Formula Ford was established in England in 1967, as a cost effective starting
point for young hopefuls beginning a career in motor racing. Since then, the
sport has rapidly grown to become the world’s premier junior development
category. Introduced in Australia in 1969, Formula Ford has become the
accepted proving ground for the nation’s champions, on a local and international
level. Graduates include many Formula One World Champions, including Michael
Schumacher and Ayrton Senna. A proven breeding ground of Australia’s future motorsport stars, Formula Ford
in Australia boasts a long list of successful alumni including current Formula One
driver Mark Webber, NASCAR driver Marcos Ambrose and V8 stars such as Craig
Lowndes, Will Davison, Mark Winterbottom and 2009 V8 Supercar Champion
Jamie Whincup. Currently, more than 70% of V8 Supercar drivers raced in the
Formula Ford category in their early careers. In addition to the national championship, state series championships are held
in most Australian states, both as a cost-effective introduction to the sport for
new drivers from karting and Formula Vee, and for vintage Formula Ford
competition. 2006 saw the introduction of the Ford Fiesta 1600cc Duractec engine, replacing
the Kent engine with great success. Formula Ford returned to television screens
nationwide in 2007 as part of the V8 Supercar telecast on the Seven network. In 2008, Australian Formula Ford Management and Ford Australia welcomed
Genuine Ford Parts as official naming rights sponsor of the Genuine Ford Parts
Australia Formula Ford Championship for three years. For further information visit www.formulaford.com.au |
