For anyone who appreciates the sporting achievements of Jaguar over the years most will think usually of C, D & E Type, but the XJS, the replacement of the E Type, has a considerable pedigree of its own, if maybe not as widely known. With success in the USA with Group 44 racing and then later in the prestigious European Touring Car championship in 1984, Tom Walkinshaw prepared XJS’s were the cars to beat and had numerous wins on the continent and famously at Donnington Park, with well known drivers such as Martin Brundle and Win Percy at the wheel.

25 years on and with the car now being viewed in a better light than in period and considered a good value, useable classic, why not consider emulating TWR, on a much smaller budget, and prepare a car for racing in the XJS championship, run under the banner of the Jaguar Enthusiasts club.

The car as originally

purchased: a very

well-maintained example.

This will be made even more accessible as an entry level series with the addition of a new class for 2010, Class N, which will be for fundamentally road going 6 cylinder cars with no modification other than mandatory Motor Sport Association safety requirements which include the fitting of a roll cage, fire extinguisher & battery cut off switch.

If this fires enthusiasm a good starting point would be to attend one of the race meetings held by the JEC, along with the Classic Sports Car Club, at most of the top circuits throughout the UK during the season and make a point of chatting to the drivers in the paddock. Without exception you will find that they will be more than happy to enthuse about their sport and offer any advice they can whether you are a novice or have experience with other series. You will find this group of people, men & women from all walks of life, with one common bond which is racing Jaguars and, once you’ve done all the hard work and got yourself entered, there really is nothing better than spending occasional Saturdays and the odd weekend away, totally immersed in what becomes a very addictive hobby.

First time at Cadwell Park,

with minimal preparation.

My own car was bought from a fellow racer who I’d got chatting to in this way, which was a sound road car {6 cylinder 3.6 manual} which had done some track days and would form the basis of something I could add value to if I found that I enjoyed it. Depending on your budget and level of technical ability, it may seem prudent to shop around and see what’s available. There are usually, at any one time, a number of race cars for sale prepared to various levels and, again, this information can easily be gained in the paddock. There are also, scattered around the country, a number of experts who can help with the preparation of your car, and in my experience the importance of developing these relationships has been invaluable and increased my enjoyment enormously.

It really is great fun, you will make some good friends, and if you’re not carefull it may take over your life. But anyone who enjoys classic motor sport, in particular Jaguars, but thought it was not accessible to them, then its time to think again and maybe give a new lease of life to an old XJS.

Terry Dye, the ever genial organizer of JEC racing is an enthusiastic first point of contact, so why not consider making the call as a step to being out on the grid this year….

Brands Hatch, the car as she

is now. Still in development

as part of the never-ending

obsession...

Part 2 to follow...