Formula Ford was established in Great Britain in 1967, as a
cost effective starting point for young hopefuls beginning a
career in motor racing. Since then, the sport has rapidly
grown to become the world's premier junior development
category.
Formula Ford is the accepted proving ground for future
champions, on a local and international level.
Its links with this country go back to the original series in the
UK, the 1968 Guards Championship, which was won in an
outstanding fashion by young Australian driver, Tim
Schenken. Schenken was the first of many driving superstars
to cut his teeth in the competitive category en route to
Formula One.
The first Australian Formula Ford race was held at Sandown
Raceway in 1969, won by Richard Knight in an Elfin 600, a
precursor to his victory the following year in the inaugural
Australian Formula Ford series.
Since those early days many of the world's top drivers have
come through the ranks of Formula Ford to score major
international successes.
No less than eight World Formula One champions have come
from the stables of Formula Ford: Nigel Mansell, Ayrton
Senna, Emerson Fittipaldi, James Hunt, Jody Scheckter,
Michael Schumacher, Damon Hill, Jacques Villeneuve and
Mikka Hakkinen have all competed in the junior racing
category.
The international pedigree of the Australian Championship is
also alive with Mark Webber another graduate of the category.
More than ever, the formative skills learnt at Formula Ford
level prepare emerging young drivers for successful careers,
both locally and internationally.
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