Replica Tourers set record grid for 2 Days of Thunder

The popular Queensland based Replica Tourers Trophy series will have a category record grid for this weekend’s 2 Days of Thunder at QR.

Running as one of the Queensland state component categories for the the third round of the Hi-Tec Oils Super Series, one of Australia’s fastest growing categories will have an event high 36 cars on its grid.

The series is the lowest cost based state category in the whole of Australia, and is one of the fastest growing grass roots categories in the country.

It runs cars that bridge the gap between Production Cars and Sports Sedans, but allowing far more latitude for drivers to enter under their own interpretation of what a touring car is.

It runs capacity classes up to 2Lt, Over 2Lt up to 3.5Lt, over 3.5Lt up to 5Lt, over 5Lt up to 6.2Lt, and then Open class for large stroked engine vehicles.

The 6 L Jack Daniels  VE Commorodre of Rex Scoles, one the series front runners in the up to 6.2 L class

In terms of diversity the grid is open for touring models ranging from around 1968 to 2008, and represents a true world-wide range of touring car makes.

One of the founders, competitors and administrators – Craig Line – spoke to AUTO ACTION ahead of the first of two nationally televised outings that the series will enjoy in 2023.

“It’s our largest grid since we’ve been running, and this is our third full year since its inception,” Line said.

“It’s our largest grid number with 36 cars, and we’ve also turned out to be the largest grid of the 2 Days of Thunder and Hi-Tec Oil Super Series round.

The 600hp A9X Torana of Jason Habchi, who business is also the main sponsor of the series: Brisbane builders

“We are absolutely delighted to see such a great grid number, and it’s also the first time that the category will be showcased on television through the Super Series and its broadcast partners, SBS, Fox Sport and Kayo.”

In regards to the fast moving growth of the category, Line says that one of the biggest attractions is the grid diversity, as well as being low cost with no fees.

“As a dedicated touring car style category, we are showing the greatest range of diversity in vehicles,” he continued.

Ian Woodward, one of the category managers, runs a gold TCM Camaro, another class front runner in the popular Replica Tourers Trophy Series

“That’s been very attractive to a lot of people who may have something that’s a touring car replica based from somewhere else in the world, but they’ve had difficulty running it in other series’, and now that we’ve come along, they’ve found a home.

“We’re accepting vehicle types that have been used worldwide in touring car racing, and not just Australia, and that’s been a real key.

“The other thing is that it’s an extremely low-cost series, because we don’t charge the drivers to be part of the series!

Chris Soloman’s Toyota AE86 Sprinter, one of quick front runners in the 2L class

“Myself and the others who administer it, we’re all drivers, and we’re all volunteers. We’ve got some great sponsors, such as Brisbane Builders, who are sponsoring the whole series, and there’s no fee. 

“All the driver has to do is register for the round, pay the track for their grid spot and, and away they go. We’re not running the series as a business, or on a cost recovery basis.”

The 2023 Replica Tourers season features two nationally televised rounds vis the Hi-Tec Oils Super Series rounds

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