Robert Wolk demonstrates the 2017 Formula 1600 powered by Ford car at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit
Image by Paul Bedford – Action Images
Formula Ford has its origins in the late 1960s, the first standalone race taking place at Brands Hatch on 2 July 1967. The class was an immediate success and rapidly spread throughout the world. For many years Formula Fords were powered by the Ford Kent Crossflow engine but most national championship series throughout the world eventually switched to the more modern Duratec engines.
In many countries, the Kent engined cars were not abandoned but continued to race in regional series. This is the case in South Africa where they compete in the Northern Regions Regional Championship.
The newer Duratec powered cars are now used in the Formula 1600 National Championship. The addition of front and rear wings, and revised side pods to the cars changed not just their appearance, but also their handling characteristics. 2019 is the third season that the new cars are being used and looks to be the most competitive yet.
Forthcoming Events
Formula 1600 & Formula Ford Kent
Round 1 – 12 & 13 March – Killarney International Raceway – Cape Town
The fight is on for second
The 2019 Investchem Formula 1600 championship moves on to its penultimate round at the Killarney International Raceway Saturday 28 September and while Scott Temple has already clinched this year’s title, the focus now shifts to what is becoming an almighty scrap for...
Fighting Temple takes title
Scott Temple is the 2019 Investchem Formula 1600 champion. Temple overcame the challenge of former champion Julian van der Watt to win the opening race in East London on Saturday, before following his rival home to establish an unbeatable points tally after title...
East London a test of F1600 champions
The Investchem Formula 1600 championship heads to the East London Grand Prix Circuit set to deliver a most intriguing weekend of racing highlighted by a fight between a former champion and this year’s champion in waiting. Dominant 2017 champion Julian van der Watt...
2019 Investchem Formula Ford Kent title race starts at Phakisa
The 2019 Investchem Formula Ford Kent championship will get underway on Saturday, 27 April when the drivers make their way to Phakisa Freeway, just outside Welkom, for the opening round. Post-race technical checks after the final round at Zwartkops last year revealed...
Horne claims his fourth title at Zwartkops
Andrew Horne (Xena Chemicals / Budd Power van Diemen) made things look easy at the final round of the 2018 Investchem Formula Ford Kent Championship at Zwartkops Raceway on Saturday, 3 November. Heading into the event, the former multiple champion had an eight-point...
Final showdown for Horne and Jermy at Zwartkops
Andrew Horne (Xena Chemicals / Budd Power van Diemen) and David Jermy (Beauty Factory van Diemen) head to Zwartkops Raceway on Saturday, 3 November to decide the outcome of the 2018 Investchem Formula Ford Kent Championship. Although Horne has an eight-point advantage...