The HQ Racing category started in Tasmania in 1988.
The HQ Racing category started in Tasmania in 1988. A group of ex-racers and others who wanted to get into racing, but were put off by the costs, got together to come up with a class of racing that was affordable and exciting.
They wanted a car that was readily available, easy to work on and inexpensive to buy and maintain. The car that fitted the bill was the Holden HQ.
The category quickly spread to the rest of Australia and continued to grow in popularity.
To keep the category even, strict regulations were set down regarding the cars. All cars must be Holden HQ four door sedans with the 3.3 litre (202 cubic inch) six cylinder engine and some limited modifications.
HQ Racing in Australia is a controlled category, so seals are put on the engine, gearbox and differential by authorised sealers in each state.
When the HQ Holden Racing series was launched in 1988, it was very much an entry level motorsport category. The cars were cheap and the parts even cheaper. For many years the category was known for its “crash and bash” racing, but as the cars got older and became more expensive and costly to maintain, this needed to change.
The category set a minimum standard for the presentation of the cars, as well as the introduction of a comprehensive set of Driving Standards, which has changed the face of HQ Racing in Australia.
What you will see today are some beautifully presented cars that deliver action packed door to door racing that is always guaranteed to entertain.
At any state round you will find racing fans and their kids talking to the HQ Drivers, looking under the bonnet, asking about the cars and their kids sitting in the race seats.
But what sets HQ Racing apart from the other categories is the comradery of our members, often referred to as the HQ family! On any race weekend you will see HQ competitors helping each other out to make sure that the cars are always on the track. Many of the drivers and their families socialise together and have formed lifelong friendships.
This is what HQ Racing is all about!
HQ Racing is the longest standing one make series racing in Australia. The category was founded with the sole purpose of creating an affordable racing category and the cars were based as close as possible to the road car that came off the production line over 50 years ago. Changes were made to improve the performance and handing as a race car, but the essence of the humble 4 door sedan remains.
Body: HQ Holden (4 door)
Chassis: Standard Chassis Rails and Floor Pan
Engine: 202 Red motor maximum .060" oversize. Clive CAMS 933 controlled camshaft. Standard crankshaft and conrods. Engine may be blue printed and balanced. Sump may be baffled. Cast pistons only, compression ratio is minimum 45cc. Engine must be sealed by accredited HQRA Sealer.
Cylinder Head: Valve springs are free, but only one spring per valve (no double valve springs). Valves are free subject to a maximum head size of exhaust 1.375" and inlet 1.675".
Exhaust: Exhaust system is free from cylinder head exit.
Carburettor: Standard six cylinder 202 red motor Stromberg carburettor (one only). Jets are free. Air cleaner - Speco HQ 900 AC - controlled item.
Cooling: Radiator is free but must bolt to original holes. Electric fan may be fitted.
Gearbox: Original 3-speed manual gearbox must be sealed by HQRA Accredited Sealer. Floor shift may be fitted.
Clutch: Method of actuation is free. One ton clutch assembly may be fitted.
Differential: Standard non-limited slip Banjo or Salisbury type Ratio 3.55 to 1, must be sealed by HQRA Accredited Sealer.
Wheel Alignment: The camber on each front wheel must not exceed 3° negative. The rear wheel camber must not exceed 0° ± 1° negative.
Suspension: Suspension components are strictly controlled by the use of a "Pedders HQ Racing Kit". All mounting points must remain in original position. All bushings must remain original rubber.
Steering: Non power steering
Brakes: Front disc PBR or Girlock type. Rear drum type.Friction lining type free. Brake hoses maybe replaced with those of aeronautical standard.
Wheels: 14"x 7" or 14"x 8" mags or steel rims.
Tyres: Kenda Klever H/P KR 15 P235/60R1496H .
Pump Fuel: Must be commercially available for sale from a roadside retail bowser outlet at each of at least five separate service stations in each of at least three Australian States. Minimum
Weight: 1365kg (Total weight including driver post race) (For more detailed specifications, please refer to the Technical Regs on this website).