December 2003
Welcome to the premiere issue of G70+ Updates and News. You're
on this email list because somewhere along the line you expressed
an interest in VARAC's Group 70+, perhaps in the capacity
of driver, organizer, spectator or just plain keener trying
to keep on top of things in the racing world. Let me know
if you don't want to be on the list anymore, or feel free
to pass it on to others who might be interested.
G70+ Alive and Well!
G70+ had a reasonably good showing at the VARAC Annual AGM
held on November 15th. Support for the continuation and building
of the class is quite strong. We now have official Class Representatives,
myself (Diane Dale) handling administration, promotion, paper
work etc. and Jonathon Brett handling the technical eligibility
and rules. Jon was voted to the VARAC Board of Directors -
so we'll have a G70+ voice there as well. Jon and I have been
working closely to develop a plan to seek out and encourage
drivers and cars that are eligible and passionate about the
1973 to 1987 racing period. Watch for articles in upcoming
club newsletters and magazines! We've already had the VARAC
website updated with the formal class description!
Racing Schedule
CASC has posted its draft racing schedule for 2004 - for
those of us who are already eager to be back on the track!
(www.casc.on.ca/files/RaceOntarioCalendar2004.pdf). The actual
grids have not been planned yet (final CASC scheduling takes
place in January 2004), but our hope is to have VARAC run
two grids for most of the participating weekends - a Vintage
Grid and a Group 70+ Grid. VARAC rules do not allow G70+ cars
to run on the same grid as other VARAC classes, but I know
everyone would like race weekends to include all of VARAC's
participation. The 2003 race season was the inaugural year
for G70+ and there were a few growing pains (lack of cars
to say the least!). Race weekends were sanctioned as either
'Vintage' or 'G70+', which didn't allow us to spectate, socialize
or support other VARAC members except at the Vintage Festival
and the CRDA Mini-Festival. 2004 hopes to see a lot more cars
and more of a community integration.
Drivers and Cars
The great news is that within the last month, simply through
word of mouth, we've compiled a list of over 25 committed
drivers, 15 'maybe' drivers and over 40 potentials (see my
'G70+ Most Wanted List' below!) for the 2004 Group 70+ season.
As everyone knows, attrition of holidays, work and family
commitments, car failures etc. that large numbers can dwindle
pretty fast to be lower numbers on the grid. Our goal is to
build that list to a substantial number of committed drivers
so that there will be a mighty fine group of cars to play
with! The line-up of spectacular cars so far includes BMWs,
Corvettes, Datsun 240Zs, Datsun 510s, Jaguars, Lotus, Porsches,
Toyotas, Triumphs and a few others.
G70+ Most Wanted List
The following names have been given to me as prospective
owners of G70+ eligible cars. Unfortunately I have no contact
information for any of these people. If anyone knows these
people, can you ask them to contact me at lddale@hotmail.com?
Adam Tourikian, Alex Winchie, Bruce Wilke, Chris Harewood,
Dave King, Chris Kirby, David Langton, Dean Web, Doug Ashford,
Ernest Lader, Euan Fergasson, Glen Daly, Gord McNeil, Gord
Wenzel, Harry Byzek, Ian John, Ivano Scattolin, Jamie Bateman,
Jay Meilstrup, Jeff Wenzel, Jim Burrows, John Blouin, Ken
Kadwell, Karl Thomson, Lain Vendittelli, Larry Barcza, Linc
Kinsman, Lloyd Service, Mike Tilly, Paul Cipparone, Peter
Bulkowski, Steve Tilly, Tom Lang
VARAC Membership
VARAC Memberships can be purchased or renewed now for the
2004 season. You can contact Nick Pratt at varacmembership@rogers.com.
See the VARAC website for more information (www.varac.ca/membership.html)
Datsun Racing Parts?
G70+ Racer John Griffith (Datsun 510) is starting an email
distribution list for anyone interested in exchanging information
regarding Datsun Parts (any models). E-mail John at johngriffith@on.aibn.com
to get signed up. A fantastic idea for those of us restoring
and rebuilding Datsuns over the winter.
Diane Dale - lddale@hotmail.com
Jonathon Brett - kim.zachjess@sympatico.ca
VARAC can be found at www.varac.ca
Group 70+ is a VARAC promoted racing class that currently
celebrates the history of racing from 1973 to 1987. VARAC
is the association of vintage racecars in Canada that celebrates
the passion of preserving, restoring and racing vintage racecars.
