New to FF

[orrmate]

I'm starting racing in about 2009, and I'd like to know the feasability of starting in Formula Ford. I will be 19 then, so I will be old enough for the licence, but what would the cost approximately be for the first year? Would I be better off trying to link up with a team if thats possible? Is there a certain championship I should look at as an introduction?

Cheers

[youngoldy]

Hi there,

It totally depends on which type of Formula Ford you would like to do. The team I am involved in runs in the North West Club Formula Ford, which I know a top driver has to run himself in the NW for under 10k during one year, but that was with running himself. For running with a team, you could expect to pay between 10-20k a year.

The North West has had pretty good grids this year, and plenty of friendly people. Not so say that championships such as Castle Combe or Midlands/South or Irish FF are no good.

If your running a Van Diemen, there is a spares service at each race and testday. If your in something older than an '90 chassis, the Pre90 championship is very competitive. The NW and all other Club Formula Ford championships are very good value for money.

If money is a problem to you, buying a car and getting it to the track will be the biggest cost if running yourself. If with a team, you'll pay more, but it will be alot less stressful.

There are around 4 or 5 teams running cars in the NW championship, they are Medina Sport, Infiniti Motorsport, NorthStar Motorsport, Black Dog Racing and Goughracing. All these teams I'm sure will have cars available to rent at some stage over the next couple of years, as long as they hang around. They all compete in the Post89 class in the NW, with Mike Waite, Dave Hart and UCLAN Racing running cars in Pre90.

I'm not so sure about other championships, with who runs what.

Check out www.clubformulaford.com for info on the club side of racing, or www.brsccnw.com, soom good info on there. If you are wanting to do UKFF, I'm sure any CFF race goer would recommend to do Club before national FF

What car are you thinking of driving?

[Century]

Originally Posted by orrmate

I'm starting racing in about 2009, and I'd like to know the feasability of starting in Formula Ford. I will be 19 then, so I will be old enough for the licence, but what would the cost approximately be for the first year? Would I be better off trying to link up with a team if thats possible? Is there a certain championship I should look at as an introduction?

Cheers

you have a private message

[orrmate]

Thankyou both for your help. I'm not too sure which class to enter yet, alot of it comes down to costs. I think realisitically I will have a budget of between 10k-15k. Are there any particular classes you would reccomend to a novice?

Looking at it realistically, I will need to run with a team. I doubt I will have a garage with enough space to keep the car and I'm a newcomer so I don't have much technical knowledge. So I will need to run with a team. Would I have to pay the money to a team all up front or will most accept installments?

Although bear in mind I won't actually be racing until 2009, I'm just planning ahead, thats all.

Thankyou for all your help

[diz]

The next NW round is at Oulton Park on Sat 30th June. Come along and talk to the drivers and teams. I hear the Co-ordinator is a decent bloke as well.

[Mr.Jingles]

Hi ormate, From one "getting ready rookie" to another

I've managed to pick up some information myself (mostly Castle Combe based) - I'll try and PM it across!

[orrmate]

When I get a car I'll make my way down to a few of the NW meetings and see whats happening, should be around August/September hopefully. Looking forward to meeting you all!

[orrmate]

Originally Posted by Mr.Jingles

Hi ormate, From one "getting ready rookie" to another

I've managed to pick up some information myself (mostly Castle Combe based) - I'll try and PM it across!

Cheers mate, that would be really helpful. Which class are you going to be racing in?

[Mr.Jingles]

If only I knew! see how the money goes.

[StephenRae]

Originally Posted by diz

The next NW round is at Oulton Park on Sat 30th June. Come along and talk to the drivers and teams. I hear the Co-ordinator is a decent bloke as well.

I don't know where you heard that