FORMULA FORD

Host: MIKE WHITNEY

Mike’s experiencing the thrill of driving a single seat Formula Ford! Look out!

Formula Ford Experience
This is your chance to experience the thrills of driving a single-seat Formula Ford racing car, on one of Australia's premier racing tracks, Oran Park.

The Formula Ford test day begins with a session on learning how to operate the controls of the single-seat racing car—the lay-back driving position, the stubby, right hand 4 speed gearshift and the non-synchromesh down-changing technique known as 'heel/toe'.
Then it’s on to the circuit for 10 laps of a shorter training circuit to get the hang of driving an open-wheel racing car.

Next you’ll do a few laps around the full circuit in road cars so you can gain an appreciation of the lines through corners. Then you hop into the Formula Ford and you’ll drive 10 laps on your own learning the lines and how to get the best from the car. After this you can compare notes, share your stories and refuel over a BBQ lunch.

Then it’s on to the next group of 10 laps, the speed of the cars is increased to 4500 RPM! Prepare yourself for lots of pulling out of the corners and a higher top speed on the straight. For the fourth and final sequence, the revs are lifted to the highest level permitted (5000 RPM) and you can concentrate on achieving a set of consistent laps at the pace you set for yourself.

A photograph of you in your car is provided as a memory of the day.

The cars
The fleet is 1998/2000 model Van Diemens powered by 1800cc Ford Zetec engines.
They are the most modern cars available in a racing school in Australia and have plenty of room in their cockpits for the larger-framed driver—up to 120kg and 192cm. The cars feature inboard suspension designs similar to Formula One.

All the cars are easy to drive and use the four speed Hewland LD 200 racing gearbox.
The Ford Zetec class is the senior category in the UK. The engines feature DOHC, electronic ignition and fuel injection.

Safety is foremost at the Peter Finlay Driving School and the cars are fitted with quick-release 6 point harnesses and removable Momo Formula One steering wheels. The cars are shod with racing tyres and maintained to professional standards.

New Formula Ford cars cost about $100,000.00 to buy in Australia or to source from England.

More Information
Peter Finlay’s International Racing Drivers’ School
Oran Park, Cobbitty Road, Narellan
Telephone: (02) 9873 1773
www.finlays.com.au
The Formula Ford Experience is $695 per person and includes 43 laps, lunch and use of the gear. Bookings are essential.

Prices correct as at 21/04/07