GROUP PHOTO POSTER
Cliff Johnson from Alpine Litho-Graphics produced and printed this fabulous 18 x 24 poster of Jay Bonvouloir’s iconic group photo. After distributing 200+ posters to drivers and crews, I have some left over for sale to all friends of Formula Ford.
Pricing is friendly: $10 per poster plus shipping, $7 to anywhere in the US and $25 anywhere else.
Click HERE to place an order through my contact page. This website is not really set up for e-commerce but so I will reply with payment info (PayPal, check, or even cash if you still have any).
MEDIA COVERAGE
The FF50th attracted extensive media coverage from multiple outlets. Here are some links:
September 2 (Holland Sentinel): Holland’s Beeler Part of Formula Ford Anniversary
September 6 (RACER): Actions Speak Loudly – FF50th Promoter Steve Beeler
September 13 (Vintage Motorsport): Making the Formula Ford Family Photo
September 13 (RACER): FF50th Field Has Gathered
September 18 (RACER): Reflections on the FF50th
September 20 (Autoweek): Podcast EP. 75: Formula Fords at Road America, Goodwood Revival, and Empire Hill Climb
September 24 (RACER): FF50th and ELVF – VSCDA, the club that could
September 25 (Autoweek): 50th Anniversary of Formula Ford Highlights VSCDA Meet at Road America
October 10 (Vintage Motorsport): Behind the Scenes: Making of the Formula Ford Group at the ELVF
VIDEOS
Click HERE for my FF50th in-car video highlights.
John Seaman annually produces a DVD of the Elkhart Lake Vintage Festival. This year’s features the FF50th. Here is the link to his YouTube trailer: https://youtu.be/ZHw-rpMpUI0
PHOTO GALLERIES
It should be no surprise that a great many photographs were taken at the FF50th. Here are links to the galleries of two fine photographers and friends of Formula Ford, Jay Bonvouloir and Bill Stoler:
Jay’s Flickr gallery: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jbonvouloir/albums/72157711061436483
Bill’s website gallery: http://billstoler.com/gallery/2019-road-america-elkhart-lake-vintage-festival/
RESULTS
Here are results from the three Formula Ford feature races plus the “East vs West Challenge” invitational bonus race. Click on these links for the MyLaps result summaries:
Group 11 Walter Hayes Vintage Formula Fords (VFF on treads)
Group 12 Henry Taylor Club Formula Fords (CFF on treads)
Group 13 Len Pounds Formula Fords (FF on treads and slicks plus CFF on slicks)
Formula Ford East vs West Challenge (cars invited from Groups 11, 12, and 13)
Personalized plaques were distributed to the top three finishers in each of the three “feature” races:
Walter Hayes Vintage Formula Fords
1st Ryan Lewis
2nd Dan Cowdrey
3rd Todd Willing
Henry Taylor Club Formula Fords
1st Jeremy Treadway
2nd Scott Fairchild
3rd Dan Cowdrey
Len Pounds Formula Fords
1st Reid Hazelton
2nd Tim Kautz
3rd Wes Allen
Many thanks to Joel Vande Poel at Superior Sport Store in Holland, MI for the beautiful plaques and to Wes Allen at Lexair in Lexington, KY for sponsoring these awards.
THE FF50th’s FIVE DAYS @ ROAD AMERICA
I am arranging images in chronological order to tell the story of the FF50th’s five days at Road America. If you have an image that you would like to share, on-track or in the paddock, please send it to me along with a brief caption. Enjoy!
FF50TH ARCHIVES
Below is where to find all the content and news releases leading up to the event.
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Registration for the FF50th is open! Please click on the button below for the VSCDA’s on-line registration page to complete your pre-registration:
https://vscda.org/vscdaos/content/p/id/14/
Missed pre-registration? No worries. With the addition of a third Formula Ford only race group, more entries can be accepted. Register by August 23 to make the program.
Pre-registration car count through 09/08/19: 213
Confirmed entries through 09/08/19: 199
FF50th DATE CHANGE!
The dates for the FF50th have changed! The event has been moved up one week to September 11-15, 2019. Please adjust your calendars and travel plans accordingly. More FF50th news will be posted on this page as it happens.
Formula Ford’s 50th anniversary in North America will be celebrated at the FF50th September 11 – 15, 2019 at Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin’s Road America.
The FF50th will headline the 2019 Elkhart Lake Vintage Festival, the Vintage Sports Car Drivers Association’s (VSCDA) marquee event. Off-track activities will provide multiple opportunities to network, bench race, and get close to hundreds of beautiful cars.
The road course re-enactment tours the same public roads (which are now part of the National Historic Register) used for racing in the early 1950s before Road America was constructed.
The Gather on the Green is a Concours d’ Elegance competition at the Osthoff Resort in nearby Elkhart Lake. Following the car show is the ELVF banquet also at the Osthoff. Dinner speakers from recent years have included Brian Redman, Vic Elford, and Augie Pabst.
Road America is one of the most challenging tests of road racing in North America. The track is located on 640 acres midway between Milwaukee and Green Bay. Road America’s 4.048 miles remain in their original configuration from 1955: 14 turns, 150 feet in elevation changes, three long straights, and the iconic Kink. Click on the button below for a lap in a Formula Ford captioned with track notes.
FF50th @ Road America: News Release #1
EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT
October 8, 2017 (Updated May 12, 2018)
Big news! The Vintage Sports Car Drivers Association (VSCDA) will be hosting a 50th anniversary party for Formula Ford at Road America September 11-15, 2019. Please note that the dates for the FF50th have been moved up one week!
The FF50th will be a five-day event starting with registration and tech on Wednesday, paddock load-in and untimed practice on Thursday, qualifications with a group photo on Friday, and concluding with heat and feature races on Saturday and Sunday.
Open to Kent-powered Formula Fords of all ages, there will be two race groups allowing a total entry of 200 cars. Tire rules (for both slicks and treads) and licensing requirements are being written for maximum inclusivity.
The FF50th will headline the 2019 Elkhart Lake Vintage Festival, the VSCDA’s marquee event. Mike Korneli is the ELVF race chairman. Steve Beeler will be organizing the FF50th related aspects of the weekend.
FF50th @ Road America: News Release #2
CROSSOVER AND OVERFLOW ENTRIES
December 11, 2017
The objective is to get as many drivers into the FF50th as possible. To that end, crossover entries (that is, a driver entering one car in both Formula Ford race groups…two drivers sharing one car is not a crossover) will be tentatively accepted up to the entry deadline. If there are less than 200 entries at the deadline, crossover second entries will be confirmed in entry date order until both race groups are full. After the entry deadline, late entries will not bump a crossover out of a race group.
If both Formula Ford race groups are oversubscribed, overflow entries will be given the option to run in another VSCDA race group. A process will be set up to move overflow entries into the Formula Ford race groups as cars drop out due to misfortunes of one form or another.
FF50th @ Road America: News Release #3
SAFETY PREPARATION, LOGBOOK, AND ANNUAL TECH REQUIREMENTS
January 8, 2018
The VSCDA Technical Requirements for Race Cars defines safety preparation, logbook, and annual tech requirements for the FF50th. The document outlines straightforward guidelines for basic vehicle and driver safety: on-board fire extinguishers, master switches, fuel cells, roll hoops, driver restraints, helmets, protective garments, throttle springs, rain lights, catch tanks, the usual stuff. Here is the link:
https://www.vscda.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/TECHNICAL-REQUIREMENTS-FOR-RACE-CARS-1.pdf
Logbooks and annual techs are required at VSCDA events. If your car does not have a logbook, you can obtain one from the VSCDA tech inspection team. Annual techs from other racing organizations (VMC member clubs, SCCA, CASC, etc) will be honored. A pre-race survey will be sent out before the event to assess the logbook and annual tech work load.
A possible surprise is the requirement for a Car Preparation Sheet. Before an entry will be accepted for a VSCDA events, a car must have an up-to-date CPS on file with the VSCDA office. Here is the link to the one-page form:
https://vscda.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Car-Prep-Sheet-RCIS-11-5-2018.pdf
FF50th @ Road America: News Release #4
DRIVER LICENSING
February 6, 2018
The following requirements must be met to race at a VSCDA event including the FF50th:
- be a VSCDA member
- be at least 18 years old by October of the current year
- have a Medical on file with VSCDA OR hold a competition racing license
- have a Car Preparation Sheet on file with VSCDA
- have wheel-to-wheel competition racing experience within the past 2 years OR
- have completed a competition racing school within the past 2 years
VSCDA annual membership is $120 with an “early bird” special price of $100 if purchased by mid February. A one-event membership for the Elkhart Lake Vintage Festival (the FF50th’s host event) is $75. If you are thinking about the value of an annual membership, VSCDA holds races at three other fine venues: GingerMan, Blackhawk, and Grattan.
Competition licenses issued by the VMC, VMC member clubs, SCCA, FIA, and CASC are routinely accepted at VSCDA events.
FF50th @ Road America: News Release #5
EARLY ENTRY DATA COLLECTION
February 25, 2018
The FF40th entry process was simple. There were three race groups: one vintage, one restricted regional, and one national. Drivers entered one or more race groups and it was all good. The restricted regional was slightly over-subscribed but (fortunately!) not until after the entry deadline.
Because the FF50th will only have two race groups, we are expecting enough entries to fill both with 100 cars each. The FF50th entry policy will be to accept the first 200 entries and then group them in the best possible way. I see a process that fills Group A and Group B simultaneously by speed potential and also by drivers who want to race against each other.
Here is a preview of the criteria that will be used to assign cars and drivers to race groups:
Number of years racing?
Number of races in the last three years?
Current license?
Number of races at Road America?
Best Formula Ford lap time @ Road America?
Chassis (Make / Model / Year)?
Damper Locations (Front & Rear)?
Damper External Cannisters (Front & Rear)?
Tires (Brand / Compound)?
Chassis Modifications?
Body Modifications?
Home Club?
Home Club Classification (FF / CFF / VFF / Other)?
Cross-over Entry?
Multi Driver Entry?
Drivers, clubs, or series you want to race with?
Group preference (A or B)?
This data will be collected during the early entry process which will go live this October. Two series have already reached out about racing together at the FF50th: the Royale Formula Ford Challenge Series and Formula Ford “The Series”. If there are drivers that you want to race with at the FF50th, it is not too early to get organized and put a list together.
More details on this topic to follow as the early entry process is finalized.
FF50th @ Road America: News Release #6
ENGINE RULES
March 19, 2018
The FF50th will be open to Kent and Cortina powered Formula Fords of all ages.
For Formula Ford engine specifications, the VSCDA Technical Requirements for Race Cars follows Monoposto Racing rules which in turn reference the SCCA 2015 GCR. The 2015 SCCA GCR provides stable specifications for Kent and Cortina engines that Monoposto expects to continue referencing going forward.
Rules stability ahead of a big event is a good thing. So that everyone can prepare with confidence, the FF50th will also reference the 2015 SCCA GCR for Kent and Cortina engine rules.
FF50th @ Road America: News Release #7
CHASSIS ELIGIBILITY
April 2, 2018
The FF50th will be open to Kent (and Cortina) powered Formula Fords of all ages.
The VSCDA Technical Requirements for Race Cars follows Monoposto Racing rules which list eligible Historic (pre 1973) and Club (1973 – 1982) commercially constructed cars. To define chassis eligibility for the rest of the Formula Ford universe, the 2015 SCCA GCR will be referenced.
Just what exactly is a Formula Ford? Everyone knows the basics: a single seat, tubular frame, flat bottom, open wheel racing car. The 2015 SCCA GCR, which is also being referenced for Kent and Cortina engine specifications, will provide the rest of the details.
FF50th @ Road America: News Release #8
TIRES
April 16, 2018
To maximize inclusivity (and to prevent administrative chaos), tires will be free at the FF50th.
Here it is again in black and white: no tire rules at the FF50th!
While your tire selection will not affect the acceptance of your entry, it most likely will affect the race group that you are assigned to. That being the case, it will be best for all involved to run the same tires at the FF50th that you race on at your home track.
FF50th @ Road America: News Release #9
REGISTRATION PROCESS & APPROXIMATE TIME LINE
July 31, 2018
Registration for the FF50th @ Road America will open this fall. The on-line registration process will include a questionnaire for race group placement: chassis, tires, shocks, driver experience, etc. The questionnaire will also provide an opportunity to indicate that you belong to a series (The Crossflow Cup, Royale Formula Ford Challenge, etc).
Initially, entries will be placed into one of these five classifications. Based on entry composition, preliminary classifications may be further defined and sub-divided in order to fit 200 cars into two race groups.
(1) Vintage Formula Ford on treaded tires
(2) Club Formula Ford on treaded tires
(3) Formula Ford on treaded tires
(4) Club Formula Ford on slicks
(5) Formula Ford on slicks
Early Registration. The early registration window will be open from October 2018 through January 2019. Early entries will be subject to a refundable deposit. Final classifications and provisional race group placements will be announced in January. During early registration, classification and/or race group change requests will be accommodated and entries can be withdrawn with a full deposit refund.
Regular Registration. The regular registration window will be open from February 2019 through April 2019. A non-refundable deposit will be required at time of entry. During the regular registration window, there may be movement across race groups as one fills up before the other.
At the end of regular registration, cross-over entries (one driver in one car in both race groups) will be confirmed subject to the 100 car maximum per race group. Confirmed cross-over entries will not be bumped by late entries.
Late Registration. Late registration will open in May 2019. Late entries will be subject to the non-refundable deposit as well as a late entry fee.
If both FF50th race groups are over-subscribed, overflow entries will be given the option to race in another ELVF race group. For all entrants, the balance of the entry fee will be due at event registration.
FF50th @ Road America: News Release #10
PRE EARLY REGISTRATION ODDS & ENDS
September 21, 2019
Here are a few FF50th odds and ends ahead of early registration that will open in in late October:
Transponders. Approved transponders are the AMB / MyLaps TranX260 (original design) and the MyLaps X2 (new design).
Minimum Weights. Minimum weights will be 1110 lbs (Kent) and 1060 lbs (Cortina) with driver per the 2015 SCCA GCR.
Shock Absorbers. Shocks will be unrestricted for entry but will be a determining factor in group placement and sub-class definition and assignment. Shock info (type, location, external cannisters, etc) will be collected in the entry process.
FF50th @ Road America: News Release #11
PRE-REGISTRATION GOES LIVE NOVEMBER 13
October 22, 2019
The pre-registration window for the FF50th @ Road America will open Tuesday, November 13, 2019. Initially, entries will be placed into one of these five classifications:
(1) Vintage Formula Ford on treaded tires
(2) Club Formula Ford on treaded tires
(3) Formula Ford on treaded tires
(4) Club Formula Ford on slicks
(5) Formula Ford on slicks
Based on entry composition, these preliminary classifications will likely be further defined and sub-divided in order to fit 200 cars (and multiple race series) into two race groups. Final classifications and provisional race group placements will be announced in January.
Ahead of going live, a registration time line (with all key dates) and a checklist (with registration requirements) will be released.
FF50th @ Road America: News Release #12
PRE-REGISTRATION TIME LINE & CHECK LIST
November 7, 2019
The pre-registration window for the FF50th @ Road America will open Tuesday, November 13, 2019. Here is the timeline:
Pre-Registration. Pre-registration will be open from November 13, 2018 through January 31, 2019. A $200 refundable deposit towards an expected entry fee of $550 will reserve a spot in the FF50th. Pre-entries will initially be classified into Historic Formula Ford, Club Ford (treads), Formula Ford (treads), Club Ford (slicks), and Formula Ford (slicks). Final classifications and provisional race group placements will be announced in February. During pre-registration, classification and/or race group change requests will be accommodated. Pre-registration deposits are refundable until March 29, 2019.
Regular Registration. Pre-registrants will be required to complete their entry during regular registration. During regular registration, there may be movement across race groups as one fills up before the other. The regular registration window will open at a date to be announced.
Crossover entries (a driver entering one car in both race groups…two drivers sharing one car is not a crossover) will be tentatively accepted. If there are less than 200 entries on August 12, 2019, crossover entries will be confirmed until both race groups are full. Entries after August 12, 2019 will not bump a confirmed crossover out of a race group.
If both FF50th Formula Ford race groups are over-subscribed, overflow entries will be given the option to race in another ELVF race group.
Here’s a quick checklist to successfully pre-register on the first try:
Driver Eligibility. The following requirements must be met to race at the FF50th:
– be a VSCDA member
– be at least 18 years old by October of 2019
– have a Medical on file with VSCDA OR hold a competition racing license
– have wheel-to-wheel competition racing experience within the past 2 years OR
– have completed a competition racing school within the past 2 years
VSCDA membership is not required to pre-register. Memberships for 2019 can be purchased during regular registration. If you do not meet the licensing or seat time requirements, the VSCDA has a combined driver’s school and race weekend May 2-5, 2019 at GingerMan Raceway in South Haven, Michigan.
Licensing. Competition licenses issued by the VMC (and its affiliated clubs), SCCA, FIA, and CASC are accepted at VSCDA events. If you are planning on racing at the FF50th on a competition license issued by another organization, please submit a scan of your license with your entry for approval. Calendar year 2018 licenses will be accepted for pre-registration with the good faith understanding that they will be renewed for 2019.
Safety Preparation and Annual Tech. The VSCDA Technical Requirements for Race Cars defines safety preparation, logbook, and annual tech requirements for the FF50th. The document outlines straightforward guidelines for basic vehicle and driver safety: on-board fire extinguishers, master switches, fuel cells, roll hoops, driver restraints, helmets, protective garments, throttle springs, rain lights, catch tanks, the usual stuff.
Logbooks and annual techs are required at VSCDA events. If your car does not have a logbook, you can obtain one from the VSCDA tech inspection team. Annual techs from other racing organizations (VMC member clubs, SCCA, CASC, etc) will be honored.
Car Preparation Sheet. A Car Preparation Sheet must be on file with the VSCDA. The CPS form has been revised for 2019.
FF50th Driver & Car Questionnaire. The FF50th entry process includes a questionnaire to collect information that will be used in making race group assignments. This is a new form for this event only.
The links to the on-line FF50th pre-registration page and these two .pdf forms will be announced on the go-live date, November 13, 2019.
FF50th @ Road America: News Release #13
EVENT LOGO
December 10, 2018
The FF50th has a logo! Designed by Ian Lenhart at Level 11 Creative, the FF50th logo will be incorporated into event decals, tech stickers, advertising, t-shirts, and all manner of memorabilia.
Formula Ford’s 50th anniversary (on this side of the pond) will be celebrated September 11-15, 2019 at Road America. The FF50th will headline the 2019 Elkhart Lake Vintage Festival, the Vintage Sports Car Drivers Association’s marquee event.
Open to Kent-powered Formula Fords of all ages, there will be two race groups allowing a total entry of 200 cars. Tire rules (for both slicks and treads) and licensing requirements have been written for maximum inclusivity.
The FF50th will be a five-day event starting with registration, tech, and paddock load-in on Wednesday, untimed practice on Thursday, qualifications with a group photo on Friday, and concluding with heat and feature races on Saturday and Sunday.
Click here for the VSCDA’s pre-registration page: https://vscda.org/ff50th-road-america-pre-registration/
FF50th @ Road America: News Release #14
BANQUET SPEAKER…PAUL PAGE!
December 20, 2018
Paul Page, the “voice” of the Indy 500, will be the banquet speaker at the Elkhart Lake Vintage Festival / FF50th banquet Saturday September 14, 2019 at the Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. Formula Ford’s 50th anniversary in North America will be celebrated at the ELVF, the Vintage Sports Car Drivers Association’s marquee event.
Paul is best known for his Indianapolis 500 radio broadcasts and CART/IRL television broadcasts. Paul joined the Indy 500 radio team in 1974 and hosted the broadcast from 1977-87 and then again in 2014 and 2015. Paul led the television broadcast of the “500” from 1988-2004, twice honored with a Sports Emmy Award as Best Special. Less well known is Paul’s time behind the wheel, racing Formula Fords from 1970 to 1977.
Kent-powered Formula Fords of all ages are welcome at the FF50th. There will be two race groups allowing a total entry of 200 cars. Click here for the VSCDA’s pre-registration page: https://vscda.org/ff50th-road-america-pre-registration/
FF50th @ Road America: News Release #15
OVERFLOW PLAN
February 8, 2019
FF50th pre-registrations are going to exceed the 200 car limit (2 race groups x 4 mile track x 25 cars per mile). Overflow will be assigned to the VSCDA race group where Formula Fords usually race. That group is going to be very light with a few vintage non-winged FB’s and even fewer FJ’s.
An overflow entry will provide access to all off-track events: the Thursday evening meet-and-greet, Friday’s group photo and party, and the Saturday evening banquet. Assignment to overflow comes with a big bonus: first priority into a third Formula Ford only feature race that will close out the weekend on Sunday afternoon.
Second entries on cross-overs (one driver and one car entered into both race groups) will be given the option to race in the overflow group space permitting.
The cross-over group will be open to Kent and Cortina powered Formula Fords from all eras (vintage, club, and modern) on both treads and slicks. Click here for the VSCDA’s pre-registration page: https://vscda.org/ff50th-road-america-pre-registration/
FF50th @ Road America: News Release #16
THIRD FORMULA FORD RACE GROUP
March 6, 2019
FF50th pre-registrations (227 cars as of March 5) have exceeded not only expectations but the 200 car limit imposed by two Formula Ford race groups (2 race groups x 4 mile track x 25 cars per mile). To accommodate the still growing entry list, a third Formula Ford only race group has been added to the FF50th’s schedule.
Cars will be assigned to the three race groups as follows:
A: VFF (treads)
B: CFF (treads)
C: FF (treads and slicks) and CFF (slicks)
Second entries on Group A and Group B cross-overs (one driver and one car entered into two race groups) will be bumped “up” into Group C space permitting. Group C cars interested in more seat time will cross-over into the VSCDA race group where Formula Fords usually race. That group is going to be very light with a few vintage non-winged FB’s and even fewer FJ’s.
Cross-over entries will be confirmed beginning August 1. Once confirmed, cross-overs cannot then be bumped by a regular entry.
The overflow plan announced previously is no longer in effect. Entries will be capped at 300 cars.
The FF50th is open to Kent and Cortina powered Formula Fords from all eras (vintage, club, and modern) on both treads and slicks. Here is the link to the VSCDA’s FF50th pre-registration page: https://vscda.org/ff50th-road-america-pre-registration/
FF50th @ Road America: News Release #17
RACER Magazine to Produce FF50th Program
March 11, 2019
Long-time Formula Ford aficionado Paul Pfanner (Racer Media & Marketing) will be producing the FF50th program. RACER’s August issue will feature Formula Ford’s 50th anniversary. For the program, Paul will customize the magazine with a special cover and an insert with FF50th focused content (schedule, entry list, paddock locations, etc). The insert will have the look and feel of FORMULA magazine from back in the 1970s. No doubt the FF50th program will be an instant collector’s item.
The FF50th is open to Kent and Cortina powered Formula Fords from all eras (vintage, club, and modern) on both treads and slicks. Here is the link to the VSCDA’s FF50th pre-registration page: https://vscda.org/ff50th-road-america-pre-registration/
FF50th @ Road America: News Release #18
PRE-REGISTRATION UPDATE
April 2, 2019
Pre-registration for the FF50th @ Road America has been a huge success with 200+ entries already received. Here are five great things made possible by knowing the number and mix of entries this far in advance:
(1) A third Formula Ford only race group has been added to the schedule. Cars are being assigned to the three race groups as follows:
Group A = VFF on treads
Group B = CFF on treads
Group C = FF on treads or slicks plus CFF on slicks
(2) With the third race group, it is now quite likely that second entries on a cross-over (one driver, one car, two race groups) will be confirmed. The priority remains maximizing the number of drivers experiencing the FF50th. Cross-overs will be confirmed starting August 1 and will not be bumped by a late entry.
(3) Paddock parking is being assigned in advance. No land rush, racers will be escorted to their paddock locations.
(4) About a third of the drivers at the FF50th will be new to Road America. A rookie orientation is being planned.
(5) A Formula Ford 50th Reception is being planned for 500+ people Thursday evening right after the untimed practice sessions. It will be a great kick-off to the weekend.
Regular registration will be opening soon. Until then, the pre-registration window will remain open. Here is the link: https://vscda.org/ff50th-road-america-pre-registration/
FF50th @ Road America: News Release #19
Ford to Sponsor FF50th
April 5, 2019
The Ford Motor Company will sponsor the VSCDA’s Formula Ford 50th anniversary celebration at Road America. Ford’s corporate support makes a strong statement that interest in and passion for the world’s most popular and populous single-seater racing formula is as healthy today as it was 50 years ago last month when the first “official” Formula Ford race in the U.S. took place.
“We are thrilled that Ford is helping us celebrate this great occasion” said Alex Rorke, president of the VSCDA, the sanctioning club. “With Ford’s support, we have added a third race group. Between Ford’s sponsorship and the dedication of Event Chairs Mike and Deb Korneli, it’s going to be a spectacular weekend for racers and spectators.”
Originally conceived as a car for a British racing school, early Formula Fords featured a durable Ford 4-cylinder passenger car engine. So much fun to drive and so affordable, the class took off well beyond school bounds, first in the UK, then in the US and Canada, Australia and South Africa, and eventually all of Europe.
For more than 20 years, a majority of drivers filling the Formula 1, IndyCar and international sports car racing grids had graduated from Formula Ford. Internationally, the long list includes 10 World Champions, among them Emerson Fittipaldi, James Hunt, Ayrton Senna, Nigel Mansell and Michael Schumacher. In IndyCar racing here in the U.S., notables with a FF background include Michael Andretti, Jimmy Vasser, Chip Ganassi, defending Indy 500 winner Will Power and the last two IndyCar champions, Josef Newgarden and Scott Dixon.
More than 200 different chassis manufacturers on five continents have built and marketed Formula Fords over the last 50 years, ensuring an ample supply of cars as the class has evolved, becoming today an important staple of vintage racing. And the 1600cc ‘Kent’ Ford engine, although no longer part of Ford’s current car and truck lineup, remains in limited production thanks to the manufacturer’s enthusiasm for this much-heralded class.
Several vintage groups in the U.S. will feature Formula Ford in 2019, the class’ 50th anniversary year, but Ford’s involvement is with the flagship — the September 11-15 gathering at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. Nearly 300 Formula Fords are expected at the FF50th, the headliner at this year’s VSCDA Elkhart Lake Vintage Festival.
For more information on Formula Ford racing, past, present and future, check out the Formula Ford Racer page on Facebook.
For information the FF50th and the Elkhart Lake Vintage Festival, log on to
https://www.vscda.org/events/elkhart-lake-vintage-festival/
Drivers and car owners note, the pre-registration window has been extended. Link to https://vscda.org/ff50th-road-america-pre-registration/
FF-GRADUATE FORMULA 1 WORLD CHAMPIONS
Emerson Fittipaldi, James Hunt, Jody Scheckter, Alan Jones, Ayrton Senna, Nigel Mansell, Michael Schumacher, Damon Hill, Mika Hakkinen, Jenson Button
FF-GRADUATE INDYCAR CHAMPIONS (incl. IndyCar, CART, IRL, USAC)
Danny Sullivan, Emerson Fittipaldi, Arie Luyendyk, Michael Andretti, Nigel Mansell, Jimmy Vasser, Buzz Calkins, Kenny Brack, Greg Ray, Sam Hornish, Gil de Ferran, Cristiano da Matta, Paul Tracy, Dan Wheldon, Will Power, Josef Newgarden, Scott Dixon
FF50th @ Road America: News Release #20
100 Day Report
June 3, 2019
Registration for the FF50th will be opening soon. Pre-registration, with well over 200 entries, was hugely successful and was an essential step in planning such a large event. The on-line registration process will confirm the entries of pre-registrants.
Missed pre-registration? No worries. With the addition of a third Formula Ford only race group, there is room for more entries.
FF50th Participation Guidelines will be distributed when the registration window opens. These guidelines will outline everything that drivers and crews need to know: registration, licensing, annual techs, race groups, rookie orientation, daily schedule, social events, etc.
Not driving but still want to attend? The FF50th will be open to spectators. To buy tickets, here’s the link to Road America’s website:
https://www.roadamerica.com/buy-tickets/vscda-elkhart-lake-vintage-festival.html
See everyone in 100 days!
FF50th @ Road America: News Release #21
Participation Guidelines
June 24, 2019
FF50th participation guidelines have been released. The guidelines outline everything that drivers and crews need to know regarding registration, competition licenses, safety preparation, car and engine eligibility, race groups, tires, and so forth for the 50th Anniversary of Formula Ford celebration September 11-15, 2019 at Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin’s Road America circuit.
Click on the button below to download the .pdf:
FF50th Participation Guidelines 061819
FF50th @ Road America: News Release #22
Logo Apparel
August 20, 2019
Ian Lenhart, long-time Formula Ford racer and FF50th logo designer, has opened an on-line store with FF50th logo apparel. The store will be only be open for two weeks until midnight September 2, 2019.
Here is the link: https://formulaford50th.itemorder.com/sale
FF50th @ Road America: News Release #23
Rookie Orientation Program
August 26, 2019
A “rookie” orientation program is being offered at the FF50th for drivers experiencing Road America’s 4.048 miles for the first time. The program will consist of van rides, chalk talks, and debriefs conducted by experienced Formula Ford drivers. Here is the schedule of events:
Wednesday September 11
Chalk Talk (Medical Building) 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM “The Donohue Method”
Van Rides (Pit Lane) 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Chalk Talk (Medical Building) 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM “Passing”
Thursday September 12
Van Rides (Pit Lane) Lunch Break
Chalk Talk (Medical Building) Lunch Break “The Rain Line”
Debriefs (Medical Building) 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Friday September 13
Debriefs (Medical Building) 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Chalk Talk (Medical Building) 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM “Road America”
Many thanks in advance to all who will be contributing. Gary Kropf, Charlie Hall, and Roger Heil represent the VSCDA Driver’s Committee. Bruce MacInnes and Reid Hazelton will be delivering the chalk talks. Jim Harrell, Tim Evans, Wes Allen, Marc Blanc, Bill Bonow, Jacques Dresang, Tom Stephani, Jeremy Treadway, and Dave Weitzenhof will be the program’s driver experts.
For more information, contact Steve Beeler at steve@stevebeeler.com
FF50th @ Road America: News Release #24
Banquet Tickets
August 30, 2019
A significant upgrade from the FF40th is a Saturday night banquet at the Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake. Paul Page, the voice of the Indy “500” and former Formula Ford driver, is guest of honor and keynote speaker. Dress is business casual.
Before the banquet, the “Gather on the Green” classic car show will be held on the Osthoff grounds. This year’s featured marque is (of course!) Formula Ford. Arrangements have been made for a variety of Formula Fords from multiple eras to be displayed.
The banquet is open to the public. Drivers, crews, family, friends, race fans, all are welcome. Tickets must be ordered in advance. If you have not already, contact Stacey Donato, the VSCDA office manager, for tickets: vscda@vscda.org or (616)916-2650.
Multiple Formula Ford National Champions and have confirmed their attendance. This is a must do occasion…there will be only one FF50th. 🙂
FF50th @ Road America: News Release #25
Carb Float Tool Door Prizes
September 1, 2019
Mark Davison, long time Formula Ford racer, has donated 100 (!) of his hand-made Weber 32/36 DGV carburetor float setting tools as “door prizes” at the FF50th. Included with the tool are an illustrated instruction booklet and a zip-lock plastic pouch.
Steve Beeler will have one of these beauties (see photo) for the first 100 Formula Ford racers who stop by his trailer. Steve will be located in the upper south paddock up behind the CTech Building and the garages in slip US53/54.
Many thanks to Mark for this generous donation to what will surely be a memorable occasion.
FF50th @ Road America: News Release #26
Al Craighead Plaques
September 3, 2019
Allan Craighead, the Canadian motorsports journalist, was lost to cancer in the ten years since the FF40th. Al was a great fan of club racing and Formula Ford in particular. In Al’s memory, his colleague and friend, Rob Howden, has provided plaques to be presented to the top Canadian finishers in each of the three FF50th feature races.
Rob is unable to attend the FF50th. Ontario Formula Ford racers Bill Tebbutt and Steve Bodrug will be making the presentations.
FF50th @ Road America: News Release #27
It’s Go Time!
September 9, 2019
The FF50th kicks off in two days. Transporters from across the country are hauling Formula Fords to Road America. On Wednesday, 200+ cars will load into the paddock in preparation for this great occasion. Watch this space for results, quotes, and (of course!) photos.
On-track activities begin Thursday morning with “test & tune” followed by untimed practices (two for each Formula Ford race group) in the afternoon. Friday is the group photo on the main straight at noon and qualifications. There will be heat races and feature races Saturday and Sunday. The East vs West Challenge will close out the weekend Sunday afternoon.
Click here for ticket information.