Massive 54-car Formula Ford field set for Island Classic

This weekend’s Phillip Island Classic marks the opening race meeting of the year for the Historic Formula Fords – and what a cracker it is shaping up to be.

The Island’s Classic has quickly become a truly international affair for Formula Ford, and with 54 cars entered for 2016 the grid will stretch almost as far as some of the competitors have travelled.

Headlining the list of internationals is Englishman Rick Morris (AKA, Mr Formula Ford, and an old sparring partner of Ayrton Senna) driving Andy Nethercote’s Reynard FF87.

Another British driver Gaius Ghinn will race a Lola T642 for Ecurie Australie alongside Jennifer Mullan from Ireland, who will be steering Chris Davison’s own Reynard FF84.

Another to travel across the pond is UK-based Expat Don Boyack, who will race Jonathan Miles’ Reynard FF82 as part of an exchange programme, with plans to return the favour to Miles in the UK later in the year.

In terms of local entrants, 1988 ‘Australian Driver To Europe' Champion David Roberts returns after a 28-year sabbatical to drive a Swift FB89 under the guidance of Ellery Motorsport, while 1980 Australian Formula Two Champion Richard Davison will join the Formula Ford field in his recently-acquired Van Diemen RF89.

Current V8 Supercar driver Tim Blanchard will also be on the grid, and will be one to watch at the wheel of the Blanchard family Van Diemen RF88.

The Historic Formula Ford action at Phillip Island kicks off with qualifying at 10:45am on Friday, with Race 1 at 2:50pm Friday afternoon. There are then two races on Saturday (10:50am and 2:50pm), and two more on Sunday (10:40am and 2:55pm).

Blend Line TV will be filming all the action, with Formula Ford to be part of the post-produced TV coverage.

Historic Formula Ford is proudly supported by Coastal Insurance Brokers, Larner Race Engines, Borland Racing Developments, Greig & Greig, the VHRR, Dover Madison Financial Services, Aviation Component Services, Stucky Tyre Service, FFFAST Racing Against Stroke, Penrite, and the Formula Ford Association.