Group 3 (racing)
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The Group 3 racing class, referred to a set of regulations for cars competing in sportscar racing and rallying events regulated by the FIA. These regulations were introduced in the class structure changes for the 1966 motor racing season.
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[edit] Production requirements
Unlike sports-prototypes, for a car to be eligible in Group 3, the FIA required a minimum production run to be constructed over a 12 month period.
In Appendix J of the FIA International Sporting Code, there were groups defined for Touring cars, Grand Touring cars and Sports cars (numbers between brackets are required minimum production in 12 consecutive months).[1]
- Group 1: series-production touring cars (5,000)
- Group 2: special touring cars (1,000)
- Group 3: grand touring cars (500)
- Group 4: sports cars (25)
- Group 5: special touring cars
- Group 6: prototype-sports cars
In the 1970s, the production numbers required to be constructed over a 12 month period, was increased from 500 to 1000 cars.[2]
- Group 1: series-production touring cars (5,000)
- Group 2: touring cars (1,000)
- Group 3: series-production grand touring cars (1,000)
- Group 4: special grand touring cars (500)
- Group 5: sports cars (25)
- Group 6: prototype-sports cars
[edit] Racing
In sports car racing, Group 3 cars would often run as a support class in races for Group 4, Group 5 and Group 6 cars. Some cars like the Porsche 911 Carrera RS were holomogated into both the Group 3 and Group 4 class, while further modified versions of the Porsche 911 would be entered in the Group 5 class.
[edit] Rallying
In rallying, there were classes for Group 1, Group 2, Group 3 and Group 4 cars. The Lancia Beta Coupe, was homologated into both Group 3 and Group 4, with the Group 3 car running the mass produced 8-valve engine, and the Group 4 version running the more powerful 16-valve.
