FORMULA FORD TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

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 Raceway and has grown and developed since 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, Daniel Ricciardo, began his top-level career in Australian Formula Ford.

In Australia many past and present Australian champions, including Russell Ingall, Marcos Ambrose, Garth Tander, Jamie Whincup, Steven Richards, Craig Lowndes, Jason Bright and Rick Kelly, all honed their racing skills in Formula Ford and some have achieved international success.

Australian F1 driver Mark Webber started his career in Australian Formula Ford in the 1990s and progressed on to become one of Australia's most recongnised drivers in the world. Australia's current Formula One star Daniel Ricciardo started his career Formula Ford, with appearances at both State and National-level Formula Ford in 2005.

 THE U.K. CONNECTION LIVES ON

The links to the UK have been maintained, with engine and chassis regulations being brought into line with those published by the RAC. Like the UK, Australia uses both the original Kent 1600cc engine, and the newer Duratec 1600cc engine. Each engine competes in separate categories throughout contemporary racing in Australia in both our State and National Championships.

THE BATTLE OF THE CHASSIS

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.

Since the introduction of the Duratec engine in 2006, Australian Championship spoils have been shared between the Spectrum and Mygale chassis.

CURRENT CARS

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

Both National and State Championships are open to both Kent and Duratec competitors.

Formula Ford attracts competitors from 14 to well above 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.

ENGINE

145 PS (143 hp or 107 kW and 140 lb·ft or 190 N·m) 

DOHC four-cylinder Ford Zetec engine, sealed on cylinder head and front and rear crankshaft seal covers.

STEERING:

Rack and pinion

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.

GEARBOX:

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

FEUL TANK:

41-litre

TYRES:

Front & rear – 5.5 in Avon (ACB10) tyres.

A grooved Avon racing tyre is chosen for optimum grip under all weather conditions.

The Avon tyre and compound are specified, ensuring an economical wear rate.

WEIGHT

475 kg including the driver