28-91-84 A class of its Own The Christchurch-based Open Saloon Car Association, now in its 14th season of competition, has survived — indeed flourished — in spite of its many crities suggesting that it should not be allowed to do SO. With sponsorship again from the Arbuckles retail chain, the objectives of the association are as relevant today as they were when the need to create the class surfaced. When an OSCA field takes to the starting grid and the husky V&s roar into life, the sight and sound capture the full attention not only of every spectator but also invariably those involved from other classes who would otherwise be working on their cars. The full impact of this phenomenon experienced at the last Lady Wigram meeting where the atmosphere that was created was unique, as if to be reserved only for this class. What makes OSCA different from other classes? By LINDSAY KERR First the noise, which is directly related to horsepower, and second a group of leading drivers who, in every instance, are as good, if not better than those who seek to win the nationally recognised classes. The current nationally run classes are designed for cars which are not permitted anything like the modifications OSCA allows. One of the prime reasons for the birth of OSCA back in 1971 was that the national saloon class swung completely away from cars with "wild" modification to expensive factory-based cars. The situation is similar today and with the OSCA prize having been increased by $10,000 to $35,000 for the 1984/85 championship, the season is in full flight with Sunday's round on the long, fast Wigram circuit being the fifth of the 10 planned. BATHE GARAGE Other classes also provide excitement While the glamour part of OSCA is the crowd. pleasing, noisy V8s, there are many other competitors who consider that the racing they turn on is equally as exciting as the big boys. The class for cars between 2 and 4.5 litres sees Don Grindley in his beautiful Mazda RX7 keen to get among the V8s. After a difficult first season with the new car, Grindley is finally putting in the times that look as though his investment and faith in the rotary motor will shortly deliver a good dividend. Michael Johnston (2-litre Escort turbo) and John Harcourt (3.5 Escort) are honest drivers who drive to the limit all through the race, while former speedway and rally driver Arthur Inns, still a relative newcomer to circuit racing. has improved with every race in spite of his V6powered Escort being down on power compared with his close rivals. Last season, in the battle to be top car in the 0-2 litre category we saw an absorbing two-man struggle develop between Eric Johnston (Avenger 1600) and Austin Cole (Toyota Corolla 1300). This season Cole has retired but Johnston has inherited problems from several other quarters that include Warren Burt (Toy. ota Corolla 1300), Robin Laing (Datsun 1600 Coupe), and Mark Rutherford (Escort 2600), together with Gary Love, a veteran of many seasons racing, with his Datsun 120Y 1600 Coupe. All have demonstrated their intention to knock Johnston off his top-ranked position. Peter Swaney, a leading competitor in the pre-1965 saloon series, switched to the bigger league of OSCA! this season in an 1800cc MKI Escort. With each meeting, Swaney has steadily improved his performance. At the recent meeting on the Timaru circuit hel joined the battle with Laing in endeavouring to keep Eric Johnston out of. the No. 1 slot. With • Wigram being considered as "that special circuit" by many of the drivers, the long circuit will ideally suit the intense competition that OSCA racing invariably produces Eric Johnston leads Peter Swaney. Close OSCA action: Avon Hyde and John Osborne (No. 2) contest the lead at a recent Ruapuna meeting.