Revised classes, major competitor funding and an expanded Rodin Cars development pathway are set to make the 2027 NAPA New Zealand Formula Ford Championship one of the most accessible and rewarding in recent years.
Formula Ford New Zealand has confirmed a major package of changes for 2027 following unanimous support from North Island Formula Ford, South Island Formula Ford and Historic Formula Ford in the North Island.
At the heart of the changes is a revised three-class structure designed to bring more existing Formula Fords back onto the grid and create a more affordable entry point for young drivers.
New Class Structure
- Class 1: Cars manufactured from 2000 onwards.
- Class 2: Cars manufactured from 1993–1999, plus all Stealth Formula Fords.
- Class 3: Cars manufactured from 1980 through to 31 December 1992.
The biggest change is Class 2.
There are more than 20 Stealth Formula Fords in New Zealand, but currently only three or four are racing regularly. With competitive Stealths available from around NZ$40,000, the new class creates a realistic and affordable route into front-line Formula Ford competition.
Importantly, Class 2 does not exclude those cars from outright success. A well-prepared Stealth in the hands of a talented driver remains capable of racing at the front of the field and winning outright.
Class 3 will cater for Schedule F-compliant cars built through to the end of 1992, including Kent-engined Van Diemens, Swifts, Rays and similar Formula Fords.
A strong group of these cars competed at the Supercars event this year, yet more than 20 eligible cars are believed to exist in New Zealand, many of which are currently sitting idle.
The objective is simple: get those cars back on the racetrack.
Rodin Cars Test for Class 2 Champion
Rodin Cars will provide the 2027 NZFF Class 2 Champion with a one-day test at its Mount Lyford facility.
The prize gives an aspiring driver the opportunity to experience the next level of performance in a professional environment and further strengthens Rodin Cars’ commitment to developing New Zealand motorsport talent.
More Than $90,000 in Competitor Support
Rodin Cars will also provide significant financial support across NIFF, SIFF and NZFF competition during 2027.
A NZ$20,000 pole position and prize-money fund will operate across 11 Formula Ford rounds.
Pole position awards will be paid in Classes 1 and 2, with prize money for the first three competitors overall at each round.
In addition, more than NZ$70,000 has been allocated to the NZFF travel fund, helping competitors meet the cost of contesting the national championship.
Together, the prize and travel funds represent more than NZ$90,000 in direct competitor support.
Formula Ford to Formula 1 Pathway
The incentives extend well beyond prize money.
Formula Ford competitors will continue to have access to the international development pathway supported by Rodin Cars, giving leading young drivers
the opportunity to progress from New Zealand Formula Ford into higher levels of international single-seater racing.
The programme is already producing results. Marco Manson and Sebastian Eskandari recently tested with Rodin Cars in the United Kingdom after impressing during their three-day evaluations at Mount Lyford.
Rodin Cars is also competing successfully in the FIA Formula 3 and Formula 2 Championships and will further strengthen its New Zealand presence by entering the New Zealand Formula Regional Championship for the first time.
Control Engine Builder Programme
NZFF has also confirmed plans to introduce a control engine builder from the 2028 NZFF Championship.
Use of the appointed builder will be encouraged, but not mandatory, during 2027.
For 2027, every competitor will be required to submit an Engine Declaration Form (EDF) confirming the components and relevant measurements used and compliance with Schedule F.
A representative of the category engine builder will also attend every NZFF round to provide trackside technical support.
From 2028, engines prepared by the appointed builder and carrying Motorsport New Zealand seals will not require an end-of-season strip-down provided the seals remain intact.
The aim is to give competitors greater confidence in engine legality, reliability, and value while reducing unnecessary technical disputes.
2027 NAPA New Zealand Formula Ford Championship Supported by Rodin Cars:
- Round 1 – Ruapuna, V8 Meeting | 22–24 January
- Round 2 – Levels Raceway, Truck Meeting | 27–31 January
- Round 3 – Hampton Downs, Legends of Speed | 12–14 March
- Round 4 – Manfeild, Dan Higgins Feature Race & Super Trucks | 2–4 April
- Round 5 – Christchurch, Supercars | Late April / Early May
With a more affordable class structure, major competitor funding, travel assistance, professional testing opportunities and an increasingly strong international pathway, 2027 represents a major step forward for Formula Ford in New Zealand.
Formula Ford New Zealand acknowledges and thanks Rodin Cars, NAPA, Ford New Zealand and Yokohama for their continued support of the category and New Zealand’s next generation of motorsport talent.
Header Image: Supplied
