About the cars

HQ Holden Racing is the definitive entry level category for saloon car racing in Australia, providing the opportunity to enjoy close racing and develop race craft at an affordable price.

The HQ “race car” was developed in Tasmania in 1988 and quickly spread to the mainland. The basis of the vehicle is the HQ Holden six cylinder three speed manual, four door sedan. The constitution and a set of technical regulations ensure that all cars are presented in the same manner, and that all competitors compete on an equal plane. Some items i.e. camshafts, springs, shock absorbers and tyres are controlled items, which again keeps competition close and costs contained. Major components, engine, gearbox and diff are examined and sealed on assembly, ensuring strict adherence to the rules.

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 their involvement in the local competition.

HQ Holdens, while being primarily club level racers, compete on all tracks in Australia with the exception of the high profile street circuits. From the exciting high speed tracks like Bathurst, Phillip Island and Eastern Creek to the tighter challenging circuits, Mallala and Winton there are events including HQs 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 Enduro, the various states provide plenty of variety and the opportunity to test drivers and crew.

HQ Racing Vehicle Specifications

The HQ class of racing, is a one make series based on the HQ Holden, 202, 3 speed, 4 door sedan with front disc brakes as produced by GMH between 1971 and 1974. The class has been designed to produce close racing at a minimum cost.

Body: HQ Holden

Chassis: Standard Chassis Rails and Floor Plan

Engine: 202 Red motor maximum .060" oversize.
Wade 933 controlled camshaft .
Standard crankshaft.
Conrods must be standard type.
Engine may be blue printed and balanced.
Sump may be baffled.
Cast pistons only, compression ratio is free.
Must be sealed.

Cylinder Head: Valve springs are free, but only one spring per valve (no double valve springs).
Valves are free subject to a maximum head size of exhaust 1.375" and inlet 1.675".

Exhaust: Exhaust system is free from cylinder head exit.

Carburettor: Standard six cylinder 202 red motor Stromberg carburettor (one only).
Jets are free.
Air cleaner - Speco HQ 900 AC - controlled item.

Cooling: Radiator is free but must bolt to original holes.
Electric fan may be fitted.

Gearbox: Original 3-speed manual gearbox must be sealed.
Floor shift may be fitted.

Clutch: Method of actuation is free. One ton clutch assembly may be fitted.

Differential: Standard non-limited slip Banjo or Salisbury type Ratio 3.55 to 1, must be sealed.

Wheel Alignment: The camber on each front wheel must not exceed 3° negative. The rear wheel camber must not exceed 0° ± 1° negative.

Suspension: Suspension components are strictly controlled by the use of a " Pedders HQ Racing Kit". This can be obtained from any Pedders store.
All mounting points must remain in original position.
All bushings must remain original rubber.

Steering: Non power steering

Brakes: Front disc PBR or Girlock type.
Rear drum type.
Friction lining type free.
Brake hoses maybe replaced with those of aeronautical standard.

Wheels:14"x 7" or 14"x 8" mags or steel rims.

Tyres: One make and size - Kenda Klever H/P KR15 P235/60R1496H

Fuel: Must be pump fuel, premium unleaded as purchased from your local service station - NO ADDITIVES ALLOWED

Minimum Racing Weight: 1365kg (Total weight including driver post race)

*Please note, this is only a brief summary.