|
 |
|
 |
| Features |
| The Renaissance of FF in North America |
 | Formula F increasingly seeing larger fields with more newer chassis such as the Spectrum
(Photo: F1600 Formula F Championship Series - Valet) |
Over 40 years ago, the first Formula Ford rolled on-course in England, marking the start of one the most iconic classes in junior formula car racing. Within a few years, Formula Fords were racing not only in the UK, but around the world, becoming a vital step for talented racers to move up the motorsports ladder.
In North America, the Formula Ford class reached its hey day in the mid to late 1970’s and early 1980’s. During that period, it was not uncommon to see 30-50 talented FF1600 drivers taking to the track each and every weekend during the racing season, all fighting for top honors. It wasn’t just the number of cars that was impressive, but the variety, with traditional chassis like Crossle, Hawke, Lola, Reynard, Royale, and Van Diemen being joined by North American designed and built chassis like the ADF, Citation, Eagle, Ferret, Swift and Zink.
While junior formula car fans are unlikely to witness those sorts of fields again, the Formula Ford class appears to be going through a certain renaissance in North America. Not only is Formula Ford, or Formula F as it is now designated in the USA, regularly in the top-six with regards to participation numbers within the Sports Car Club of America (the largest amateur racing group on the continent), but the introduction of a new engine package (the Honda Formula Fit) and the creation of the pro F1600 Formula F Championship Series has generated renewed interest and excitement within the class.
A result of this re-growth has been the introduction of some newer chassis to the North America market.
The Spectrum name may well not be all that familiar to race fans in North America, but the chassis has a winning heritage abroad. Based in Australia, the sleek Formula Ford has not only won multiple races and championships in its homeland – becoming the class leader in the process – but it has also achieved success in Europe as well via British Formula Ford participation. Seeking to further extend that success abroad, Spectrum recently made its North American debut with the Spectrum 012 F1600 taking to the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course during a F1600 Formula F Championship Series doubleheader. Fielded by Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing, along with factory support from Australia, it was immediately challenging for the race win.
 | American built Citation among the newer chassis making its mark in North American Formula F competition
(Photo: F1600 Formula F Championship Series - Valet) |
Based on the initial 012 model launched in 2010, the new Spectrum 012 F1600 has been altered to accommodate the new Honda Fit powerplant and meet North American regulations. Compared to previous models, the new chassis focuses on improving driver safety, comfort and visibility, lowering the centre of gravity and reducing polar moment, as well as further reducing drag and improving airflow to the engine. Those involved have stated the key strengths of the Spectrum are its performance under braking, ability to put power down, and its straight line speed.
The pro series doubleheader at Mid-Ohio did not witness just one new chassis making its debut however, as a brand new American-made Citation also hit the track. Looking to a build on the manufacturer’s already-proven junior formula track record (multiple SCCA National Championship titles), Ski Motorsports fielded a beautiful new Citation FCZ0805, which not surprisingly, was rapidly fighting for the victory at the popular facility.
Further evolving from its successful predecessors, the newest Citation features upgraded suspension geometry to increase overall grip, improved bodywork that makes it more aerodynamic, and multiple enhancements to make the car easier to work on. Early indications are that the Citation benefits from superior grip, particularly in low speed cornering, has very good straight line speed, and is sensitive setup changes.
Mygale is yet another modern chassis manufacturer from abroad that is now appearing in North American competition. The French company has been a leader in Formula Ford competition throughout Europe for several years now, winning virtually every championship multiple times. While not quite as new to the chassis already mentioned, the current Mygale SJ10 is just over a year removed from making its debut. The French built chassis renowned for its overall grip and ease of operation.
 | Piper DF5 part of wide selection of chassis now battling for top honors
(Photo: F1600 Formula F Championship Series - Valet) |
Adding to the list of newer chassis making their mark in both amateur and pro competition in North America is the homegrown Piper. While the most modern model, the Piper DF5, was initially designed and built in 2005, it has received multiple updates over the past several years. Now manufactured by Fast Forwards Components following the sale of the company by founder Don Sievenpiper, the car is known for its adjustability, ease to work with, and mechanical grip.
In addition to the emergence of newer chassis, the Formula F class continues to benefit from a core base of older chassis from the likes of Van Diemen and Swift that are not only still racing, but remain competitive with the right driver/crew partnership.
Looking forward, nothing is certain when it comes to the future, particularly within the junior formula car ranks, but it is hoped the recent influx of newer cars in the Formula F ranks is just a precursor to the class re-establishing its place in the North American motorsports. |
|
|
|
Go Top
|
|
|
|
|
