HQ Holden Racing is a foundational grassroots motorsport category in Australia, utilizing the Holden HQ four-door sedan produced between 1971 and 1974. The class was established in Tasmania in 1988 with the goal of providing an affordable entry point into circuit racing. By mandating a specific vehicle model and strictly limiting modifications, the category ensures that success is determined by driver skill and race craft rather than financial investment. The technical specifications are a central feature of the series, requiring cars to run the original 3.3-litre (202 cubic inch) six-cylinder "Red" motor paired with a three-speed manual gearbox. To maintain a level playing field, major components like the engine, gearbox, and differential are sealed by authorized officials in each state. This emphasis on parity results in large, tightly packed grids where competitors often race door-to-door, utilizing slipstreaming to gain advantages on Australia’s major permanent circuits like Mount Panorama, Phillip Island, and Winton. Governed by the HQ Racing Association of Australia (HQRA), the series operates as a collection of state-based championships, culminating in an annual national event known as the HQ Holden Nationals. While the category is known for its intense action-packed racing, it is equally recognized for its paddock culture, often described as the "HQ family." It has served as a starting point for many notable drivers in Australian motorsport history and remains one of the longest-standing and most accessible one-make touring car series in the country.

HQ Holdens