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About Formula Ford

Like so many other racing series Formula Ford started in Great-Britain.

The class was born when people at Motor Racing Stables, a Brands Hatch-based driving school, shoehorned a 1600 cc. Ford Cortina engine into an old Formula 3 chassis. The resulting hybrid was fitted with road wheels and -tyres. The intention was to create a car suitable to form the basis of a low cost training formula for the pupils of the Motor Racing Stables. This way young, promising drivers would have the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of single-seater racing on their way to the top. Choosing standard Ford parts ensured that races were decided by driving skills, not by large budgets.

Over the last three decades what started on a Sunday morning on a wet Brands Hatch circuit has quickly matured into the largest formula-racing class in the world and the premier breeding ground for new talent. .

Under the umbrella of the Ford Motor Corporation championships are now run in virtually every country where there is a stretch of tarmac suitable for racing. Examples of this are England, South Africa, the United States and of course Canada. Every year, the best teams and drivers of each country return to the roots of Formula Ford, the track at Brands Hatch, to compete in the Formula Ford Festival, the "world championship".

As the series spread over the world technology also evolved. Today a Formula Ford car is a high-tech machine that has everything a self-respecting racecar needs. 

Throughout the years many of the worlds most talented drivers started their careers in Formula Ford. The fact that the concept behind the series is still as sound as ever is proven by, among many others, Formula 1 World Champions Ayrton Senna, Nigel Mansell, Michael Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen.

More than thirty years after its inception, FFord is still preparing young hotshots for the highest regions of motor racing. Latest proof is Jenson Button, who jumpstarted his racing career in 1998 at the wheel of a Formula Ford and has since gone on to race in Formula 1, securing a seat with Benneton for 2001 after a promising debut with Williams.

Technical

THE CHASSIS - Of tubular space frame construction, confined to maximum dimensions. Exotic materials, like carbon fiber, are prohibited. Constructors aim to maximize torsional rigidity and minimize weight, while maintaining the highest levels of driver safety.

THE TIRES - The Series uses a Spec. Dunlop Formula Ford Tire.

THE ENGINE - A normally aspirated Ford 1600cc four cylinder engine  The engine is tuned to provide a little over 110bhp. 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 - A purpose-built Hewland racing unit. Limited to 4 forward and 1 reverse gear. Gear change follows the standard ´H´-pattern, also found in normal cars. 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.

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