In the Beginning

Report by Ray Julian & Phillip Showers

It was at the end of a long hot competitive day during the 2000 Dutton Grand Prix Rally whilst dislodging accumulated internal dust with some amber liquid, staring at David Coull’s E30 (already fitted with a Roll Cage and numerous other modifications) the foundation for E30 Racing was hatched.

David’s BMW 323i E30 quickly became the centre point for extended conversation that a racing series could be formed using BMW E30’s.

A luncheon following the rally extended previous discussions and six motivated Bimmerheads volunteered to draft some rules.  The six were Ray Julian, Phillip Showers (both of which had many years of racing experience), David Coull, Manny Mezzasalma, Chris Seidler and Graeme Bell.  This was the first of many meetings, most at Manny’s office, where a final a set of regulations were agreed upon and E30 Racing was born.

Whilst regulations were being formulated, cars were being sourced and built.  Phillip sourced and built 2 cars for Chris, whilst helping Manny source a car.  Graeme was on the move with his own car as well.

The 2000 Winton 6 Hour Relay Race was a highlight for this group of people as it saw the debut of five E30’s hitting the track seriously for the first time.  With Ray Julian as Team Manager, the Five Drivers were David, Chris, Graeme, Manny and Phillip.  Unfortunately the result wasn’t what the team wanted, but that’s Motor Racing and they did all have a great time.

2001 was the inaugural year of “E30 Racing” as it has become known and the first E30 Championship was run and won.  Since then numbers have grown significantly, new friendships have been born and the competition and rivalry has become passionate.

2005 will see the start of a new era.  A number of women have joined the ranks and are looking to ‘beat the boys’ and win the “BMW Drivers Cup”.  A further highlight for 2005 is that with a larger field, the E30 Racing will for the first time; compete in their own races in the AASA series.