What is HQ Racing?
How to get involved in HQ Racing?
It may be easy to drive a fast car quickly, but driving a nearly standard HQ Kingswood, complete with 3.3 Litre 6 cylinder and 3 speed manual, now that’s a challenge!
​
About HQ Racing
This category has redefined the term “close racing”, with racers diving 3 abreast into corners with amazing regularity. The best part for would-be racers is that, in relative terms at least, racing a HQ Holden is an inexpensive way to enter into competitive motor sport. After the initial purchase of the car, strict regulations ensure that maintenance and modification costs are kept to a minimum. With everyone using the same cars, there’s no shortage of advice for newcomers from experienced racers on how to tune cars and improve lap times.
​
History
The concept of racing HQ Holdens was “invented” in Tasmania and introduced to mainland Australia by the Sporting Car Club of SA, who promoted the first mainland race at Mallala in 1989.
​
Getting out on the track
Before you even get to the track there are a few steps you need to go through to start racing. You will need to not only find a car but also arrange a MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA Licence. Once you have completed the online tutorial and received your Pre-Licence Authority, you will be able to do an Observed Licence Test (OLT) during practice at your first race meeting. Successful completion of the OLT will earn you a Provisional Circuit Licence.
After completing 5 race meetings and having your licence signed off by the Clerk of the Course, you will get an upgrade to a National Circuit Licence, which will enable you to compete at all major race meetings in Australia. Imagine racing at some of the most iconic racetracks in the country, like Bathurst and Phillip Island.
While you are going through the process of getting your licence, there are some other things that need to be done. You must be a member of a MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA-affiliated car club.
​
By now you still may not have sourced a race car. There are a number of ways to find a car. Depending on your budget, they range from about $5,000 upwards. Some people sell their cars complete with spares and a trailer but it really comes down to your budget and exactly what you are after. All cars need to have a MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA logbook and comply with Group 3H Technical Regulations. Maintaining your car can be a costly exercise and getting the most out of it and keeping it looking great will require some hard work. Because the racing is close, some panel damage can be expected from time to time.
​
Preparing your car for an upcoming race meeting varies from competitor to competitor. What you want from HQ racing, whether it is a desire to become State Champion, a stepping-stone into another category, or just going out and having some fun, will determine how much you will spend. Having a reliable car, even if it isn’t the fastest car out on the track, is the best way to enjoy your racing. As you gain confidence and get more laps under your belt, you will find that you will be quicker.
Who looks after HQ Racing?
HQ Holden Racing is the definitive entry level category for car racing in Australia, providing the opportunity to enjoy close racing and develop race craft at an affordable price. The success of HQ Racing Australia also lies in the overall management by the National Category Manager, National Eligibility Officer and the State Delegates.
These people, who are passionate about HQ Racing, meet annually to discuss proposed rule changes and make decisions affecting the future direction of the class. A significant clause in the HQRA Constitution states that the class will “never allow any freedom within the regulations of the HQ Holden class that will allow the class to deviate from its roots of providing low cost circuit motor racing".
While the National body oversees the category, each state has a separate club that supports its local members and works with their state race promoters to facilitate the involvement in the local competition HQ Holdens, while being primarily club level racers, compete on most tracks in Australia. From the exciting high speed tracks like Bathurst, Phillip Island and Eastern Creek to the tighter challenging circuits, Wakefield Park, Barbagallo Raceway, Mallala, Morgan Park, Symmons Plains and Winton holding HQ events in every state of Australia throughout the year.
Each year an event to determine the National Champion is held in a different state by rotation, while the individual states run an annual point score series to determine the Driver of the Year for that state. From short sprint races of five lap distance, to a four hour Endurance race held in November at Winton Raceway Victoria in supported by competitors from various states that provide plenty of variety and the opportunity to test drivers and crew.