| Category | Silhouette racing car |
|---|---|
| Country or region | Australia |
| Inaugural season | 2001 |
| Engine suppliers | Yamaha FJ1200 |
| Drivers' champion | Kyle Clews |
| Official website | Official website of Aussie Racing Cars |
| Current season | |
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.
The category contests an annual Aussie Racing Car Series which is approved by the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport as a National Series.[1] In 2009 the series made the transition from running at V8 Supercar events to run on the Shannons Nationals Motor Racing Championships program.
Contents |
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. In 2008 Toyota assisted in the creation of a bodyshape resembling a Toyota Aurion.
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 (93 kW) 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.
2000 Blair Huggard Holden vt commodore
| Year | Champion | Body style |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Paul Kemal | 1940 Ford Coupé |
| 2002 | Mike Russell | Holden FJ |
| 2003 | Mike Russell | Holden FJ |
| 2004 | James Ward | Ford AU Falcon |
| 2005 | Tim Monte | Ford AU Falcon |
| 2006 | Paul Kemal | Ford AU Falcon |
| 2007 | Brad Ward | Holden VY Commodore |
| 2008 | Paul Kemal | Ford AU Falcon |
| 2009 | Adam Gowans | Toyota Aurion |
| 2010 | Kyle Clews | Holden VY Commodore |