The Atlantic Sports Car Club (ASCC) is a broadly based motorsports club made up of individuals who share a keen interest in the automobile and the many ways of enjoying its recreational use. Members come from a wide variety of backgrounds and occupations, and include men and women, both young and old.

The club has been active in the Halifax-Dartmouth area since 1955 and holds competitive and social events year-round. All of our events are organized for good fun and competition and all events respect the laws, and regulations governing the operation of automobiles.

For new comers to the sport, we offer instruction and advice to help get you started. Let us briefly tell you about our competitive events. Entry-Level events include AutoSlalom, Navigational Rallies and SoloSprint. For these events you require only a roadworthy car and plenty of desire. Performance Rallies and Racing are somewhat more challenging, and a greater degree of car preparation and driver qualification is required.

How did ASCC come to be?

The Atlantic Sports Car Club had its beginnings in 1954 when MG TDs and a few other sports cars were beginning to appear on the roads of Nova Scotia. Two owners of these classic cars got together and agreed that a club should be formed. After months of research and a letter to over one hundred sports car owners throughout the province, a meeting was held in mid-March of 1955 in the Board of Trade Building on Spring Garden Road in Halifax. A club was formed, the name chosen and the first Executive Committee was elected. Two years later, in March of 1957, the first Constitution and By-Laws were registered with the Provincial Government.

Bill Anwyll races his MGB - 1968
Click to enlarge

For the first decade ASCC was a "pure" Sports Car club, with navigational rallies, gymkhanas, and the occasional hill climb (all frequently ending as beach parties or other social gatherings) filling the demand for affordable competition and social interaction. By 1966 the pressure from owners of small, agile european sedans became too great and ASCC, with some reluctance on the part of the sports car owners, broadened its mandate and became a motorsport club. The name was retained in recognition of the club history and the overall desire for recognition of motorsport involving vehicles where finesse counted for more than brute horsepower and/or intimidation.

The following three decades saw a gradual change from the more social rally-gymkhana crowd to the go-fast race and slalom car drivers whose thrills are shared only vicariously by others.

Who can join ASCC?

Membership is open to anyone 16 years and older, and ownership of a "Sports Car" is not a requirement. Persons under the age of majority are required to have written parental permission. The Club is affiliated with the Atlantic Region Motor Sports (ARMS) which is a local body made up of similar Clubs representing all parts of Atlantic Canada. Members of ASCC are eligible to compete in events ranging from entry-level driver skill tests to exciting ultra-competitive amateur and professional road racing series.

How much does it cost?

Membership fees are $30 per calendar year for single membership, and an additional $12.50 each for a spouse or immediate family member. The membership includes a basic competition license. First time members will also receive free entry to their first AutoSlalom event.

How do I join?

You can join at any ASCC hosted event by filling out a simple membership form. (See the Documents and Forms page) You can also join at monthly club meetings or by submitting the registration form and payment by mail.

P.O. Box 31120
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3K 5Y1

Are there regular club meetings?

Yes, meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month. Key issues pertaining to the club are discussed and voted on by members. Meetings are also a great place to swap stories and socialize with other members. See the Events Calendar for time and location details for the next meeting.

What is an AutoSlalom?

A AutoSlalom is a driving skill-test held at relatively low speeds on a paved surface such as a parking lot. The course is marked by plastic pylons, and you race your car one at a time against the clock. You compete in one of many stock or modified classes against drivers using cars having performance capabilities similar to your own car. To enter, you require only a car and an approved helmet. The winner is the one in each class who completes the course in the shortest time with the fewest penalty points.

For more information see the AutoSlalom FAQ.

What is a SoloSprint?

A SoloSprint is a high speed Solo event similar to a slalom. A road racing circuit or an airfield is used for the course and you race one car at a time against the clock for one lap over the prescribed course beginning from a standing start. Prior to entering, you must attend an approved Sprint School and have a basic competition license. A roadworthy car and certain safety equipment are required.

For more information see the SoloSprint FAQ

What is a Navigational (TSD) Rally?

A Navigational Rally (Also referred to as a TSD or Time/Speed/Distance Rally) is a navigational skill test held on public roads at legal speeds. A driver/navigator crew are required to follow a secret route by interpreting carefully prepared instructions while on the go. Scoring is based on the accuracy of your navigation and your adherence to the prescribed route and average speed.

For more information see the Rally FAQ

What is a Race?

A Race is a high speed event held on a closed paved racing circuit. You use a modified production based race car or a purpose-built racing machine. You will be required to obtain a racing license and must attend an approved racing school. Many of the local races are held at Atlantic Motorsport Park which is a challenging 2km (1.6 mile) long twisting road course situated in Shubenacadie about 1/2hour north of Halifax.

For more information see the Race FAQ

What is a Performance Rally?

A Performance Rally is similar to a navigational rally, but portions of the route include high speed stages on closed gravel or paved roads where maximum speeds are used. A competition license and a well prepared car are a must. Currently ASCC does not organize any events of this type.

What is an AutoCross?

An AutoCross is an event very similar to an AutoSlalom. A course is laid out in pylons for a single vehicle to drive against the clock. The difference is an AutoCross is held on surfaces of varying types from mudl, gravel, pavement, snow and ice. ASCC does not currently organize any events of this type but The Bluenose Autosport Club conducts a winter AutoCross series.

What is an Ice Race?

An Ice Race consists of wheel to wheel racing on an approximately 1/8 mile oval frozen track. In the interests of safety, the tracks are laid out on frozen bodies o water being no more than a couple of feet deep such as flooded gravel pits or small ponds. Competitors run "beater" cars in studded or non-studded, front or rear wheel drive classes. The event consists of several heats in two separate series therefore allowing one car to be shared by two drivers. Due to its low costs, relatively low speeds, and wheel to wheel racing action, ice racing is one of the most fun forms of racing there is for the money. Currently ASCC does not organize any events of this type.