Single seater FF1600 Journey
Discussion
Sorry its a bit full on since Brands
Yes we had a great race weekend with a 2nd and our first win..
one week off to celebrate being 17, some driving lessons then
Next up, H had to change roles and he was number 1 Mechanic to 6 cars being run out of Shaws Motorsport at the HSCC event at Snet.
Long days Bu really worthwhile as He learns his craft in this sport.
Then back in to the work shop to prepare the Reynard for the upcoming rounds at Oulton
Then Back out to Donington, this time to run the Boss, Mark in a Beautiful Lynx M2 Formula Junior Car
Will post some updates from Oulton Park from next weekend. We are also back to Oulton for the GT races too, we are also in the support races in the United formula ford events.
Finally we can confirm our European round is almost sorted, will post details ASAP
Yes we had a great race weekend with a 2nd and our first win..
one week off to celebrate being 17, some driving lessons then
Next up, H had to change roles and he was number 1 Mechanic to 6 cars being run out of Shaws Motorsport at the HSCC event at Snet.
Long days Bu really worthwhile as He learns his craft in this sport.
Then back in to the work shop to prepare the Reynard for the upcoming rounds at Oulton
Then Back out to Donington, this time to run the Boss, Mark in a Beautiful Lynx M2 Formula Junior Car
Will post some updates from Oulton Park from next weekend. We are also back to Oulton for the GT races too, we are also in the support races in the United formula ford events.
Finally we can confirm our European round is almost sorted, will post details ASAP
Harrison and the race team had their next outing at Oulton Park on the 9th
What a track, H loved it and despite having very few laps under his belt, even after the test day.( 25 laps in total over 4 30 min sessions due to red flags and incidents!) Not ideal, but I do get it
TQ Harrison got the Reynard on the front row
Race 1, the start was awful, the 2nd phase the car just faded rev wse, then H went out over the gravel at turn one, which was pretty scary as a dad to watch. Harrison recovered and fought back to 4th, with the fastest lap. The lap was 0.5 faster than anyone else, demonstrating the potential, but if you give up 5 places at the start you are sunk.
Race 2, from 4th, carbon copy of the first race start, less gravel trap time, but sadly contact on lap 4 again pushed H back and he finished 5th
We have now some damage to replace and make good which is all part and parcel of it.
The spectators at Oulton were amazing and we had a fantastic opportunity to show the cars off to the general public as they opened the grid with the cars for the lunch break. H really enjoyed talking to people about the car etc.
A few pics
The last two images were of the contact and both drivers shaked hands after, it was a racing incident from the stewards and just two drivers wanting the same bit of tarmac. It does worry me now we are fighting at the front, as budgets are tight and he is only 17, so He is still learning so much, things will happen. but I just have to accept he is part of that battle and keep working harder to secure more partners. A lot of the more senior drivers have now accepted him, which is good.
What a track, H loved it and despite having very few laps under his belt, even after the test day.( 25 laps in total over 4 30 min sessions due to red flags and incidents!) Not ideal, but I do get it
TQ Harrison got the Reynard on the front row
Race 1, the start was awful, the 2nd phase the car just faded rev wse, then H went out over the gravel at turn one, which was pretty scary as a dad to watch. Harrison recovered and fought back to 4th, with the fastest lap. The lap was 0.5 faster than anyone else, demonstrating the potential, but if you give up 5 places at the start you are sunk.
Race 2, from 4th, carbon copy of the first race start, less gravel trap time, but sadly contact on lap 4 again pushed H back and he finished 5th
We have now some damage to replace and make good which is all part and parcel of it.
The spectators at Oulton were amazing and we had a fantastic opportunity to show the cars off to the general public as they opened the grid with the cars for the lunch break. H really enjoyed talking to people about the car etc.
A few pics
The last two images were of the contact and both drivers shaked hands after, it was a racing incident from the stewards and just two drivers wanting the same bit of tarmac. It does worry me now we are fighting at the front, as budgets are tight and he is only 17, so He is still learning so much, things will happen. but I just have to accept he is part of that battle and keep working harder to secure more partners. A lot of the more senior drivers have now accepted him, which is good.
Thank you, yes the racing is superb, and this year the grids have been close to 30 across all the series
My Lad actually works at the HSCC events as the team he races for, Shaws Motorsport, have a number of drivers who race in that series too. In fact my Lads partner actually races an early 80s Van Diemen. He was at Snetterton assisting to look after 6 cars.
I know that slicks and wings etc are far more appealing etc, but the budgets are huge. thankfully there is still a good number of younger male and female drivers coming through the FF1600 ranks.
Will you get to either the Walter Hayes or the Formula Ford festival this year?
My Lad actually works at the HSCC events as the team he races for, Shaws Motorsport, have a number of drivers who race in that series too. In fact my Lads partner actually races an early 80s Van Diemen. He was at Snetterton assisting to look after 6 cars.
I know that slicks and wings etc are far more appealing etc, but the budgets are huge. thankfully there is still a good number of younger male and female drivers coming through the FF1600 ranks.
Will you get to either the Walter Hayes or the Formula Ford festival this year?
Which European circuit are you doing?
I've only done two European club races, and, they were two of the best weekends of my life. It just brings an extra layer of (I guess) exoticism.
We did Zolder in 2025, which is a great track and the paddock had a party atmosphere. Then, we've just done the Spa Summer Classic, the first time I saw Spa, then, the first few laps will stay with me for some time. Real pinch me moments.
I've only done two European club races, and, they were two of the best weekends of my life. It just brings an extra layer of (I guess) exoticism.
We did Zolder in 2025, which is a great track and the paddock had a party atmosphere. Then, we've just done the Spa Summer Classic, the first time I saw Spa, then, the first few laps will stay with me for some time. Real pinch me moments.
Got you, sadly the team splits for cadwell as it clashes with Silverstone for our BRSCC championship.
There are a few date clashes which is hard work for the team guys
Re overseas, we are finalising a deal to compete at The Marcel Albers Trophy at Zandvoort in July. Fingers crossed at that would be amazing
We are very grateful for the Orange army and have met a few younger marshals coming through the ranks. I hope that the tend can continue, they are the life blood of the sport.
There are a few date clashes which is hard work for the team guys
Re overseas, we are finalising a deal to compete at The Marcel Albers Trophy at Zandvoort in July. Fingers crossed at that would be amazing
We are very grateful for the Orange army and have met a few younger marshals coming through the ranks. I hope that the tend can continue, they are the life blood of the sport.
keo said:
Only just found this thread. Brilliant I wish you and your lad all the best!
Thank you so much.We only got in to motorsport because as a young boy age 8 / 9he was painfully shy, and risk adverse. He would not go on slides, bouncy castles etc nothing. I really feared for his future in education and thought he would be badly bullied. I tried all sorts and noting worked. I saw a taster day at a teamsport track and after some words he went out on track. He crashed and got a nose bleed and I thought that's that. Instead he asked to go again. He was slow and far from a natural, but he developed and we got in to owner karting, just really for fun and it went from there, 8 years later we are now in cars and he will talk to anyone and is fearless behind the wheel. I have no illusions of mad progression, just that he enjoys his racing and he can build a future from somewhere around motorsport.
Alwayzsidewayz2 said:
Re overseas, we are finalising a deal to compete at The Marcel Albers Trophy at Zandvoort in July. Fingers crossed at that would be amazing.
Part of the Summer Trophy meet. Hopefully I'll be there albeit only spectating as I don't yet have sufficient points to upgrade my licence to European (I split my time between UK and NL due to work). Sadly not in time for this year's Summer Trophy but in the future I may well keep my 1973 Merlyn Mk 24 FF1600 in Europe...who knows, maybe we can sort out a 'guest race' in it for him one day?
On a practical note, I keep a lot of my tools and other 'support gear' here in NL (I'm on the outskirts of The Hague) so DM if you're in the area and need assistance
Manners79 said:
Part of the Summer Trophy meet. Hopefully I'll be there albeit only spectating as I don't yet have sufficient points to upgrade my licence to European (I split my time between UK and NL due to work).
Sadly not in time for this year's Summer Trophy but in the future I may well keep my 1973 Merlyn Mk 24 FF1600 in Europe...who knows, maybe we can sort out a 'guest race' in it for him one day?
On a practical note, I keep a lot of my tools and other 'support gear' here in NL (I'm on the outskirts of The Hague) so DM if you're in the area and need assistance
Thank you, that is very kind of you, H loves trying and comparing FF1600s. we are really looking forward to it. Sadly not in time for this year's Summer Trophy but in the future I may well keep my 1973 Merlyn Mk 24 FF1600 in Europe...who knows, maybe we can sort out a 'guest race' in it for him one day?
On a practical note, I keep a lot of my tools and other 'support gear' here in NL (I'm on the outskirts of The Hague) so DM if you're in the area and need assistance
Oulton was hard work, we suffered with a few technical issues, the worse being the front arb coming loose and poor H having to battle and Hang on, which he did until the later stages and a bug spin. Lots learnt thou and we will be back to this great circuit for sure. Next up some testing at Donni and then Mallory park early June
Apologies since the 23rd a lot has happened.
So British GT at Oulton, only there one day, but wow, being in a proper event, there were crowds and my Lad even got to sign autographs, he got a good mention in the programme which was a cracking surprise.
TQ was okay only 12th a way off our pace from the past round on a very fast track
race 1 awful start again and then a scrappy race, car not handling at all, finish 12th
We only had a short time between races and focused on trying to solve the bogging at the start. Which we did after lots of tweaks ignition wise
But we did not notice that the front ARB bolts had worked Loose
After a good Start my Lad was up to 7th, but the car was wild and he lost it round the back of the circuit, He got so lucky not to put it in the barriers, although we still had a fair bit of damage from the high speed trip over the uneven grass incl a concorde like nose cone
Harrison still finished even after a pit stop and the starting issue was gone. But the team had some work,to do
New suspension rockers and repaired bodywork and the team tested at Donington late may on the 28th, car was back, but what is clear is that it has a very small operating window of being very happy on track.
We went to Mallory part and what a day. racing the newer cars, the reynard was 8th in TQ and 7th in the first race, but untl a mid race miss started he as able to race with the newer cars. Switch of plugs and Car was as good as new, 2nd race was intense and saw Harrison in the fight for 3rd until a late red flag for rain and cars off track. What a circuit Mallory is for FF1600.
6th Overall in the race and 6th overall in the standings for a 32 year old car, we are delighted.
We then had a triple header race at Silverstone international for the main Super classic championship Harrison Leads
Lots of late nights for the team and H to get ready for the event.
TQ was 4th
Race 1 from 4th it turned into a proper slipstream Formula ford classic battle and My lad pulled of a very brave move on the last lap to take the win from Luke Cooper
Next race was another big battle but contact in the rear led to damaged suspension and wrecked tyre, but he still fought back to 2nd, how the tire stayed intact I don't know
Race 3, was a show down between Luke Cooper and Harrison, Cooper went from Pole and the grey Reynard was right on the back of Cooper's swift. The two drivers pulled a gap on the first lap and just continued to fight it out at high speed, eventually pulling a gap of 8.9 sec on the battle in 3rd. My lad did everything he could, but Luke was so tough to beat, they were level a few times but Luke Just held on. After what was a classic silverstone battle, Luke beat Harrison by 0.058 over the line.
Pic so you can see how close race 1 was!
my lad has been stripping the box down today just to check everything. good learning for a 17 year old
So British GT at Oulton, only there one day, but wow, being in a proper event, there were crowds and my Lad even got to sign autographs, he got a good mention in the programme which was a cracking surprise.
TQ was okay only 12th a way off our pace from the past round on a very fast track
race 1 awful start again and then a scrappy race, car not handling at all, finish 12th
We only had a short time between races and focused on trying to solve the bogging at the start. Which we did after lots of tweaks ignition wise
But we did not notice that the front ARB bolts had worked Loose
After a good Start my Lad was up to 7th, but the car was wild and he lost it round the back of the circuit, He got so lucky not to put it in the barriers, although we still had a fair bit of damage from the high speed trip over the uneven grass incl a concorde like nose cone
Harrison still finished even after a pit stop and the starting issue was gone. But the team had some work,to do
New suspension rockers and repaired bodywork and the team tested at Donington late may on the 28th, car was back, but what is clear is that it has a very small operating window of being very happy on track.
We went to Mallory part and what a day. racing the newer cars, the reynard was 8th in TQ and 7th in the first race, but untl a mid race miss started he as able to race with the newer cars. Switch of plugs and Car was as good as new, 2nd race was intense and saw Harrison in the fight for 3rd until a late red flag for rain and cars off track. What a circuit Mallory is for FF1600.
6th Overall in the race and 6th overall in the standings for a 32 year old car, we are delighted.
We then had a triple header race at Silverstone international for the main Super classic championship Harrison Leads
Lots of late nights for the team and H to get ready for the event.
TQ was 4th
Race 1 from 4th it turned into a proper slipstream Formula ford classic battle and My lad pulled of a very brave move on the last lap to take the win from Luke Cooper
Next race was another big battle but contact in the rear led to damaged suspension and wrecked tyre, but he still fought back to 2nd, how the tire stayed intact I don't know
Race 3, was a show down between Luke Cooper and Harrison, Cooper went from Pole and the grey Reynard was right on the back of Cooper's swift. The two drivers pulled a gap on the first lap and just continued to fight it out at high speed, eventually pulling a gap of 8.9 sec on the battle in 3rd. My lad did everything he could, but Luke was so tough to beat, they were level a few times but Luke Just held on. After what was a classic silverstone battle, Luke beat Harrison by 0.058 over the line.
Pic so you can see how close race 1 was!
my lad has been stripping the box down today just to check everything. good learning for a 17 year old
Edited by Alwayzsidewayz2 on Friday 19th June 17:30
coppice said:
Great stuff - what meetings are you competing in the rest of this season?
As an aside I was at Cadwell for the HSCC meeting last week and if I see (even) better racing this year than the Historic and Classci FF1600 I'll be delighted .
The Shaws team had several drivers out at the Hscc meet, Ollie chapman, Graham Payne, Colin Williams, Ben hadfield, & Phil SeniorAs an aside I was at Cadwell for the HSCC meeting last week and if I see (even) better racing this year than the Historic and Classci FF1600 I'll be delighted .
I heard it was good racing, a driver I really rate is young Grace Parkington, very talented individual, both on spanners and behind the wheel.
Can I suggest you look up the two united Formula ford races from Mallary that are on youtube, they are two crackers. Sadly no cameras at Silverstone, but the racing was Just how you love Formula ford, hard but fair, and as close as you like
After Lydden, we go to Zandvoort, then Donington in later July. Fews trips to Snetterton before Anglesey and then the big meets at Brands and two at silverstone.
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