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