racing cars as they would have been seen in period. It therefore encourages the use of period race team liveries and decries the use of non-period detail (such as carbon fibre switch boxes, non period mirrors etc). Advertising is not permitted unless submitted for approval by the HRDC beforehand in the form of documentary evidence (such as a published period photo with proof of date), proving that this was part of a livery used in period (pre-1964).

The only exclusion to this general issue of period presentation is the use of safety equipment (Driver’s seat and harness), which should meet mandatory safety regulations in full. All queries or disputes involving these regulations and the application of such must be addressed to the HRDC. The HRDC’s ruling will be deemed as final.

HISTORIC RACING DRIVERS CLUB GROVE HOUSE
80 CLARENDON STREET
LEAMINGTON SPA
WARWICKSHIRE CV32 4PE
Email: direct@juliusthurgood.co.uk
Telephone: 01926 885835
Mobile: 07850 361159
http://www.hrdc.eu
© HRDC 2012
HRDC ‘TC63’ REGULATIONS 2012

[Yorkie 'S']

From what I understand it is possible to get 90 out of a 998, could the overbore and other factors push 100BHP ???

With the 600KG weight limit I wonder how close to the power to weight ratio of an 1293 FIA Cooper 'S' you could get, therefore I guess its a question of what you can squeeze out of a 60' 998 block.

I am not sure how thats gonna float on 3.5" wheels with the CR65 tyres - might be like bambi on ice !!!

I guess the other question is could you run the one car with two engines under both sets of regs and switch the engine from meeting to meeting for HRDC and FIA ???

[Simon776]

I am not sure how thats gonna float on 3.5" wheels with the CR65 tyres - might be like bambi on ice !!!

BL Comps were similarly worried on the Tour de France 1969 where they ran URX 550G in Group 1 - so standard 3½" S rims - but testing showed the combination worked fine.

Anybody want to buy 572 BCR? Should guarantee an entry into the series as it was in the 1963 race that all this is supposedly based on.

[sandman]

Sounds to me like they really dont want any Mini's in there... no LSD = no point!

FWIW, a Group 2 prepped 998 Cooper will get very good competition both the two stroke Saab Sport (forget the number) and the Fiat Abarth... not to mention the Volvo 544 PV... Just take a look at the 1000cc Cup in Sweden (http://www.1000cccupen.com) They run exclusively to the FIA regs and are all fully Group 2 modified... meaning all Mini's can run a LSD (as homologated). In the 1000cc cup in Sweden, the Saabs and Abarths were fighting the Mini's well - up to the time when 970's started appearing...

Also - if original inlet is to be used.... how can one fit HS4 carbs??

Wanna keep the Mini's "at bay" - make 'em run Homologated brakes like they should!

[YMJ]

Well in that case, all I need is a set of door cards, swop the wheels, unbolt the rear anti roll bar, chuck in a 998 lump and off we go! Simples Budget historic racing, here-we-come!

[Simon776]

A couple of quibbles spring to mind

CARBURATION
2 x 1.25in H2 or 2 x 1.5in H4 or HS4 type S.U. carburettors to be fitted to the original inlet manifold using the original fixings.

Not sure how you can mount HS4s on a 12A 309 inlet?

CYLINDER HEAD
All cylinder head employed on Minis in TC63 must be of 9-stud fitting. This is the maximum number of studs permitted.

• 2 external and adjoining cylinder head studs are mandatory required to be drilled to accept locking wire seals.

So 9 is the maximum number of studs or is it? Or do you fit the extra studs but can't put nuts on them?

[Tulka]

A couple of quibbles spring to mind

Not sure how you can mount HS4s on a 12A 309 inlet?

FIA historics used to have 1 3/4" HS6s on the standard manifolds.
You turned down the studs to 1/4" and drilled new holes in the carbs.
Rules where tightened,don´t recall when.(mid 90s ?)

Tulka

Edit; Should explain that I am sure there is a way to do it.
If we all try it out,somebody will have a better idea.

[steady eddie]

Well in that case, all I need is a set of door cards, swop the wheels, unbolt the rear anti roll bar, chuck in a 998 lump and off we go! Simples Budget historic racing, here-we-come!

Not long to go now to the first race, so YMJ have you done all the above, are you really having a crack at it?

For that matter anyone else on here giving "TC63" a try?

regards

Steady Eddie

[YMJ]

Well in that case, all I need is a set of door cards, swop the wheels, unbolt the rear anti roll bar, chuck in a 998 lump and off we go! Simples Budget historic racing, here-we-come!

Not long to go now to the first race, so YMJ have you done all the above, are you really having a crack at it?

For that matter anyone else on here giving "TC63" a try?

regards

Steady Eddie

My engine builder and chief helper is not at all well and is in hospital as I write. I fear I may not do any racing at all this season, I'm afraid.

[dhenry]

I think I am going to do it. I've almost finished the welding on my shell now and it will soon be time for paint. I've got a 998 engine so I reckon I might as well give it a go. Why not.

Daniel