The HRDC Academy, so what is this all about?

Historic car racing is one of the few flourishing categories of motorsport in the UK today. However such popularity usually breeds a level of competitiveness, which in itself brings added expense that invariably partners the desire to improve and push the boundaries of any competitor's chosen vehicle, often far beyond the financial reach of those wishing to enter the sport.

A tried and trusted formula in motor sport that 'levels the playing field' – both competitively and financially - is a one-make race Series, where all cars are expected to be equal and thus results rely solely on the ability of the driver to shines through, not the car! Whilst this approach has been a most successful mainstay of contemporary motorsport, it has not been taken on by the historic racing community – until now. If such a concept was to be launched, the over-riding question would then be – what car would be chosen that could provide all the qualities of historic racing, prove sustainable through easy access and parts supply, yet prove aspirational to would-be historic racers? The answer is obvious – the ubiquitous and yet charismatic Austin A35!

So why the A35?
Over and above its quintessential cheeky character, the Austin A35 is readily available to buy in the classic car marketplace at sensible prices. £3k to £4k will buy a sound, well-presented road car if you buy wisely. The best advice is to buy as good as you can because restoring a 'barn-find' car will not only cost more than you expect, it will also take far longer than you would envisage, damping one's enthusiasm for the project long before you can possibly hit

Mechanically the A35 is tried and tested, simple yet effective. Properly thought through, a race version can not only be reliable, it will provide all the elements of 'proper' historic racing: Iconic looks, sideways handling and 'seat of your pants' thrills! Most importantly, the HRDC Academy specification has been specifically designed, not only to be reliable and competitive, but fundamentally – to be safe. This carefully thought through package therefore offers a rewarding, truly historic driving experience; but not at any cost.

So you have bought your A35, what happens now?
Yourfirst point of contact will be the HRDC, where you can register with the Academy. Once signed up to the Academy and duly equipped with the specific Regulations Book to the HRDC Academy Series, your second port of call will be to the main suppliers - as listed and approved by the HRDC, where you will be able to tailor the purchase of the race kit to your budget / build-schedule requirements.

The key elements of the package are:
Race Engine:
This is a pre-tested and sealed unit, available only to buy outright from Classic and Modern Engine Services, in Bracknell.

Roll Cage:
This is a specially designed 6 point bolt-in type with weld-in strengthening plates, available solely through Caged Laser in Somerset.

Chassis kit:
This kit incorporates the suspension, brakes, auxiliary engine parts, interior and body accessories, all of which are available exclusively through Moto-Build Racing in Sutton.

The concept is simple:

So you have built the car, what happens now?
In order to race the car, it must first pass an eligibility inspection by the HRDC.

Once passed, the HRDC will issue the car with its own, unique chassis plate, serial number and racing 'log book'. This process ensures that all cars competing are known to have been built to the correct standard.

Helpline:
If during the build, you are in any doubt about how to do something or wish to determine whether a specific part is compatible / acceptable, there will always be someone available at the end of the phone or approachable via email to assist and advise you.

Once your newly-built HRDC Academy racer has its passport and chassis plate that's it - you'll be off to the first available race with the HRDC! You'll be joining one of the most sociable and fun-loving group of racers, who will give you a warm welcome to the world of historic motorsport.

Hopefully this brief resume will give you an insight into what we are all aiming for with the HRDC Academy. My name is Darryl Davis, I own Moto-Build Racing and have been drawing on my past 25-years of motorsport experience in helping to develop this dynamic and accessible approach to true historic racing. I see a terrific future for this Series as it embodies all the attributes that make historic motorsport so appealing.
I can be contacted by phone on 07956451470 or by email:
email  motobuildracing75@yahoo.co.uk 

Please feel free to contact me for a chat to find out more, and answer any queries you may have regarding the cars, the conversion and the HRDC Academy Series.

DarrylDavis M.I.M.I.
www.moto-build.com
www.ashleygt.co.uk

We were given the job of completing this white Academy car that had been previously restored and the cage had been fitted, we had to stretch the rear wheel arches and repaint the rear wings, plus paint the interior, before getting involved in the full Academy build and conversion, new wiring loom, new suspension, new engine and gearbox, all new engine ancillaries, plus lights safety equipment interior etc. there is a lot more to building one of these cars than you might at first think.