Speed Events 

Autocross and Sprints

Motorsport New Zealand is the body which regulates our sport, when it comes to competitive speed events. The only Speed Events we run are 'Clubsport Basic Events', including the Autocross, Single Car Standing Sprint, and Single Car Circuit Sprints. These are controlled by our  qualified Clerks of the Course and run under permits issued by Motor Sport New Zealand. These are usually held usually over a quarter of a mile or a lap of Ruapuna or Timaru Raceways (fondly known as Levels), from a standing or 'flying' start. Overtaking is not normally  permitted at our events, to let drivers concentrate on their own car without worrying about others. However, at a Circuit Sprint you may be joined by another competitor - on the other side of the track so you can't meet by accident. Keen types walk with a limp - something to do with the size of their right foot. Like Motokhanas, Sprints are a good way to test your car's limits under controlled conditions.

This is a very easy way to find out if you like speed work.  All you need is an approved crash helmet, a fire extinguisher properly mounted inside the car, cotton overalls bound at the ankle and wrist and sensible footwear. The Club has some helmets and overalls for loan.  All the car needs is a decent tune, but mind those half shafts. At some events experienced members who hold National Race Licences offer free tuition, on and off the track, so that you can learn the basics of car control and cornering.  This training is strongly recommended to everybody starting on the track and will really increase your enjoyment of driving, even on the road.

Mechanical inspection, known as 'scrutineering", before events is rigorous so check with Club officials for details. 

 Keen types walk with a limp - something to do with the size of their right foot. Like Motokhanas, Sprints are a good way to test your car's limits under controlled conditions.

Hillclimbs

A Hillclimb is like a sprint up hill, one at a time against the clock. Just make it to the top in one piece and quicker than the competition. Gravity can play a major role, especially if you get a bit too enthusiastic. Speed equipment required is similar to Sprints, but if your car is post 1960 and open you'll need to fit a roll bar for MANZ controlled events. For safety's sake it's a good idea anyway.  

 Keen competitors travel out of Christchurch to events or join the Vintage Car Club, as they are one of the few clubs in Canterbury who run this type of event at present.

Racing

You've arrived at the serious end of the business.  Classic Car Racing has grown enormously in recent times, to the point where it is now probably more popular than any other form of motor racing at local levels. If you're already into racing you don't need much guidance from us. However, if you are keen to have a go, chat to the regulars amongst the club members. Obviously you need all the speed gear, the right licences and a little coaching: you can also attend a motor racing school at Ruapuna.  

Talking to those club members who have 'been there, done that' or more importantly 'are there, and doing that' is an excellent start to what will undoubtably be the fulfilment of the MaGic M.G. experience. The videos in the Gallery don't include many MGs, but they do show racing action at our circuits, Ruapuna and Levels, from the driver's viewpoint.  

Scrutineering before race events is very careful, so check with Club officials for details. Keen competitors travel out of Christchurch to events or join the Vintage Car Club, as they are one of the few clubs in Canterbury who run this type of event at present.

Rocker Box Racing

Once a year we indulge in Rocker Box Racing during a Club Nite. Cars ingeniously modified from genuine four-cylinder BMC rocker boxes (preferably MG) race in pairs down an inclined ramp. The first to cross a finish line goes on to the next heat. Vast amounts of money are wagered - actually, car numbers are drawn from a hat for those wishing to risk a couple of dollars.

Lately the turnout has been thinning, as some racers have been lost, stolen or strayed. But, we hope that members will think up some more - syndicate efforts are accepted, so you can have entries sponsored by T Types, MGB's, Midgets, MGF's or whatever. You'll find the Official Rules of the Rocker Box Racing Commission if you Click Here.

Transgressions from the Rules may be accepted, at the discretion of the Clerk of the Course on the night. This does not include the entry fabricated from  an Armstrong Siddeley Rocker Box, as it turns out to be from a nine-cylinder Cheetah X aircraft engine.