| Two
brand new ’86 spec Commodore race cars, which include modifications
allowed by the homologation of 500 sporting evolution Group A SS road
cars, are currently being prepared for the international campaign
at the MHDT’s Port Melbourne workshops. Brock and Moffat have
dominated Australian racing over the last two decades, winning twelve
Bathurst and twelve Sandown long distance classics as well as six
Australian touring Car Championships between them. Although
Moffat has driven a MHDT Commodore before- at Sandown in 1980 – it
will be the first time he and Brock have ever shared a car.
The
Brock/Moffat pairing will be a key element in the MHDT’s international
race program, which has been put together with the backing of the
teams existing sponsors. Subject to final confirmation, the
teams itinerary includes Wellington (NZ) January 26; Auckland (NZ)
February 2; Monza (Italy) March 23; Donington (UK) April 6; Hockenheim
(Germany) April 13; Spa (Belgium) August 3; Silverstone (UK) September
7; Fuji (Japan) November 9; and Macau (Hong Kong) November 16.
Current
plans call for one car to be used for the first three European events,
leaving the team with a fresh Commodore for the gruelling Sap 24
hour, considered to be the most prestigious touring car event in
the world, in August. One of the existing pair of race Commodores,
rebuilt to 86’s spec, will be used for the two New Zealand races.
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The
team will be based at Opel’s competitions department headquarters
at Russishiem, Germany, during the European leg of the season, although
mechanics will commute between Europe and Australia between races.
Opel’s competitions Director, Tony Fall has expressed interest in
developing cars to run in both the German and French touring car championships.
Accompanying the two Europe bound Commodores, which are due to be
completed by the end of January, will be a large shipment of spares,
including five of each major component, such as engines and gearboxes.
Despite the massive overseas effort, which is costing over $400,000.00
to mount, Brock says the MHDT will continue to conduct its Australian
racing campaign at the same level as previous years. Veteran
John Harvey will contest all rounds of the Australian Touring Car
and Endurance Championships, backed by Brock if overseas dates do
not clash.
The
teams ultimate aim, however, is to field a competitive Commodore
in the proposed 1987 World touring Championship. Brock is
convinced the engine, braking, suspension and aerodynamic modifications
the car is allowed from January 1st will make it more competitive
against European contenders such as Rover, Ford Sierra, Volvo, BMW
and Mitsubishi.
Motor
Manual
February 1986
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