Interest is already high for a Formula Ford Festival that will take place in Christchurch on Saturday 1 May 2021. The one-day of racing will celebrate both the 40th anniversary of the South Island Formula Ford Club and the 50th anniversary of Formula Ford racing in New Zealand.
“We are pleased to add support to the event for what is the best training ground for NZ racing drivers,” commented Simon Rutherford, Managing Director for FORD NZ. “It’s a category that FORD NZ and its dealers have supported for many years.”
Also taking place on the day will be the third and final round of the 2021 New Zealand Formula Ford Championship.
“We are really thrilled by the level of interest from both former and current competitors,” commented festival organiser Nigel Barclay. “There is also a lot of enthusiasm from many involved in the category over the past fifty-years, those involved in running teams, supporters and both current and former car owners.”
The one-day celebration will see an array of class racing throughout the day including two parades. A final feature race will see the fastest 26 cars, plus four-wildcards, from across the classes compete over 18-laps.
“We are very thankful for the support of both the Ford Motor Company NZ and the Canterbury Car Club,” said Barclay. “There will be free entry for spectators wanting to come along to see the action on the day. We will be making more announcements soon, once we have confirmed some of the drivers and prizes.”
The celebration of 50 years of Formula Ford racing will see some of the latest chassis as well as a large group of historic cars. Many Formula Ford racecars are currently being readied by their owners for the festival.
Cars will be split into six different classes. Group 1 will feature current Class 1 (post 2000) and 2 (1991-1999), also incorporating the NZ Formula Ford Championship competitors.
Historic Class 3 (pre-1989) cars will be split into three groups. Group 2 will feature pre-1978, Group 3 1979-1983 and Group 4 1984-1989. Invitational, modified Formula Ford, Formula Ford 2000 and historic sports cars will compete in Group 5.
Main Image: Terry Marshall