The last recorded printing of the Z Club Drag Race Challenge Rules that I can find in the archives is from 1994! In the expectation that at least a few things have changed since then and, by request of some participants preparing cars for the 2005 season, I'm presenting you with a revised rule set which is open for some discussion if necessary:
The classes operated by the Z Club are as follows. Due to smaller numbers participating in 2004, some classes have now been amalgamated (there's still twelve classes!!). All stock classes should be seen to be fitted with the original capacity engine. Capacity increase = Modified!:
Stock 240Z / 260Z (i.e. S30 models):
Must run standard carburettors (1.75" SU type or direct equivalent, i.e. 260Z can run 240Z Hitachi or British 1.75" SU or Stromberg) on standard inlet manifold. Exhaust manifold may be replaced by tubular header design and rest of system may be of modified type. No modified camshafts or head work (other than routine skim) allowed. Engine must be of standard capacity (or overbore within standard limits). No traction aids allowed (LSD or equivalent, slicks, undersize wheel / tyre combination. No removal of trim, seats or other standard equipment to reduce weight. MUST be driven to the track and have current MOT and tax. Target E.T. high 15 second.
Modified 240Z / 260Z:
The spririt of this class is normally expected Clubman type modification - 2" SU carbs or triple Weber / D'ellorto up to 45 design, injection systems in the spirit of Clubman's triple carb. replacement, head work and camshaft free, fuel systems may be modified, exhausts free, LSD or equivalent allowed, but no slicks. Engine capacity increase within the standard Z parameters, i.e. up to 2.8. No nitrous oxide injection allowed. Janspeed type turbo systems acceptable, but will be inspected and times posted subject to scrutiny. The vehicle should be normally trimmed for road use and driven to the track, MOT'd and taxed. Weight reduction by removal of spare wheel allowed. Target E.T. low fourteens. New and innovative systems will be subject to moderation dependant upon results achieved!
Stock 280ZX / 300ZX Z31 NA:
Standard fuel injection systems only. Otherwise as for Stock 240 / 260. Target E.T. low sixteens.
Stock 300ZX Turbo Z31:
As above, no turbo boost devices allowed. Target E.T. mid to low fifteens.
Modified 280ZX / 300ZX Z31:
Head, cam, exhaust as per modified 240Z / 260Z. All Janspeed / Reece-Fish / stock (import) turbo 280ZX included. Aftermarket injection systems allowed, modified ECU allowed. Increased boost levels allowed on stock or other turbo. LSD or equivalent allowed, no slicks, no nitrous oxide injection. Normally trimmed for road use, MOT'd, taxed and driven to the track. Weight reduction by spare wheel removal allowed. Target E.T. mid fourteens (?).
Stock 300ZX Z32 Normally Aspirated:
As for above classes, induction and exhaust modifications allowed. Target E.T. high fifteens.
Modified 300ZX Z32 Normally Aspirated:
Free mods within the spirit of the modified regulations established in the classes above. No slicks, no nitrous. Target E.T. high fourteens.
Stock 300ZX Z32 TT:
Induction and exhaust mods allowed. No boost upgrades, no slicks, no nitrous. Target E.T. mid to low fourteens.
Modified 300ZX Z32 TT:
Free mods within the spirit of the regulations established for the classes above. No slicks, no nitrous. Target E.T. low thirteens / high twelves.
Stock 350Z:
Induction and exhaust mods allowed. No forced induction, no slicks, no nitrous. Target E.T. low fourteen / high thirteen.
Modified 350Z:
Free mods including forced induction within the spirit of the rules established for other modified classes. No slicks, no nitrous. Target E.T. - who knows, but possibly high twelves?
Super Modified (all models):
Anything goes - engine transplants, capacity increase outside the boundaries of normal engine work (e.g. 3.1 L-series), lightweight by trim removal, fibreglass panels, slicks, nitrous, etc. etc. ALL race cars will be deemed Super Modified, regardless. Traditionally, Clubman cars running 48 choke triple carbs (or bigger), monster turbos, turbo or supercharger through triple carbs or modified injection, fitment of any nitrous system (regardless of other mods), use of slicks (regardless of other mods) and any mods deemed "not in the spirit of the competition" will see you placed in this all-comers class. All competitors should, however, be road legal, but not necessarily driven to the track. Purpose built drag racers in current competition will not be eligible for points in the Challenge, but will compete by invitation. Target E.T. - road legal best with L-series engine 12.4 by Dean Bottriell's turbo 240Z, transplant engine, road legal best 10.4 by Mike Feeney SBC 240Z, purpose-built race car best 8.9 (in Z Club series) by Mike Feeney, RatZ BBC.
Invitational Z:
There will be the facility for non Z Club members in any class to record times and participate in the competition, but they will not be eligible for points in the Championship.
Invitational non-Z:
There will be the facility for members and non-members to participate in cars other than Z models at any event, but they will not be eligible for points in the Championship.
General:
Cars need to conform to standard conditions of safe use and may be subject to inspection by Santa Pod staff if they are considered to have a problem (car safety or driver ability). You should ensure that your car does not drip or spill any fluids on the track while participating. This will lead to exclusion until the problem is fixed. Seat belts must be worn for all runs, windows wound up and body covered by clothing (no bare chests, arms covered). Covertibles may require the use of arm restraints. Cars capable of exceeding 100mph in the quarter on a regular basis may require that the driver wears a crash helmet. Consumption of alcohol at the track will exclude that driver from participating.
Signing on requires a valid driver's licence and payment of the relevant fee to Santa Pod (separate to entry fee to the venue).
Z Club-wise, you need to register your presence with the organiser fo rthe day (usually me) and keep them informed of your best time before you leave (no info, no points!). Z Club members should be prepared to show their membership card to prove their status.
I have dropped the Bracket trophy aspect this year in the cause of simplification and on the basis that entries are expected to be increased for 2005. The Japanese Performance days will have a member's vote "Best Z" trophy.
