The WPMC Fine Car Championship provides an accessible entry point into classic car racing for enthusiasts with road-legal classic vehicles. This series emphasizes originality, authenticity, and the driving spirit of classic motorsport, allowing competition in vehicles closer to their original showroom specification.
Fine Cars must be road-legal, licensed vehicles manufactured before 1983 that are currently out of production. The series uses an innovative Index of Performance calculation that levels the competitive field, allowing diverse marques and specifications to race competitively.
1. Championship Objectives
To declare a WPMC Fine Car Champion and determine the placing of all participating vehicles in the series based on cumulative performance across the racing season.
2. Vehicle Registration & Eligibility
Before any vehicle may compete in the Western Province Motor Club Fine Car Championship (WPMCFCC):
- Vehicle must be registered with and approved by the Controllers
- Must pass technical inspection by the Fine Car Committee
- Road-legal status must be maintained throughout the season
- Registration is subject to committee approval and invitation
3. Technical Specifications
Fine Cars shall be road-legal and licensed saloon or sports cars manufactured before 1983 that are out of production, admitted by invitation only.
3.1 Originality Requirements
Vehicles must be as close as possible to original specification, or use period-correct aftermarket parts conforming to original type, with exceptions only as permitted in Appendix C.
3.2 Committee Authority
The Fine Car Committee (FCC) has final authority on vehicle eligibility. This ensures series integrity and maintains the authentic character of fine car competition.
3.3 Road-Legal Requirement
All competing vehicles must maintain valid road licensing and legal roadworthiness. This requirement distinguishes Fine Cars from fully-prepared race vehicles and preserves the series' accessible, dual-purpose character.
4. Championship Structure
4.1 Minimum Events
A minimum of four (4) race meetings per year will count toward the championship. All race meetings in the fine car championship calendar will be counted in determining final positions.
4.2 No Drop Races
Unlike the Classic Car Championship, Fine Car competitors must count all races—no drop race provisions apply. This reflects the series' smaller calendar and encourages consistent participation.
5. Index of Performance Formula
The Fine Car series uses a sophisticated Index of Performance calculation that creates competitive balance across diverse vehicle specifications:
Performance Index Formula
((Capacity × (Cylinders + Valves + Chokes + Gears + Camshafts + Wheels)) / Weight) + Race Time
This formula considers multiple vehicle characteristics to create equitable competition. All cars are weighed after the first race of the day to ensure accuracy.
Formula Components Explained
- Capacity: Engine displacement in cubic centimeters
- Cylinders: Number of engine cylinders
- Valves: Total number of valves per cylinder
- Chokes: Number of carburetor chokes/throttle bodies
- Gears: Number of forward gears in transmission
- Camshafts: Number of camshafts (SOHC=1, DOHC=2)
- Wheels: Wheel diameter in inches
- Weight: Vehicle weight in kilograms (weighed at event)
This comprehensive formula rewards efficient engineering and balanced preparation rather than raw power, preserving the series' spirit of authentic period motoring.
6. Points Scoring
Points are awarded for each race based on finishing position:
| Position | Points |
|---|---|
| 1st | 10 Points |
| 2nd | 8 Points |
| 3rd | 6 Points |
| 4th | 5 Points |
| 5th | 4 Points |
| 6th | 3 Points |
| 7th | 2 Points |
| 8th | 1 Point |
6.1 Starter Bonus
One point will be awarded to each car that qualifies as a starter in each race, rewarding participation and consistent entries.
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