There have never been any cars entered into the Z Club Drag Challenge series which didn't have at their core, most of an original steel monocoque with a valid VIN that relates to an actual Nissan produced Fairlady Z. Much as I hate to say it, a fibreglass/spaceframe replica would be Invitational class and not eligible to gain points in any Z based class. As this has been raised as a point of discussion, perhaps it needs writing into the revised rules for 2012? It also rules out the Bradshaw 350Z taking away my number 1 position in the Hall of Fame...
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If the discussion wishes to argue eligibility of a replica in a one-model series, then fire away...
In Class 1 - 6, the general principle is that the car should represent what a typical Club member might reasonably be able to build and run on the road. The level of build quality and ability to run both fast and quick have moved on in leaps and bounds in recent years. There have been pioneers in Class 1, 3 and 5, some of whom have indulged in lightening techniques to supplement the ability of their power to be delivered into real world performance. I've not taken exception to any car in that time as all have been delivered to the track by normal public roads and covered by a legitimate MOT and tax. The implication, therefore, is that all required safety equipment is maintained.
I have no argument with innovation. If all removable panels are replaced with lightweight versions on the original monocoque and someone is prepared to drive the creation on the road to compete with us, then I'm happy. If said vehicle arrived on a trailer, with or without MOT and tax, had been stripped to point where it wouldn't pass another MOT (e.g. no lights, no heater etc.), had floppy panels loosely secured to a rudimentary frame, then I'd have no hesitation in consigning it to Class 7. In all the years I've been doing the Drag Challenge (in one form or another 28 years), I've had one 260Z that conformed to that description - everything else has been completely legitimate and true to the rules that existed at the appropriate time.
The current Drag Challenge rules may be significantly revised for 2012. In light of the success of our Bracket Racing at Shakespeare County and the Heads Up Eliminator at North Weald, there might be the option to make it a proper "race" series and the Class rules can be dispensed with as, in Bracket, everyone is equal! The Class structure and increases in performance would be recorded and applauded via the Hall of Fame.
