Group 1 Touring Car Racing

Between the years of 1974 to 1982 the British Touring Car Championship ran to International Group 1 regulations.  During this period the regulations changed from a "stock showroom" specification to a more modified approach.  The change occurred in 1975.  During the early period cars such as the Capri mk1 3 litre, Mazda RX3, Alfa Sud and others could be seen on grids around the UK.

In 1975 the revised Group1 regulations were adopted.  These allowed modified suspension, engine and gearbox components.  These regulations suited the Mk2/3 Capri, Mazda RX7, Triumph Dolomite Sprint, Ford XR3i and Rover SD1.  

"That's racing"

How did that happen?  In 1993 we prepared and raced a MG Metro in the MG Car Club Metro championship. In that season we gained five podium finishes from six starts but sadly working commitments caused a premature end to the season and we finished second in the championship. 

In 1994 the Classic Saloon Car Club of Great Britain, started its Group 1 Touring Car Championship. Based on the old BTCC regulations, this Championship is open to cars homologated as such between 1975 and 1983. We compete in Class B against other Capri's, Rover SDI's and a Mitsubishi Starion amongst others. In other classes are Jaguar XJS, Dolomite sprints, Escort RS2000 and XR3i.

Returning from an overseas trip we decided to look at the Classic Saloon Car Club's Group 1 Touring Car Championship and after a short search we discovered this mark II 3.0s Capri. Although heavy and under braked we hoped to be able to develop the car with the championship. 

Unfortunately in a big accident at Cadwell Park on 9 April 1995 the car was written off. The only salvageable components were the engine and running gear.

We needed a replacement.

This Car started its life as an MOT failed 1982 1600cc Capri LS.  During the month of May 1995 Ray Cousins at Rally Sport Developments in Leighton Buzzard built it into a Group 1 3.0s Touring Car using the engine and running gear from the original mark II.

In 2001 The Classic Saloon Car Club of Great Britain was renamed as the Classic Touring Car Racing Club and still organizes championships for pre '66, pre '74, pre '83 and pre '90 Touring Cars. Our car is entered in the Classic Group 1 Touring Car Championship.

Events planned for this year include a return to Spa Francorchamps, for the British Sports and Saloon Car Challenge race, which supports the Six Hours of Spa Historic meeting, in September.  The car is now painted as a replica of the 1978 Spa 24 Hours race winning Capri of Gordon Spice and Teddy Pillette.

Ken Clarke Motorsport are currently rebuilding the engine and preparing the car for its next outing.