They are regarded as a talent factory and it is no coincidence that Michael Schumacher, Stefan Bellof and many other racing drivers made their first monoposto attempts in a Formula Ford single-seater. Formula Ford celebrates its 50th birthday in 2017.
Born out of necessity
The comparatively inexpensive Formula Ford was created because the British racing schools were almost going bankrupt with the Formula Junior cars used at the time with their delicate engines. A remedy was needed and was found in the combination of the Formula Junior chassis with Ford large-series engines and radial road tires. This is how the first Formula Ford forerunner was actually created in mid-1965 and it proved its worth in the racing school right from the start.
From driving school car to racing series
In December 1966, the idea was born to set up an entry-level racing series with these simple formula cars. It was called "Formula Ford" because it was hoped that Ford would provide support, which was actually granted in the form of discounted Cortina GT engines. Lotus built the first chassis, basically modified Lotus 31s, and later Alexis also supplied further chassis.
On July 2, 1967, the first independent Formula Ford race was held at Brands Hatch, which was won by Briton Ray Allan in a Lotus.
Globalization
With the first successes, the interest of racing car manufacturers in participating in the new series also grew. March Lola, Caldwell, Ginetta, Merlyn, Crossle and Mirage, as well as many others, began to sell their version of a Formula Ford.
Soon, many nations began to launch their own Formula Ford racing series, including Germany (from 1973), Switzerland (from 1979) and Austria (from 1971).
Talent factory
The vehicles were always adapted to the available large-scale production technology, for example when Ford was able to offer the Escort engine with a cross-flow head. This was later followed by the Zetec engine and the 1600 Duratec engine. Aerodynamic aids were always consistently dispensed with; the Formula Ford was intended to be a car with which one could easily approach the limits.
Many great racing drivers gained their first experience in a monoposto with the Formula Ford, including multiple Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher and multiple Le Mans winner Marcel Fässler.
Formula Ford races and racing series are still held in many countries today and have remained true to their roots. And the former Formula Ford cars are also popular entry-level vehicles in historic racing.
