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 AUSTRALIAN CONNECTION

The category made its Australian debut in 1969 at Melbourne's Sandown and has grown and developed since then with support and encouragement from Ford Australia.

WHERE LEGENDS ARE BORN!

The majority of Formula One stars, both past and present, began their top-level careers in Formula Ford. World Champions, including Ayrton Senna, Jacques Villeneuve, Damon Hill, Michael Schumacher and Mikka Hakkinen, first came to attention during their junior years in Formula Ford.

Australia's current Formula One star, Mark Webber, began his top-level career in Australian Formula Ford.

Many past and present Australian champions, including Russell Ingall, Marcos Ambrose, Garth Tander, Jamie Whincup,  Steven Richards, Craig Lowndes, Jason Bright and Rick Kelly, 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 introduction of the 1800 Zetec engine to European competition in 1993 has led to some technical variations between the competitions. 

The most successful chassis in Australian competition has been the UK-built Van Diemen,  winning every Australian Championship between 1987 and 1997. This record was broken in 1998, when the Championship was won by Adam Macrow in the Australian-designed and built, Spectrum 06, the first victory for an Australian chassis since 1986. European technology has dominated since then, with Greg Ritter (1999) and Luke Youlden (2000) winning the Championship for French constructor, Mygale.

THE COMPETITION

There are two levels of current competition in Australia - state and national.

State competition is open to Formula Ford 1600 competitors - those competing in Kent engined cars. National Formula Ford competition (since 2006) is for Duratec (Ford Fiesta) engined cars. The Association organises Formula Ford 1600 events in all States of the country. It 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". The aim is to 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.

There is an ever-growing band of enthusiasts regularly competing in Historic Cars, particularly since the category extension to include cars constructed before 1983.

All-Historic race meetings are held throughout the year and competitors with Historic cars are also given the opportunity to contest in State Series meetings, often in an exclusive class, with awards on offer at the end of the year.

COSTS

There are several options open to potential Formula Ford 1600 competitors. The one chosen will probably depend on the level of technical skill of the competitor, budget and the expected level of competition.

NEW CARS

Most of the cars currently raced in Australia are built in England or Europe, the most successful being Van Diemen. This  dominance was successfully challenged by the Australian-designed and built Spectrum, which won the 1998 Australian Championship, the first victory for an Australian-designed and built chassis since 1986.

A new imported rolling chassis, including gearbox, will cost between $60,000 and $70,000, 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 (October to November), 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 publishes a list of available vehicles. The Marketplace section of this Site includes current listings.

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

Formula Ford 1600 competitors often build their own engine, from new or second hand components, available from Larner Engines or a 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 $10,000 to $13,000, with second hand engines available for around $7,000.

TYRES

The category in Australia competes on the AVON ACB-10 racing tyre, available through outlets in each State. The National agent is Gordon Leven Motorsport Tyres in Sydney. The tyres are manufactured in England and the cost of a set of tyres for 2008 is $1,250. A supply and fitting service is available at every State meeting.

For further information contact your local distributor.

NSW & ACT

QLD

VIC

TAS

SA

WA

Gordon Leven Motorsport Tyres  - Ph: (02) 4735 4500

Tyre Tech Australia - Ph: (07) 3262 7833

Traction Tyre Service - Ph: (03) 9764 2811

Prides Autos Tyre Power - Ph: (03) 6334 1311

North Terrace Tyres - Ph: (08) 8362 4417

Tyreways - Ph: (08) 9458 4586

TEAMS

The last few years have seen a major change in the presentation of Formula Ford, highlighted by the development of teams, both as a way of sharing costs and of increasing the public awareness of individual competitors. These teams provide an opportunity for competitors to race at the level they choose, without the need to make a heavy investment in capital equipment such as cars, engines and support equipment.

The various teams offer different arrangements, in response to competitors' requirements. Some provide preparation, transportation and on-track services for competitors with their own cars; others offer lease arrangements, with and without support services, either for one race meeting or for a full season.

Costs vary, depending on the customer's needs. Lease deals are available for one meeting; some include consumables (tyres, fuels, brake pads, etc) and some require additional payments to cover these costs. Some arrangements include testing; some require additional payments to cover this service.

Teams offering preparation services also offer assistance with testing, technical support and expert advice to their customers.