There has been significant debate around the Production Saloon Class since its transition to National Class status, this was further sparked by discussion with delegates at the 2019 AGM and the move to remove ambiguity from within the technical class rules as it found its feet as a National class.

In January of this year, a survey circulated to drivers in the class highlighted greater issues around vehicle age, future technical policing in the class and of greater concern, was the financial factor of operating within the class.

Following a request to review the position under the provision of rule M1-3-4. Tracks contracting the class were asked for their feedback in May 2020 on the position of whether Speedway NZ should continue to pursue the 20 Year rule and the class remain as a National Class or whether the class should revert to Regional status and a 30 Year rule provision be implemented. 80% of tracks wished to see the class revert back to Regional status and a 30 Year rule implemented, with the majority of feedback further expressing tracks belief that the class move in June 2017 had had an extremely negative effect on the class at track level.

On review of the January 2020 survey and the provisions of rule M1-3-4 having been met, the Speedway NZ board after much deliberation have moved that the Production Saloon class will revert to a Regional Class from the 1^st September 2021

Rule Change

Current Rule

T11-5-7 BASE ROAD CAR

(c)   The relevant road car must have been manufactured within the last 20 years, unless earlier models are identical.

      (d)   Tracks have the right to allow existing Production Saloons over 20 years old to remain in competition.

Rule Change - Implimentation date: 1st September 2021

T11-5-7 BASE ROAD CAR

(c)   The relevant road car must have been manufactured within the last 20 30 years, unless earlier models are identical.

(d)   Tracks have the right to allow existing Production Saloons over 20 years old to remain in competition.

Article added: Friday 29 May 2020