CURRENT

RACING

CURENT RACING

CURRENT CARS 

There are two LEVELS of current competition in modern Formula Ford in Australia - NATIONAL and STATE.

Both National and State Championships are open to both DURATEC and KENT engine powered cars. 

The Formula Ford Association coordinates all Formula Ford events in all states of the country.

It attracts competitors from ages 14 to well above 60, whether they are future F1 or Supercar stars, executives escaping from the office or simply 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.

HISTORIC RACING

There is an ever-growing band of enthusiasts regularly competing in Historic Cars, particularly since the category extended to include cars constructed prior to 1990.

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

COSTS

There are several options open to potential Formula Ford competitors.

The one chosen will depend on the level of technical skill of the competitor, budget and the expected level of competition.

Many competitors in State based competition use second hand cars, whereas there is a greater demand for new cars in the National Championship.

NEW CARS
Most of the cars currently raced in Australia are built in either Australia or France, being the locally built Spectrum and the French Mygale.

A new rolling chassis, including gearbox, will cost between $80,000 and $90,000, 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 often at the end of the season (October to November) from competitors who are moving into another category of racing or updating their cars for the next year. 
A second hand rolling chassis (without engine) varies considerably, from approx. $12,000 for an older model to around $60,000 for a recent car.

Cars are advertised in the motorsport press and various websites.

The Marketplace section of this website includes a list of websites with Formula Ford listings.

 

ENGINES 

Duratec Engines
Duratec Engines are a controlled engine whereby a designated engine builder is appointed by the Association. These sealed engines are the only engine able to be used in Duratec competition. 

Second-hand engines are increasingly becoming available since the introduction of the engine configuration in 2006.

FF1600 Kent Engines
Formula Ford Kent competitors often build their own engine from new or second hand components. 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 $16,000, with second hand engines available for around $7,000.

TYRES 

The modern category in Australia competes on the Yokohama A048 racing tyre (except Historic competition) and these are available through outlets in each State.  The tyres are manufactured in Japan and the member cost of a set is currently $1,016.00.

A supply and fitting service is available at every State meeting.

For further information contact your local distributor: 

  • VIC/TAS :Traction Tyres & More -

    Ph: (03) 9764 2811

  • NSW: Gordon Leven Motorsport Tyres -

    Ph: (02) 4735 8734

  • QLD:  Strathpine Tyres & More -

    Ph: (07) 3905 3238

  • NT: Darwin Tyrepower - Ph: (08) 8981 6911

  • SA: Kensington Park Tyrepower -

    Ph: (08) 8431 5856

  • WA: Wheelsworld Tyres & More -

    Ph: (08) 6260 0842

 

The ACB9, A29 tyre is the CAMS approved tyre for Historic Formula Ford available from AVON agents in Australia. 

For further information contact your local distributor:
 

  • NSW: Gordon Leven Motorsport Tyres -

    Ph: (02) 4735 8734

  • VIC/TAS :Stuckey - Ph: (03) 9386 5331

  • WA: Kostera Tyre Service - Ph: (08)  92931529

  • Qld: Albion Motorsport - Ph: (07) 3205 7500

  • SA: North Terrace Tyres - Ph: (08)  8362 4417 

TEAMS

The last few years have seen a major change in the presentation of Formula Ford due to the increased 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.

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.

Victorian-based teams:

 

NSW-based teams:

 

Queensland-based teams:

 

WA-based teams: