A classic trial is a low-key, track based motorsport event designed for road going classic cars. A classic trial is a time trial not a race. In a classic trial each driver pre-selects his or her lap time and during the trial seeks to exactly achieve that time. Classic Trials are run under MotorSport New Zealand Regularity Trial Regulations.
Regularity Trials were first run in the UK in the 1950’s and were brought to New Zealand by TACCOC in the mid 1990’s. TACCOC formulated the Regularity Trial Regulations section of the Motorsport New Zealand Handbook and introduced the event at the Whenuapai Wings and Wheels meetings. TACCOC have been running Regularity Trials and more lately Classic Trials since the events introduction. The TACCOC concept of quality classic cars competing in an introductory level, but competitive Motorsport event for the enjoyment of the driver and the viewing public remains the core principle behind Classic Trials.
The Classic Trial Register was formed in 2002 and has been running the Classic Trial Championship since the beginning of 2003. The Classic Trial Championship is sponsored by Apparelmaster.