1998 FORD MOTORSPORT/SLICK 50 CHAMPIONSHIP

FORMULA FORD IN AUSTRALIA

THE BEGINNINGS

Formula Ford began in England in 1967 as a cost-effective and reliable training formula for the pupils at the Brands Hatch-based Motor Racing Stables. But it very quickly outgrew these origins to become one of the best-known and most instantly recognised racing categories worldwide.

The category made its Australian debut in 1969 at Melbourne’s Sandown and has grown and developed over the next twenty eight years with support and encouragement from Ford Australia.

Many past and present Australian champions, including Larry Perkins, Paul Stokell, Russell Ingall, Cameron McConville,  Steven Richards, Craig Lowndes, Jason Bright and Paul Morris, honed their racing skills in Formula Ford and some have achieved international success.

The links to the UK have been maintained, with engine and chassis regulations being brought into line with those published by the RAC. The most successful chassis in Australian competition has been the UK-built Van Diemen, winning every Australian championship since 1987. 

THE COMPETITION

Formula Ford attracts competitors from 16 to 60, whether they are future Formula 1 stars, executives escaping from the office or enthusiasts “trying their hand at the wheel”. State and national level competitions allow both novice and experienced drivers to progress and compete at Australia’s most prestigious sporting events. There are approximately 250 regular competitors throughout the country.

National Championship

The Australian Formula Ford Championship is part of the Formula Ford World Series and the top six finishers in the Championship are eligible to compete in the Series Final at Brands Hatch in October. The Australian series is sponsored by Ford Motorsport and Slick 50 and conducted over eight rounds in conjunction with the Australian Touring Car Championship, thus ensuring maximum spectator and television exposure. Each round is fiercely contested - it is not uncommon to have the first twelve cars qualify within one second. The Championship has become the proving ground for future champions, the last four winners, Cameron McConville, Craig Lowndes, Steven Richards and Jason Bright achieving success in other Australian categories after their Formula Ford training. Other graduates have  competed successfully outside Australia, including Mark Webber, Jason Bargwanna and David Besnard. 

State Competition

Each Australian State (except Tasmania) conducts annual State Series. Many competitors enter the category through these Series, taking the time to learn basic racing skills and car preparation and setup before graduating to the national competition. 

Special Events

Formula Ford is regularly invited to stage races at major Australian events such as the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix, Bathurst 1000 and Sandown 500. 

Historic Racing

There is an active and growing group of enthusiasts who restore and race early model Formula Ford chassis. Any car which can be proven to have been built before 1977 is eligible and the strict controls which were in place prior to that year mean that many of these vehicles were originally designed and built in Australia. 

THE KEY ELEMENTS OF FORMULA FORD

Formula Ford racing cars are designed to comply with a strict set of rules which are revised annually. These rules ensure that costs are limited and that driver skill becomes the major factor in achieving success.

THE CHASSIS – Of tubular space frame construction, confine to maximum dimensions. Exotic materials are prohibited. Constructors aim to maximise torsional rigidity and minimise weight, while maintaining the highest levels of driver safety.

THE TYRES – A grooved racing tyre is chose for optimum grip under all weather conditions. The type/brand and compound are specified, ensuring an economical wear rate.

THE ENGINE – The normally aspirated Ford 1600cc “Kent”, four cylinder engine, with crossflow head, is tuned to provide just over 100bhp. All components and measurements are specified and the Formula benefits from the world wide parts support provided by the Ford Motor Company.

THE SUSPENSION – Full racing car suspension designs are required to ensure maximum tyre grip at  various cornering speeds. Chassis balance is adjustable and controlled by damper, spring and roll-bar combinations.

THE GEARBOX – Limited to 4 forward and 1 reverse gear. Ratios can be changed to suit various circuits and conditions.

THE BRAKES – Four wheel disc brakes have independent front and rear activation. Front/rear bias is adjustable.

SAFETY FEATURES – Include chassis requirements, roll over hoop, foot protection and material specifications. Drivers’ harness and fire extinguishers etc. are as required by current CAMS regulations.

AERODYNAMIC DEVICES – Are not allowed. Down force is limited to the combination of chassis design/set-up and tyre grip, together with the natural forces of gravity. 

COSTS

There are several options open to potential Formula Ford competitors. The one chosen will probably depend on the level of technical skill of the competitor, budget and the expected level of competition. It will obviously cost more to compete in a National Championship round than in a round of the State Series close to home. 

New Cars

Most of the cars currently raced in Australia are built in England or Europe, the most successful being Van Diemen. This overseas dominance is being successfully challenged by the Australian-designed and built Spectrum, which finished second in the 1996 Championship.

A new rolling chassis, including gearbox and alloy wheels, will cost between $37,000 and $45,000, tax and freight paid. You will need to buy an engine, gear ratios and a trailer to transport the car. 

Second hand Cars

The best time to buy a second hand car is at the end of the season (around October), from competitors who are moving into another class of racing or updating their cars for the next year. Cars are advertised in the motorsport press and the Formula Ford Association published a list of available vehicles.

A second hand rolling chassis (without engine) varies considerably, from approx. $7,500 for an older model to around $30,000 for a recent car. 

Engines

You can build your own engine, from new or second hand components, available from nominated Ford dealers or wrecking yard. The engine regulations are tightly controlled and your engine must comply. If you do all the work an engine will cost around $6,000. 

Many competitors choose to buy or lease engines from experienced engine builders, most of whom provide technical support at major meetings. You can expect to pay approximately $11,000 to $13,000, with second hand engines available for around $5,000 - $8,000. Most National level competitors choose to have their engines rebuilt every three to four meetings, costing around $2,000, depending on the amount of work required. 

FORMULA FORD ASSOCIATION

Formula Ford racing in Australia is controlled by the participants, through an Association to which they all belong. An elected Committee considers and determines Technical Regulations and competition conditions, making recommendations to the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport for approval of any changes believed necessary to improve and encourage the continued growth and strength of the category in Australia.
 

For information about race calendars, technical regulations and general enquiries please contact the Association at: formford@themotorweb.com.au or mail: 12 Adelaide Street, Murrumbeena VIC 3163 Tel: 613 9568 8293  Fax: 613 9569 1376 

 

 
 
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