When did Group C first run?

[Mr. Rick]

As it says in the title. And not when you might think either!

If you know the answer, explain why.

Crikey, I feel like a schoolteacher!! Detention for all those who get it wrong, or if I'm in a good mood, maybe ten lines and lose a house point.

[Robbo SPS]

was it 1982 to be introduced , and then everyone really took to it in 1983 ??

[Mr. Rick]

Close Robbo .... but no banana!

[Robbo SPS]

1981 it was introduced , but the rules / regs written in 1980.

Any bannanas

[Mr. Rick]

Getting closer, bit sneaky this one!!

[pretzel]

Is it group C as in the car type rather than the regs per. se? The FIA did not adopt Group C until 1982 but group C style cars had run earlier, notably Rondeau at LeMans in 1980.

Are we getting any warmer??

[Mr. Rick]

Pretty close now Pretzel! The widely accepted year and the official start was indeed 1982 but there was a Group C class earlier that 2 cars ran in of both the same make etc.

Want to know what year and cars.

All this has got me thinking that I really must get out more!

[pretzel]

Well, despite climbing in to my favourite anorak and staying in for a month I still have no idea. A wild guess at the year is 1978 but no idea which car/chassis. (I thought my prewious answer was spot on so what do I know....)

C'mon Rick, put us out of our misery; or at least give us another clue

[Mr. Rick]

Just hang on for a little while longer until Gilles gets back from his thingy down south - bet he knows!

[pretzel]

Still no comment from Gilles - good job I'm not holding my breath.

The pizza has mould growing out of it and the anorak is beginning to disintegrate around me so any more clues?

[Mr. Rick]

OK then, the two cars that were officially entered in this "new" category were both by the same team and happen to be a very small team that still run at Le Mans, albeit with a slightly different name these days. Given that Group C officially started in 1982, this year we are talking about could be considered a trial for the new rules.

There, scrape the green bits off the pizza and get the needle and thread out for the train spotting essential garment!!

[pretzel]

Courage/Lola, 1981??

Just a guess but here's hoping.

If I'm wrong then Gilles please put us out of our misey

[Mr. Rick]

OK! We have the year!

Further clues, the cars ran as numbers 82 & 83 (referring to the future years).

But not Courage/Cougar or Lola!

 

[Kpy]

WM P81 - Peugeot

[Mr. Rick]

Wahhaaayyy!! At last!! Well done! (I knew either you or Gilles would pop up eventually!)