Historic Modsports & Special Saloons

Racing during the 1960’s and 70’s saw predominantly production-based categories for both sports cars and saloons. For saloons, the manufacturers led the Group 2 and Group 5 categories, which resembled the standard road car on the surface but under the skin were high tech, highly regulated, high-cost machines were well out of reach of the club competitor.

The rules for Group 1 cars however, which again were required to remain recognisable as their road car ancestors, were becoming more relaxed and as long as the basics of shape and dimension remained unaltered, modifications under the skin became more and more unrestrained.

The equivalent sports car category was ‘Modsports’ which whilst slightly more restrictive in the fact that the original engine type was to be retained, also provided the club competitor with the opportunity to create some pretty quick machines.

So, the cool guy in the paddock now had the opportunity to create the type of car they wanted to be seen with. If you wanted to attract the ‘birds’, the final piece of the jigsaw, along with the long hair, the flares and the medallion, was a ‘Special Saloon’ or a ‘Modified Sports Car’ a ‘Modsports’.

Both categories obtained their own set of regulations imposed by the RAC from the early 70’s onwards published in the annual ‘Blue Book’, to retain control and credibility and a whole plethora of now iconic championships sprang up along with a cult following amongst British Club competitors and spectators, a cult which exists to this day.

Steve Watton had wanted to create a historic series in this form for many years and in 2022 approached the HSCC, the idea was immediately accepted and supported and has flourished. The original regulations from the RAC Motor Sport Technical Manual of 1979 forms the basis of the regulations, taking into account modern safety regulations and notwithstanding a little pragmatism where components are now scarce. This has resulted in cars which were previously deemed as uncompetitive and un-economical to restore being brought back to the track.

The owner of CHASE Equipment, Mr Derek Sweeney a seasoned motorsport competitor himself, stepped forward as the series sponsor and is continuing support again for 2025 with an increase in the imaginative and generous award scheme which will see £2000 of prize money up for grabs spread across the 4 classes in the form of refunds on entry fees.

In addition to this, the Fakenham based ‘Black Shuck’ distillery came on board during 2024 and provided some of their excellent products for race winners, and will also continue their support during 2025.

We are pleased and grateful that these companies, both of very high regard are happy to continue their association with the series.

All events will follow the same format of qualifying plus 2 x 20 minute races.

The class structure from the 1979 Blue Book regulations has also been adopted, resulting in just four classes as shown below. We will also continue to consider genuine period cars, which have remained unchanged from when they competed in period, which fall outside of our strict regulations.

Four classes, taken from the original 1979 Blue Book regulations with Modsports and Saloons combined in each class.

Class	Modsports Cars	Special Saloon Cars
A	Up to 1150cc	Up to 1000cc
B	1151 to 1500cc	1000 to 1300cc
C	1501cc to 2000cc	1301cc to 2500cc
D	Over 2000cc	Over 2500cc

On occasion, cars may be ‘invited’ to compete, but they will not be eligible for awards.

Cars must be based on production sports or saloon cars (as available for sale in the UK) built before 31.12.1979.

The regulations allow period-style changes to the engine, transmission, bodywork, brakes and suspension and 4 valves per cylinder engines are only allowed to run in the type of car they were originally homologated in. (Full details are within the regulations)

Driving standards have also been a positive element of the series with competitive but considerate attitudes on track. This is something competitors have worked together to promote, with many of the cars worth considerable sums and whose components are rare to source should replacements be required.

A good community spirit has built up amongst those taking part and the growing army of supporters, which means an enjoyable and relaxed atmosphere has developed both on and off the track.

The families of some famous members of the sport from period have generously donated some lovely trophies which were won back in period and these will be raced for on an annual basis. The ‘Jon Fletcher Trophy’ for Modsports and the ‘Peter Baldwin Trophy’ for Special Saloons were raced for at the Croft Historic Festival in 2024. David Morrison, in his very quick Midget, won the Jon Fletcher Trophy and Joe Ward in Baby Bertha carried off the Peter Baldwin Trophy. In 2025, these will be raced for at the Donington Park meeting in June.

To request series regulations and/or express an interest is taking part; please contact the HSCC club office or Steve Watton.

The Facebook group for the series is here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1017365995623723

WHY CHOOSE CHASE?

Established in the market for over 100 years, this accolade has been earned through our consistent attention to detail along with the use of the best quality materials and innovative design ideas. What gives us the edge is our ﬂexibility and speed of reaction, we aim to operate efﬁciently and productively to meet every type of customer need.

We supply a wide variety of intelligent materials handling solutions ranging from scissor lifts, industrial doors, container loading ramps, mobile yard ramps or loading bay solutions including dock levellers, modular docks, dock shelters, dock seals and edge of dock levellers which are all designed, precision engineered and the majority manufactured by our own factory in the West Midlands.

All of our products come with an optional extended service and training agreement ensuring our on-going commitment to providing you with professional after sale care.

https://chaseequipment.co.uk/

Black Shuck Distillery of Fakenham, Norfolk have coupled up with the series for the second season, supplying their high quality spirits as prizes for each race winner.

“The Black Shuck Distillery is home to Norfolk’s Legendary Spirit. Established in 2012 the distillery boasts a range of Black Shuck Gins, Rums, Vodkas and Liqueurs. Visits to the distillery should be pre-booked by calling or emailing in advance. Black Shuck White Label Gin is the company’s signature Gin, which has been inspired by the Norfolk Coast. The distillery was established by Patrick and Sarah, together with Leanne, Nicola and William. It started as a family project and has developed into a thriving, successful business. The company welcomes enquiries from local retailers and hospitality outlets wishing to stock the award winning, locally produced range of spirits and liqueurs.”

The 2025 HSCC Modsports & Special Saloons Series will be held at the following race meetings.