The AIMSHOP.COM Formula Ford Festival is one of the world’s great single seater and motorsport contests and one of the most important and highly anticipated events in the BRSCC calendar.
After it was first run back at the end of the 1967 at Snetterton as an end of season thrash for all Formula Fords, the race moved to its spiritual home of Brands Hatch for the 1971 edition. Ever since then drivers from across the UK, Ireland, continental Europe and beyond have made the trip to Kent every October to fight for the chance to write their name into the history books.
The event begins with pre-drawn heats that all competitors take part in, before progressing to the semi-finals on Sunday, before a “last chance” race helps decide the final 30 car grid that will line up for the all-important Formula Ford Festival final. Over the years, the Festival has invigorated the careers of many top level drivers that have gone on to success such as Jenson Button, Mark Webber, Eddie Irvine, Anthony Davidson, Johnny Herbert, Jan Magnussen and more, whilst also providing a key stepping stone for the careers of world champions such as Michael Schumacher, Mika Hakkinen and Kimi Raikkonen to name a few.
All cars that compete in the Formula Ford Festival have to run Kent engines, the original power plant that has powered chassis since its inception. In recent years, Zetec and Duratec powered cars have competed in the Festival to fall in line with the main UK championship, however the last few editions have made the competition a Kent engine only affair. Chassis of all makes and ages are welcome, with the 2018 edition a prime example as 14 different constructors were represented that spanned the entire history of Formula Ford itself. Any driver and chassis combination can be competitive, especially with a Historic final also run alongside the main contest to allow older cars to compete for their own accolade.
As the Festival approaches its 50th anniversary, it’s still one of the best motorsport spectacles in the world and an event that still attracts top level talent, both young and old from around the world. Every year, a new driver has the chance to write their name into history alongside the legends that have succeeded here, and the 2019 edition should be another memorable event.
Formula Ford Festival Format – £360 Entry Fee
Depending on entry levels there will be 3 heats with the first 16 drivers in each qualifying directly for the semi-finals. The fastest 30 drivers from the heats who don’t automatically qualify for the semis, will get another opportunity to qualify in the Heats Last Chance Race, with the first 12 going through.
In the two Semis, the first 12 in each will qualify for the Final. The drivers who finish 13th to 27th in each semi will then go into Sunday’s Last Chance Race with the first 6 taking the last 6 places on the Final grid. The Festival will feature classes for Pro Class and Super Classic A, B, C & D (see class structure below), with trophies for each class winner as well as the overall Festival Champion.
Class Structure
| Class | Year |
|---|---|
| Pro Class | 1999 onwards |
| Super Classic A | 1990 – 1998 |
| Super Classic B | 1982 – 1989 |
| Super Classic C | 1972 – 1981 |
| Super Classic D | Pre 1972 |
The Historic Festival Final Race is open to competitors in Super Classic A, B, C & D cars, with the grid being set using their times in the two semi-finals. Eligible cars that don’t qualify for the semis will also get to race in the Historic Final and will line up in fastest order behind those who contested the Semi-Finals.
Formula Ford Timetable
| SATURDAY – 26 OCT | |
|---|---|
| Qualifying – Heat 1 | 10:20 |
| Qualifying – Heat 2 | 11:10 |
| Qualifying – Heat 3 | 12:00 |
| Race – Heat 1 – sponsored by HEDTEC | 14:50 |
| Race – Heat 2 – sponsored by Wiz Wheels | 15:20 |
| Race – Heat 3 – sponsored by RACEPARTS | 15:50 |
| Heats Last Chance Race sponsored by Cam-Tech Security | 17:15 |
| SUNDAY – 27 OCT | |
| Semi Final – 1 sponsored by AVON Tyres | 12:00 |
| Semi Final – 2 sponsored by Cam-Tech Security | 12:30 |
| Historic Final sponsored by Wilkins Kennedy | 14:05 |
| Last Chance Race in recognition of “Diz” | 15:00 |
| Grand Final sponsored by AIMSHOP.COM | 16:05 |
Timetable is subject to change.
Formulae at the Festival
Formula Ford Festival 2019
Classic Formula Ford Championship
Sports 2000 Duratec Championship
Sports 2000 Pinto Championship
Ask Irish Supercars & GT Global Lights
BRSCC Fiesta Junior Championship Racing with MRF Tyres
BRSCC Fiesta Championship Racing with MRF Tyres
