Among the array of one-make categories in and around State racing, there’s one that provides surprisingly modest cost in what has always been seen as a prestige marque – BMW E30 Racing.
As part of AUTO ACTION’S regular ‘The Real Co$t of Racing’ feature series’, we take a look at another great entry level category and in our latest issue of the magazine, AA’s Timothy W Neal talks to the owners and builders and investigates whats required to go racing in these great stylish machines.
AUTO ACTION talks to owners and club members about their experiences with building these racing machines, owning and racing these cars and what it is really all about and what the real costs are to go racing.
BMW-E30 Race Series.
ESTABLISHED BY a group of Victorian BMW motor enthusiasts in 2000, the BMW E30 racing series has grown into a competitive one-make grassroots car club with a focus on racing, now cementing itself as a regular participant in the Vic State Race Series (VSRS).
By 2001, members of the group were running cars in competitive race meetings albeit, in those early years on track, forced to punch above their weight running against some heavily modified cars in categories such as Improved Production.
With subsequent growth, the numbers meant the category could start to stand alone with E30-only grids, making it more attractive for new members, who could be guaranteed a fair and competitive bang for their buck.
As the membership has expanded, aside from being a regular VSRS category, the club also initiates its own race days with other categories, at Winton and Phillip Island, and attempts to get interstate once every season – with races at The Bend, SMP, and at Baskerville.
With that growth, the original concept for the BMW E30 Series has developed into that of a healthily competitive, affordable, and enjoyable entry-level touring car experience… with an earful of that straight-six howl!
