2014 Australian Formula Ford Series ABOUT FORMULA FORD THE CARS 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. It very quickly outgrew these origins to become one of the best-known and most instantly recognised racing categories worldwide. Formula Ford graduates is extensive with the majority of Australian motor racing professionals having raced Formula Ford. Fourty seven years later Formula Ford still holds the mantle of being the category that more professional racing drivers learned their craft in than any other. Formula Ford cars do not have aerodymanic aids or complex driver systems for juniors to be baffled with. The focus is simply on driving. As other racing categories have come and gone, Formula Ford has continued to develop thanks to the sustainable nature of the Formula. Raced in Australia since 1969, the list of elite The simple design provides a great platform for juniors to learn the art of racing. The formula also provides drivers with an excellent understanding of car dynamics and the impact of car setup changes. The total package provides an excellent platform for learning how to race a car. The design of Formula Ford cars has evolved over the years but the philosophy of the design has remained the same since 1969. The design is strictly controlled to ensure parity in performance and making sure that the driver makes the biggest difference to performance. A wide range of chassis from manufacturers such as Spectrum, Mygale, Van Dieman and Comtec Spirit are available and supported locally. Two types of engines are available for use in Formula Ford racing in Australia. Formula Ford 1600 uses the older 1600cc Kent motor as used in cars such as the Escort and Cortina.. Though an older design, parts are readily available and affordable and still provides excellent performance for Formula Ford. The Formula Ford class utilises the 1600cc Duratec engine as used in Modern Ford Fiesta cars. Thsi engine provides excellent reliability and longevity and provides increased power making these powered Formula Ford the fastest variety on track. Gearboxes feature a standard H pattern shifter with 4 forward gears and one reverse. Gear ratios are interchangeable to suit different tracks. Numerous safety features are built into modern Formula Ford cars including roll over protection, side pods that crumple on impact, increased cockpit openings and onboard fire extingusihers. Chassis Tubular space frame Engine 1600cc - Ford Fiesta and Kent Engines Power Fiesta - 125hp, Kent - 110hp Body Fibreglass Gears Manual 4 speed + reverse, H pattern, interchangeable gears Suspension Front & Rear - pushrod activated dual damper system. 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 anti-roll bar combinations. Brakes Four-wheel disc brakes have independent front and rear activation. Front/rear bias is adjustable. Tyres A grooved Avon racing tyre is chosen for optimum grip under all weather conditions. Safety Side protection structures (sidepods) constructed from materials designed to crumple on impact and reduce the risk of driver injury in a side collision were introduced to the category in 1997. On-board fire extinguishing systems, roll-over hoops and additional protection around the drivers’ legs provide increased driver protection. Weight 495kg with driver 2014 Australian Formula Ford Series The 2014 Australian Formula Ford Series heralds a new era in Formula Ford racing in Australia. With a new approach and philosophy of reducing the costs of racing, this national series positions it as the leading driver development series for up and coming motor racing professionals. The series consists of 6 rounds held over 4 states between April and the end of November 2014. Formula Ford (Fiesta) and Formula Ford 1600 (Kent) cars are eligible to compete with both categories fighting out for their own title. 5 of the 6 rounds will be held as part of the Shannons Australian Motor Racing Nationals with the final round held as part of the Island Magic event at Phillip Island. This revised series for 2014 offers significant cost reductions in competing with reduced entry fees, travel and accommodations expenses associated with the events. Endorsed by CAMS as a national series, the 2014 Australian Formula Ford Series continues the long tradition of Formula Ford racing in Australia which has developed more professional drivers than any other category. 2014 CALENDAR Whether you complete all or selected rounds, The Australian Formula Ford Series provides the most competitive racing for junior drivers in an environment that fosters talent. Round Date Location Event 1 25-27 April Mallala Motorsport Park Shannons Nationals 2 13-15 June Winton Motor Raceway Shannons Nationals 3 8-10 August Queensland Raceway Shannons Nationals 4 17-19 October Wakefield Park Motor Raceway Shannons Nationals 5 31 October - 2 November Sydney Motorsport Park Shannons Nationals 6 29-30 November Phillip Island Island Magic THE COSTS The new Australian Formula Ford series provides the most cost effective racing series for junior drivers in Australia. All attempts have been made to reduce the costs of participation in order to ensure healthy grid numbers and strong competition, an imperative for effective junior development. No matter what budget you may have to spend on racing, many options are available to prospective drivers with a choice of Formula Ford 1600 or Formula Ford classes of cars and privateer or team based participation. You can choose to compete in all rounds or only selected rounds, but no matter what you will be welcome by all. Entry costs Vehicle indicative costs Team or Privateer Round Garage hire Carport hire Friday practice entry fee Race entry fee Item Costs 1. Mallala $165 N/A $110 $1100 Formula Ford - Duratec $25,000 - $80,000 2. Winton $250 $135 $140 $1100 Formula Ford 1600 - Kent $15,000 - $45,000 3. Queensland Raceway $260 N/A $80 $1100 Duratec engine rebuild $5,000 - $9,000 4. Wakefield $250 $110 $140 $1100 Kent engine rebuild $2,500 - $6,000 5. Sydney Motorsport Park $290 $130 $135 $1100 Tyres (4 tyres fitted) $1,310 6. Phillip Island TBA TBA TBA $380 (TBC) Brake pads - Duratec (4 wheels) $350 - $450 Brake pads - Kent (4 wheels) $200 - $250 Fuel per race weekend $100 - $120 NOTE: All costs include GST and are subject to change. NOTE: Pricing is a guide a only. Competitors have two options in which to manage their racing activities. Those that may not have the time or expertise to run and maintain a race car can partner with a professional team. Teams will provide all racing services from arrive and drive packages to satellite support. They are also a great way to receive expert mentoring from experienced Formula Ford operators. If you do have the inclination and expertise to prepare and maintain a race car and wish to save a few dollars then running as a privateer is your best option. Running as a privateer does not necessarily make you less competitive. Craig Lowndes won the Australian Championship with his dad as his mechanic so success is realistic. If you have run your own go kart campaign then you probably can also manage your Formula Ford racing effectively. Privateer teams also have the option to partner with professional teams as a satellite operation which will enable drivers to receive the mentoring they require whilst saving car preparation and transport costs. Professional Formula Ford teams are located in all states where Formula Ford is raced. 2014 SERIES MARKETING The 2014 Australian Formula Ford Series provides one of the most comprehensive marketing packages ever offered to Formula Ford competitors. REGULATIONS Television Formula Ford races at Shannons National rounds will be televised as part of a 20 minute television package shown on SBS Speedweek and FOX Speed channel. Print/Internet Magazines A full colour program/magazine is produced and distributed to fans, competitors and sponsors at each Shannons Nationals events. It is also available via the Shannons Nationals Website. Internet TV Coverage The action from Sunday racing at each Shanonons Nationals round is streamed live via the internet on www.itvlive.com.au. Web Formula Ford information and news will be posted on the Shannons Nationals website as well as the Formula Ford Association website at www.formulaford.org.au. Social Media Formula Ford will be promoted on Facebook and twitter via the Shannons Nationals and the Formula Ford Association pages. PR Press releases announcing Formula Ford news will be written and spread amongst the Australian Motor Racing media. Sporting and technical regulations have been developed to try and provide a level playing field for all competitors Tyres The Avon ACB10 tyre is the regulated tyre for all classes of Formula Ford that compete in the Australian National Series. No more than 7 sets of tyres can be used for the entire season with 2 sets allowed for the first round and 1 new set of tyres for all other rounds.Tyres checked at each round by scrutineers. Testing restrictions Competitors that are not classified as being rookies are restricted to no more than 12 test days between the start of the first round and last round. A log book must be kept of all tests days. Engines All Duratec engines can only be rebuilt or serviced via the contracted engine builder. A strict process is in place to ensure that all engines performance is within a 2% tolerance of each other. Engines are sealed to monitor any attempts to modify the engine. Both Kent and Duratec engines must meet the precise category regulations. Weight All Formula Ford cars must meet a minimum weight requirement of 495kg including the driver. Further sporting and technical regulations are available in the CAMS Manual. PAST CHAMPIONS Australian Formula Ford Championship Year Driver Chassis 2013 Anton De Pasquale - Mygale SJ13a 2012 Jack LeBrocq- Mygale SJ12a 2011 Cameron Waters- Mygale SJ11a 2010 Chaz Mostert - Spectrum 012 2009 Nick Percat - Mygale SJ07A 2008 Paul Laskazeski - Spectrum 011b 2007 Tim Blanchard -Mygale SJ07A 2006 John Martin - Spectrum 011 2005 Daniel Elliott - Van Diemen RF05 2004 David Reynolds - Van Diemen RF04 2003 Neil McFadyen -Van Diemen RF94 2002 Jamie Whincup - Van Diemen RF01 2001 Will Davison - Van Diemen RF01 2000 Luke Youlden - Mygale SJ2000 1999 Greg Ritter - Mygale SJ98 FAQ 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 Adam Macrow -Spectrum 06 Garth Tander - Van Diemen RF95 David Besnard -Van Diemen RF96 Jason Bright - Van Diemen RF95 Steven Richards - Van Diemen RF94 Craig Lowndes - Van Diemen RF93 Australian ‘Driver to Europe’ Series Year Driver Chassis 1992 Cameron McConville - Van Diemen RF92 1991 Troy Dunstan - Van Diemen RF91 1990 Russell Ingall - Van Diemen RF90 1989 Mark Larkham -Van Diemen RF89 1988 David Roberts - Van Diemen RF87 1987 Peter Verheyen - Van Diemen RF86 1986 Warwick Rookly - Elwyn 1985 Tomas Mezera -Reynard 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970 Ron Barnacle - Royale RP31 Bruce Connolly - Galloway Jeff Summers - Elfin 620B Phillip Revell - Lola T440 Stephen Brook -Lola Russell Norden - Mawer John Wright - Bowin P4A John Smith - Bowin P4A Richard Carter - Birrana F73 Paul Bernasconi - Mawer Terry Perkins - Elfin 620B John Leffler - Bowin P6F Bob Skelton - Bowin P4A Larry Perkins - Elfin 600 Richard Knight -Elfin 600 What class of Formula Ford can be raced? All Formula Ford (Duratec) cars and Formula Ford 1600 (Kent) cars built in 1998 or later. Each class of car will race for their own title. Do I have to compete in all rounds of the series? No. You can compete in as many as you like. Do I need to be in a team to race? No. Both teams and privateers are welcome to race. How will the cars be gridded? Formula Ford (Duratec) cars will be gridded in front of Formula Ford 1600 (Kent) in order of qualifying times and race finish positions. There will be a minimum one free row on the grid to divide each class of cars. What are the tyre restricitons? One set of tyres may be used per race meeting. No more than 8 sets of tyres can be used for the entire season. Tyres will be marked at each round to keep a track of useage. How do I enter races? You will need to complete a series registration documents. By completing the registration document you are not obliged to enter races but it will streamline race entry documentation. Entry forms will be availabll prior to each race meeting and must be returned with payment before the due dates. Will garages be available at all tracks? Garages are available but availability may be limited at some tracks. It is best to get your entries in early to increase your chances of getting a garage. Garage coordination is managed by the Formula Ford Association but ultimately the event organisers determine who gets what. Car ports and marquees may also be available at some tracks. Details will be provided in entry forms. Who do I contact if I have any questions about the series? You can contact the Formula Ford Association by emailing [email protected] or phoning (02) 4773 9494. INDUSTRY CONTACTS SPONSORS CHASSIS MANUFACTURERS Engine Rebuilders - Kent Race Teams Spectrum Borland Racing Developments Ph. (03) 9580 5236 Email: [email protected] Larner Engines Ph. 03 9439 8986 Email: [email protected] Synergy Motorsport Ph. 0414 378 867 www.synergymotorsport.com.au Fastlane Racing Ph. 1300 666 350 www.fastlaneracing.com.au Borland Racing Developments Ph. (03) 9580 5236 www.borlandracing.com Smith Engine Research Ph. (02) 9890 5555 Email: [email protected] Sonic Motor Racing Services Ph. (03) 9761 4510 www.teamsonic.com.au Pitstop Service Centre Ph. (08) 8340 3321 Email: [email protected] BF Racing Ph. (07) 3807 0527 www.bfracing.com Mygale Mygale Australia Ph. (03) 9580 4882 Email: [email protected] Spirit Anglo Motorsport Ph. (02) 9677 9003 Email: [email protected] Anglo Australian Motorosport Ph. 1300 121 886 www.anglomotorsport.com.au Listec Racing Ph. 0458 992 740 Email: [email protected] Ellery Motorsport Enterprises Ph. 0422 043 737 www.ellerymotorsport.com Greg Fahey Motorsport Ph. 0411 052 944 Email: [email protected] TYRES Engine Rebuilders - Duratec ProHeads Ph. (03) 9464 7658 Email: [email protected] Fastlane Racing Ph. 1300 666 350 www.fastlaneracing.com.au Gordon Leven Motorsport Ph. 02 4735 8734 Email: [email protected] www.formulaford.org.au CONTACT DETAILS Formula Ford Association inc. PO Box 56 MULGOA NSW 2751 Australia Ph/Fax: (02) 4773 9494 Email: [email protected] Web: www.formulaford.org.au
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