Single seater FF1600 Journey
Discussion
Hi All
I thought it would be interesting to document our experiences as my 16 year old lad makes his debut racing Formula Ford.
After a good few years in karts, mostly tough years, but we had some moments, we have made the jump to a Single seater.
So this weekend he races for the first time in the United Formula Ford Series in a 2010 Ray that we are buying.
I had wanted to go down the Super classic route, as it would have ideal to learn the craft in an older more forgiving car.
However the cars that we could use, all had the same issue, too cramped for my lad. He is 5ft 11 but has size 10 feet.
Not an issue I had thought about.
Now apparently back in the day, drivers used to tape up feet and cut boots apart etc, but as a Dad I was a bit uneasy about this so we went with the newer bigger Ray
My lad, Harrison, first tested at Donnington and did not get of to a great start, with dash failure indicating no oil pressure twice resulting in him pulling off the circuit, but one an old school gauge was plumbed in, he got two good sessions in. He was out on a test day with historics, which gave dad a heart attack initially. But everyone was very respectful and the sight of a Wolf F1 car blasting past my lad will stay with me for a while.
Then we tested at Brands, this time with a lot of the United cars and 2 teammates. Sadly in the afternoon sessions the engine went sick, fresh from a rebuild we think it had a ring issue. still it was seat time.
So now we go to Donnington, nervous yet excited. Still so much to learn, one key part being standing starts, something he has never really done before.
I am hoping that he can enjoy the experience and take it all in. It will certainly be a huge challenge and really all I hope for is to finish each race. we want to build up his experience this season at different tracks ready for next year.
Its all very different to karting, and after being so involved in karting, to basically just be a spectator now is taking some getting used too.
First Job really is to get off novice plates by ensuring that He does nothing daft or silly.
I will keep you updated as we go along this journey into club motorsport and see where it can take us. We dream high, but we race to a very tight budget and try to just make the most of everything we have.
I thought it would be interesting to document our experiences as my 16 year old lad makes his debut racing Formula Ford.
After a good few years in karts, mostly tough years, but we had some moments, we have made the jump to a Single seater.
So this weekend he races for the first time in the United Formula Ford Series in a 2010 Ray that we are buying.
I had wanted to go down the Super classic route, as it would have ideal to learn the craft in an older more forgiving car.
However the cars that we could use, all had the same issue, too cramped for my lad. He is 5ft 11 but has size 10 feet.
Not an issue I had thought about.
Now apparently back in the day, drivers used to tape up feet and cut boots apart etc, but as a Dad I was a bit uneasy about this so we went with the newer bigger Ray
My lad, Harrison, first tested at Donnington and did not get of to a great start, with dash failure indicating no oil pressure twice resulting in him pulling off the circuit, but one an old school gauge was plumbed in, he got two good sessions in. He was out on a test day with historics, which gave dad a heart attack initially. But everyone was very respectful and the sight of a Wolf F1 car blasting past my lad will stay with me for a while.
Then we tested at Brands, this time with a lot of the United cars and 2 teammates. Sadly in the afternoon sessions the engine went sick, fresh from a rebuild we think it had a ring issue. still it was seat time.
So now we go to Donnington, nervous yet excited. Still so much to learn, one key part being standing starts, something he has never really done before.
I am hoping that he can enjoy the experience and take it all in. It will certainly be a huge challenge and really all I hope for is to finish each race. we want to build up his experience this season at different tracks ready for next year.
Its all very different to karting, and after being so involved in karting, to basically just be a spectator now is taking some getting used too.
First Job really is to get off novice plates by ensuring that He does nothing daft or silly.
I will keep you updated as we go along this journey into club motorsport and see where it can take us. We dream high, but we race to a very tight budget and try to just make the most of everything we have.
Edited by Alwayzsidewayz2 on Tuesday 19th August 17:29
Edited by Alwayzsidewayz2 on Tuesday 19th August 17:29
Thank you guys for the interest
Safe to say it was challenging
We practiced on the Friday, and with the motor being freshly rebuilt, the times were not great at all
In fact my lad struggled to get close to the time he had set the first ever time he had driven the car and track
We continued on the Friday, trying to get my lad from bullying the car round the track and being scruffy to him calming it down. We eventually got an okay lap time, but the concern was that we were some way off. Still the main focus was signatures and mission creep was happening. just focus on finishing, everything else could come
Race day gave us a few new things to do
Talk to the Steward and hand over the Novice card, meet the Scuitineer and get our HANS device and new Helmet stickered up. The chap doing it was great, talked through all the checks on the car and safety kit
We also were talked through the tyre nomination form too.
I prepared a bit of text about my lad for the Commentator, as this was a low key event it was not live streamed, but the circuit commentary was still good.
We declined the extra open practice early in the morning as it was very close to the TQ slot a sensible call actually as the event ran early.
Before I knew it, my driver was in the car, and off to assemble by the melbourne loop.
The 18 drivers went out and H, my driver had the clear instructions of the Steward in his ears. Get 4 laps in, otherwise you will start from the back no matter what. Keep it tidy and avoid TL pens
So 4 cautious laps later, he started to chip away at the times, sadly then a red was thrown, as a leading driver span off. my lad came into the pits and waited, the session went green and off he went.
But the rhythm was a bit off and he only really set one quickish lap, good enough for 15th on the grid, a mistake on one lap seeing a TL pen, but it was very slow anyway
Annoyingly the go pro had not worked, turning off due to inactivity and the data was not there due to the team boss forgetting his lap top
There followed a long break until race 1.
My lad assembled on the Grid, but did not select first properly, so when he dropped the clutch he stayed still, the cars behind him did very well to avoid him. Eventually my Lad pumped the Clutch found first and drove off, but by now he was over 15 secs behind the leaders!
He caught and passed a few cars and kept himself out of trouble to finish 13th.
We were delighted, incident free race and he had made up spots from an awful start. He also was not lapped either
We changed the car slightly as understeer had set in
Race 2 was a bit more challenging
He should have started 13thm but the grid marshal put him back to 15th and he had to reverse, flustered he again did not raise the clutch to get first and the start was a carbon copy of the first. Visibly annoyed my lad again set off
A few laps in and he was sat in 12th place having made up spots, that became 11th after a retirement and we were close to a top 10.
While the pace was not that strong, it was more consistent and he actually lapped a car.
Then 3 or 4 laps from the end, the times started to slow and we could see him locking up at the end of the start finish straight.
Front right had a puncture and it was going down fast!
My lad struggled with the car, never having driven a FF1600 with a flat tyre before. He came in on the last lap with the leaders not far behind him. The team sent him back out to finish the race, but alas, he did not quite understand and came back in to the pits with the pack, thus never taking the flag
So a solid 11th turned into a DNF despite finishing laps ahead.
Lessons learned for next time
When my lad went to collect his card for signatures there was some debate, as he had "technically" not finished the 2nd race, however the main Steward signed it with a note that he had done 10 plus laps before DNF, which was a release.
A lot of the weekend was great, but sadly my son did not gel with the team.
So rather than jump back into FF1600 with a different team, we are going to use MX5s to get the rest of his signatures and then plan from there
Nobody really wrong, just a case of square peg round hole.
These first races are all about learning and fun, not trying to be the next Senna.
We take away a lot of positives ready for the next stage, which will be testing an MX5 prior to the next race weekend in september.
Few pics
Edited by Alwayzsidewayz2 on Wednesday 27th August 17:53
Thank you All
It was with a heavy heart we parted company after one race
However you have to get the right environment for a young new driver to learn and the current team was better placed to run more experienced drivers basically. We will re visit FF1600 as the racing is top drawer and the cars great to drive.
I think we may look at Superclassic over time.
Mazda MX5 we are going with BRSCC hopefully, just sorting things now
The entire experience was great and really good learning.
It was with a heavy heart we parted company after one race
However you have to get the right environment for a young new driver to learn and the current team was better placed to run more experienced drivers basically. We will re visit FF1600 as the racing is top drawer and the cars great to drive.
I think we may look at Superclassic over time.
Mazda MX5 we are going with BRSCC hopefully, just sorting things now
The entire experience was great and really good learning.
Update
Due to the goodwill of a team running Classic and Historic Formula Fords, my Lad gets to move forward his single seater experience.
He will be out this Saturday on the BRSCC Event at Donington racing a 1975 Royale RP21 Formula Ford.
H will have not driven the car before Qualifying, but at least he can get back out behind the wheel.
Its not straightforward racing when you do not have a team or car. There is a lot to say for owning a race car. despite the costs and challenges
Due to the goodwill of a team running Classic and Historic Formula Fords, my Lad gets to move forward his single seater experience.
He will be out this Saturday on the BRSCC Event at Donington racing a 1975 Royale RP21 Formula Ford.
H will have not driven the car before Qualifying, but at least he can get back out behind the wheel.
Its not straightforward racing when you do not have a team or car. There is a lot to say for owning a race car. despite the costs and challenges
Update on the weekend
Good 2nd race day for my lad
Despite a trickly TQ where he went off on lap too, a further red saved him and he got 3 more laps in to qualify in 10th
Race one.
Started 10th Good start.
Up in to 9th where he is in a battle that takes in cars all the way up to 5th
Keeps it very clean and tidy, driving for his signature, in what is only his 3rd race and his first actually fight in a pack
Gets the class lead but fluffs his gear change at the end at the chicance and is overtaken at the line. But puts on a very good show fighting the more modern Formula fords
The car was topping out on revs too, so the team change the top ratio for the next race
Race 2 is at the end of the day.
Starts 9th this time and he makes a great start and is straight up to 7th
Starts to push harder and gets into 6th with a nice overtake at the chicane
Then the rain starts, at first spits, then a deluge, just so heavy you can barely see.
At this point my lad, with all his years of karting and slicks in the rain, decides to go on the attack.
Gets up to 5th and is challenging hard for 4th at the line
Class win and 5th overall in a 50 year old Royal Formula ford.
Not too shabby a result for his 4th race and first ever wet race.
Pics from the day
Good 2nd race day for my lad
Despite a trickly TQ where he went off on lap too, a further red saved him and he got 3 more laps in to qualify in 10th
Race one.
Started 10th Good start.
Up in to 9th where he is in a battle that takes in cars all the way up to 5th
Keeps it very clean and tidy, driving for his signature, in what is only his 3rd race and his first actually fight in a pack
Gets the class lead but fluffs his gear change at the end at the chicance and is overtaken at the line. But puts on a very good show fighting the more modern Formula fords
The car was topping out on revs too, so the team change the top ratio for the next race
Race 2 is at the end of the day.
Starts 9th this time and he makes a great start and is straight up to 7th
Starts to push harder and gets into 6th with a nice overtake at the chicane
Then the rain starts, at first spits, then a deluge, just so heavy you can barely see.
At this point my lad, with all his years of karting and slicks in the rain, decides to go on the attack.
Gets up to 5th and is challenging hard for 4th at the line
Class win and 5th overall in a 50 year old Royal Formula ford.
Not too shabby a result for his 4th race and first ever wet race.
Pics from the day
Hi Thanks for the interest.
try to answer these best I can.
1. My Lad has raced kart since 2018, starting in cadets, he has raced X30, TKM and Rotax, in junior and then Senior classes
Season cost, between £9 - 15K depending upon what we were racing, if were privateer or with a team and the championships we raced in. We finished in the X30 British Championship, that was not cheap.
2. Depends, we have only just started out and at present we are hiring cars. Cars are from 8K upwards and Engines from 5K, but you need to factor in running and repair costs and what life the car has left. I would not suggest anyone buy a car until they have talked to some experts.
3. Karting provides a good base line, however learning about suspension and of course gears does mean that the driving does adjust. My lad finds it hard to get back into a kart and be straight on it. The input levels are so different, he needs at least a session or two in the kart before lap times are where they need to be. SM work is also valuable too. I think Karting has provided my lad with very good spatial awareness and the ability to read situations quickly and also park emotion and remain calm and in control behind the wheel.
4. At every level from Bambino karts upwards, the equipment makes a difference, Testing is key too, a lot of tuning is in the dampers in FF1600. More funds equals better engines and more testing equal more pace. But when it rains, then those advantages go out the window. My lad was able to push his car harder in the wet than others. the lack of grip leveled it all out. So driver talent and experience does make a difference. But I would be lying f I said it was all fair and rosy.
Hope those help
Tomorrow my lad gets his first taste of an MX5 at Donington, before racing it at Snetterton in a couple of weeks time.
try to answer these best I can.
1. My Lad has raced kart since 2018, starting in cadets, he has raced X30, TKM and Rotax, in junior and then Senior classes
Season cost, between £9 - 15K depending upon what we were racing, if were privateer or with a team and the championships we raced in. We finished in the X30 British Championship, that was not cheap.
2. Depends, we have only just started out and at present we are hiring cars. Cars are from 8K upwards and Engines from 5K, but you need to factor in running and repair costs and what life the car has left. I would not suggest anyone buy a car until they have talked to some experts.
3. Karting provides a good base line, however learning about suspension and of course gears does mean that the driving does adjust. My lad finds it hard to get back into a kart and be straight on it. The input levels are so different, he needs at least a session or two in the kart before lap times are where they need to be. SM work is also valuable too. I think Karting has provided my lad with very good spatial awareness and the ability to read situations quickly and also park emotion and remain calm and in control behind the wheel.
4. At every level from Bambino karts upwards, the equipment makes a difference, Testing is key too, a lot of tuning is in the dampers in FF1600. More funds equals better engines and more testing equal more pace. But when it rains, then those advantages go out the window. My lad was able to push his car harder in the wet than others. the lack of grip leveled it all out. So driver talent and experience does make a difference. But I would be lying f I said it was all fair and rosy.
Hope those help
Tomorrow my lad gets his first taste of an MX5 at Donington, before racing it at Snetterton in a couple of weeks time.
Hi,
Thank you for the kind words.
We know a driver who has been racing in Formula Vee for two years, Leon Frost, ex karter and I think he is now looking to more to FF1600. He really rates the series and the racing, however he is keen to progress I think after the two years.
I fully agree, nothing beats seat time. We have struggled on that aspect too. With Karting it was so more accessible. Tin top closed wheels are so much more well catered for for track time vs single seaters. We have tested at Donington and Brands Hatch only in the Single seater. With the cost basically being the same as a race day. On paper you get 2 hours track time, but in reality it could be less than 40 mins out on track on flying laps if you get lots of reds. Its also very hard at times as you can be out with Slicks and wings, who are Sooo much faster.
So far all our testing has been bolted on to race days, even if we have not raced, we tested at Brands for example, so at least we had some strength in numbers.
Its well worth joining all the social media groups to see if and when some are testing. Anglesy is one I know a good few use.
Sim Rig, My lad has a medium level rig, Moza Direct Drive wheel, good pedals, proper seat and frame, with a good PC. He upgraded the wheel from the entry level DD one, as he said it was not detailed enough.
He does do a lot of pre race practice, in all conditions, and while its not 100% representative it does really help. He treats the Sim time Just as he does getting in the car, same boots and gloves. Has clear objectives and will detail his feedback and data.
That's the other key part, we have upgraded our camera to allow it to map speeds etc and link better to the AIM unit we use. It really does help, my lad found a chunk of time last week, just by changing a braking point and turn in on one corner. I think its a very useful tool, especially if combined with data work.
Car, that's the tough one, my lad really enjoys single seater racing and gets a real buzz from the classics, but so many of the cars are different. Its going to take time to find the best option.
Long term I think that they can be solid investments so I think we will look at purchasing, even if his career moves to a different genre, as He has a real soft spot for them.
Hope that helps
Thank you for the kind words.
We know a driver who has been racing in Formula Vee for two years, Leon Frost, ex karter and I think he is now looking to more to FF1600. He really rates the series and the racing, however he is keen to progress I think after the two years.
I fully agree, nothing beats seat time. We have struggled on that aspect too. With Karting it was so more accessible. Tin top closed wheels are so much more well catered for for track time vs single seaters. We have tested at Donington and Brands Hatch only in the Single seater. With the cost basically being the same as a race day. On paper you get 2 hours track time, but in reality it could be less than 40 mins out on track on flying laps if you get lots of reds. Its also very hard at times as you can be out with Slicks and wings, who are Sooo much faster.
So far all our testing has been bolted on to race days, even if we have not raced, we tested at Brands for example, so at least we had some strength in numbers.
Its well worth joining all the social media groups to see if and when some are testing. Anglesy is one I know a good few use.
Sim Rig, My lad has a medium level rig, Moza Direct Drive wheel, good pedals, proper seat and frame, with a good PC. He upgraded the wheel from the entry level DD one, as he said it was not detailed enough.
He does do a lot of pre race practice, in all conditions, and while its not 100% representative it does really help. He treats the Sim time Just as he does getting in the car, same boots and gloves. Has clear objectives and will detail his feedback and data.
That's the other key part, we have upgraded our camera to allow it to map speeds etc and link better to the AIM unit we use. It really does help, my lad found a chunk of time last week, just by changing a braking point and turn in on one corner. I think its a very useful tool, especially if combined with data work.
Car, that's the tough one, my lad really enjoys single seater racing and gets a real buzz from the classics, but so many of the cars are different. Its going to take time to find the best option.
Long term I think that they can be solid investments so I think we will look at purchasing, even if his career moves to a different genre, as He has a real soft spot for them.
Hope that helps
A fair bit to update on
My lad wanted to get off his Novice plates before attending the festival.
We entered an All comers race at Snetterton in a hired MX5 working with Paddock Motorsport
Never having driven this track before, he found it a bit more technical than he first assumed, but still qualified 10th overall and 4th in class. A low speed misfire was a niggle but you could drive round it
Race 1, a rolling start and my lad just focused on learning the track and not really pushing, although he did get a TL penalty, which I was not happy about!
Anyway only job was gather signatures
Race 2, started 8th and all going to plan then the car gets hard to shift gear in, He goes for 3rd and the gearbox gets stuck between gears and no drive.
Sadly a DNF and only one signature
So we needed a plan with the festival fast approaching
My lad contacted the 750 Motor club and arranged to spend a day marshalling for the race day at Mallory Park. In a incident filled day, he was very busy on post 3, but it was worth it as he gained the 6th signature and also a lot of credit for the way he approached the day
I think for all new drivers, its a very good idea to spend time marshalling.
Anyway he is now back with his formula ford race team, building up to the biggest race of his life so far, the Formula Ford festival at Brands Hatch this weekend
He will be racing the 50 year old 1975 Royale RP 21, as designed by Rory Byrne. Competing in the festival itself and also the pre 1982 race car class too
To help pay for his drive, H is helping to team to run other drivers in testing as a mechanic, so goes to the festival, with almost no testing experience at brands and non in that Royale car. First time he gets on track it will be TQ
The festival is all about the stories through the years, I am hoping my 16 year old lad can start to right his story there too.
After the festival there is no rest as he prepares for the Walter Hayes trophy next
My lad wanted to get off his Novice plates before attending the festival.
We entered an All comers race at Snetterton in a hired MX5 working with Paddock Motorsport
Never having driven this track before, he found it a bit more technical than he first assumed, but still qualified 10th overall and 4th in class. A low speed misfire was a niggle but you could drive round it
Race 1, a rolling start and my lad just focused on learning the track and not really pushing, although he did get a TL penalty, which I was not happy about!
Anyway only job was gather signatures
Race 2, started 8th and all going to plan then the car gets hard to shift gear in, He goes for 3rd and the gearbox gets stuck between gears and no drive.
Sadly a DNF and only one signature
So we needed a plan with the festival fast approaching
My lad contacted the 750 Motor club and arranged to spend a day marshalling for the race day at Mallory Park. In a incident filled day, he was very busy on post 3, but it was worth it as he gained the 6th signature and also a lot of credit for the way he approached the day
I think for all new drivers, its a very good idea to spend time marshalling.
Anyway he is now back with his formula ford race team, building up to the biggest race of his life so far, the Formula Ford festival at Brands Hatch this weekend
He will be racing the 50 year old 1975 Royale RP 21, as designed by Rory Byrne. Competing in the festival itself and also the pre 1982 race car class too
To help pay for his drive, H is helping to team to run other drivers in testing as a mechanic, so goes to the festival, with almost no testing experience at brands and non in that Royale car. First time he gets on track it will be TQ
The festival is all about the stories through the years, I am hoping my 16 year old lad can start to right his story there too.
After the festival there is no rest as he prepares for the Walter Hayes trophy next
Thank you
There was two serious incidents at the first corner of Mallory at the weekend, thankfully drivers while injured, it could off been a lot worse.
It really caused my lad to appreciate the processes and proedures involved and just how much note taking and work a marshal gets through
The chief marshal on his past was amazing and highly experienced and He got so much from it.
Thank you re the festival, yep its total boys own stuff really. I think the entry list is now nigh on 90 cars.
It will be such a good experience for him, in only his 4th ever race weekend.
However I am hoping 8 years of competitive karting has given him the foundation to make the most of the opportunity
Keep you all posted
There was two serious incidents at the first corner of Mallory at the weekend, thankfully drivers while injured, it could off been a lot worse.
It really caused my lad to appreciate the processes and proedures involved and just how much note taking and work a marshal gets through
The chief marshal on his past was amazing and highly experienced and He got so much from it.
Thank you re the festival, yep its total boys own stuff really. I think the entry list is now nigh on 90 cars.
It will be such a good experience for him, in only his 4th ever race weekend.
However I am hoping 8 years of competitive karting has given him the foundation to make the most of the opportunity
Keep you all posted
Lad at the track, not testing, but working as mechanic for others in the team
Tomorrow he is drawn in heat 3 for TQ and his first race
He is excited as you would expect.
me and his mum are nervous as hell
All the links are on the Brscc page if you want to follow the live streams or timing etc
Weather looking dry
This will be his first race of Novice plates and only his 4th ever car race event
Tomorrow he is drawn in heat 3 for TQ and his first race
He is excited as you would expect.
me and his mum are nervous as hell
All the links are on the Brscc page if you want to follow the live streams or timing etc
Weather looking dry
This will be his first race of Novice plates and only his 4th ever car race event
Yes it was a great debut thank you
Lot of good close racing, got the car more dialled in on the Sunday
Still just about 1 sec off the very fastest Historic and classic guys, but we will find that
Highlight was making the semi finale, as 8th in the progression race so a top reserve, and 6th overall in the 2nd Pre 82 race
Last historic final was Carnage 13th after starting 30th.
Sadly ignition issues held him back in a straight line but still he had good battles
Will post some pics soon
Now car being rebuilt ready for the Walter Hayes this weekend
Lot of good close racing, got the car more dialled in on the Sunday
Still just about 1 sec off the very fastest Historic and classic guys, but we will find that
Highlight was making the semi finale, as 8th in the progression race so a top reserve, and 6th overall in the 2nd Pre 82 race
Last historic final was Carnage 13th after starting 30th.
Sadly ignition issues held him back in a straight line but still he had good battles
Will post some pics soon
Now car being rebuilt ready for the Walter Hayes this weekend
Two days complete wet and dry testing at Silverstone for the Walter Hayes done
This is a serious step up from the festival, 108 cars entered.
A lot to learn for my lad, as he has not raced here before.
The wealth of talent racing is fantastic
Plus there is a car show, so if it all gets too much for me, I plan to just go and look at cars and take my mind of the racing
This is a serious step up from the festival, 108 cars entered.
A lot to learn for my lad, as he has not raced here before.
The wealth of talent racing is fantastic
Plus there is a car show, so if it all gets too much for me, I plan to just go and look at cars and take my mind of the racing
Thank you so much, what an event!
So different to the Festival.
Drawn in Heat 1, so his TQ was in the wet, Which led to 17th for the Carl Hamer Trophy Pre final
Heat 1 17th after a TL pen
Pre final for pre 82 17th to 8th
Sunday
The last chance 13th to 9th
Semi Final 30th to 24th
Final for the pre 82 8th to 5th
He was in the leading pack all fighting for the lead, but sadly when Jacky van der Ende suffered gearbox issues and spun,my lad and another had to avoid and fell off the lead battle by 2 secs. So scrapped between themselves.
Really pleased with his progress, from first race in FF1600 in August to now fighting at the front in the Classic series and putting on a good show even when fighting the much faster modern cars
I even started to watch.
What a great 2 weeks, the experience and memories will stay with me for ever
So different to the Festival.
Drawn in Heat 1, so his TQ was in the wet, Which led to 17th for the Carl Hamer Trophy Pre final
Heat 1 17th after a TL pen
Pre final for pre 82 17th to 8th
Sunday
The last chance 13th to 9th
Semi Final 30th to 24th
Final for the pre 82 8th to 5th
He was in the leading pack all fighting for the lead, but sadly when Jacky van der Ende suffered gearbox issues and spun,my lad and another had to avoid and fell off the lead battle by 2 secs. So scrapped between themselves.
Really pleased with his progress, from first race in FF1600 in August to now fighting at the front in the Classic series and putting on a good show even when fighting the much faster modern cars
I even started to watch.
What a great 2 weeks, the experience and memories will stay with me for ever
Thank you.
We are working hard to do a full season next year in classic Formula Ford.
There is still a lot for my lad to learn and develop
So next year will be a full season of Classic Formula ford, perhaps in a slightly newer car. with BRSCC
We will also dip into the Historics with HSCC
Plus a trip to Ireland to race at the Irish FF1600 races
and of course the Festival and the trophy
As my lad is 16, I would rather stay in the class and hone the skills than just play leap frog up the motorsport ladder at a pace.
He wants to become an instructor too and gain further ARDS qualifcations when he can
We are working hard to do a full season next year in classic Formula Ford.
There is still a lot for my lad to learn and develop
So next year will be a full season of Classic Formula ford, perhaps in a slightly newer car. with BRSCC
We will also dip into the Historics with HSCC
Plus a trip to Ireland to race at the Irish FF1600 races
and of course the Festival and the trophy
As my lad is 16, I would rather stay in the class and hone the skills than just play leap frog up the motorsport ladder at a pace.
He wants to become an instructor too and gain further ARDS qualifcations when he can
Thank you so much, the racing was great, In fact I think that was one of the best weekends I have had at a track racing I have had for a long time
The cars are great, they teach drivers so much and the diversity in the grid is wonderful
We hope to race a slightly younger car next year, but still in the classic era.
I met Alan from Royale for the first time at the weekend, really nice guy and has a lot of wonderful stories to tell too
Look forward to seeing you out next year
The cars are great, they teach drivers so much and the diversity in the grid is wonderful
We hope to race a slightly younger car next year, but still in the classic era.
I met Alan from Royale for the first time at the weekend, really nice guy and has a lot of wonderful stories to tell too
Look forward to seeing you out next year
My Lad had hoped to be in an apprenticeship by now, since leaving school. But no real opportunities locally at all
So Instead he has joined the team he races with on a part time basis, as work experience.
The team specialise in classic and Historic Formula ford cars, so he has been in his element.
However he did struggle at first with imperial tools!
H has learned so much over the last few months, from basic brake and clutch bleeding to fitting pistons and rings.
He has struck a deal with the team owner too, so if my lad build up the car under supervision, he can race a chassis that has been sat idle next year.
Its a Reynard FF92 from 1992
A few pics of its current state as my lad gets stuck in
The plan is for Him to race it all next year in the Super classic series along with the festival and the Walter Hayes.
Plus he is learning so much, from suspension set up to Glassfibre repairs and painting.
I actually see this as a great opportunity for a young driver to get a much more technical understanding of a car
To help his racing fund, when he is not racing, he will be working in the team as a mechanic for their other drivers
He makes me laugh when he talks imperial sizes about his spannering. cannot be that many 16 year old that know that system these days
So Instead he has joined the team he races with on a part time basis, as work experience.
The team specialise in classic and Historic Formula ford cars, so he has been in his element.
However he did struggle at first with imperial tools!
H has learned so much over the last few months, from basic brake and clutch bleeding to fitting pistons and rings.
He has struck a deal with the team owner too, so if my lad build up the car under supervision, he can race a chassis that has been sat idle next year.
Its a Reynard FF92 from 1992
A few pics of its current state as my lad gets stuck in
The plan is for Him to race it all next year in the Super classic series along with the festival and the Walter Hayes.
Plus he is learning so much, from suspension set up to Glassfibre repairs and painting.
I actually see this as a great opportunity for a young driver to get a much more technical understanding of a car
To help his racing fund, when he is not racing, he will be working in the team as a mechanic for their other drivers
He makes me laugh when he talks imperial sizes about his spannering. cannot be that many 16 year old that know that system these days
Few more updates on the reynard
All the body work has been stripped and made ready for paint
And most importantly the driver can fit, some padding but basically no seat. so its tight and work to do round the front end.
Saving pennies now for an engine rebuild / refresh for the new year.
Hopping we can be testing in early March.
All the body work has been stripped and made ready for paint
And most importantly the driver can fit, some padding but basically no seat. so its tight and work to do round the front end.
Saving pennies now for an engine rebuild / refresh for the new year.
Hopping we can be testing in early March.
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