The Ken Leigh HQ 4 Hour, marking its 30th anniversary, traces its origins back to the inaugural HQ 3 Hour event at Calder Park in 1983. Al Basnight, the Racing Director of Calder Park and a fervent supporter of HQ racing, played a pivotal role in bringing this event to life.
Under the NASCAR/AUSCAR rules, the HQ 3 Hour introduced several groundbreaking elements to circuit racing, such as the Rolling Start, Live recovery, and the absence of a minimum laps requirement for classification as a finisher.
After two successful years at Calder Park, the event briefly shifted to Sandown for one year, leaving lasting memories of challenging weather conditions for those who participated.
Due to cost considerations, the event found a new home in 1996 at Winton, thanks to the support of Mick Ronke. Winton and Mick Ronke have been unwavering supporters of HQ Racing, hosting the first Nationals in 1989 against the resistance of certain motorsport bodies.
The original race format included live refuelling, but logistical challenges prompted the need for a revamped structure. Ken Leigh, who had been involved in organising the event since its inception, formulated the current rules. These rules eliminated refuelling and introduced tyre changes within a 4 hour format. With minor adjustments, the rules have largely remained true to Ken’s original vision.
Winton embraced the new format, agreeing to host the event over two days—a tradition upheld for the past 25 years. This timeframe has proven optimal for managing fuel, tyres, and the endurance of both vehicles and drivers. Winton’s track, known for its ideal characteristics, further enhances the event’s status as a true endurance challenge, demanding the collective efforts of both drivers and crews.
Additionally, the event has received continuous sanctioning by AASA for the past 25 years, underscoring its established reputation in motorsport. The Ken Leigh HQ 4 Hour stands as a testament to three decades of passion, dedication, and the enduring spirit of HQ Racing.
The Ken Leigh HQ 4 Hour event is on at Winton Raceway on the 8th to the 10th December 2023.
Enter at: wintonraceway.com.au
