The Royale Formula Ford Challenge Series - PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT

Wow! It’s already that time of year. Get the oil changed, find a couple of ratios, clean the plugs, kick the tires and race prep is complete for another seasons fun.

With considerable help form your thoughtful survey response we have continued to work to improve the schedule and event experience. Here are a few highlights for the 2017 season:
  • A simplified points system that remains focused on taking part and helping rather than simply winning,
  • Challenge format changed to best 4 of 7 weekends
  • Extended the number of events to increase the geography (PittRace is a GO!)
  • Even better Friday night parties, if that’s possible. We’ve become THE Friday night destination.
  • A new “Field Champion” named at each event, honoring great driving and spirit not at the front of the pack


So in case you missed it, here is the calendar –

April 7-9 VDCA Wild Hare (Virginia International Raceway)
VDCA has truly made an all out effort within the event time they have available to accommodate our concerns about mixing S2000’s in race settings. The new program gives us 3 Formula Ford only sessions - 2 races on Saturday and the Royale Challenge race on Sunday. We practice Friday with the sports racers & S2000’s and there is an additional Sunday race for us and any sports racers – S2000 have their own race Sunday – 7 sessions for us in total. VDCA strongly supports our Series; we need to show them our support so we can all keep running at this iconic track.

May 17-21 Jefferson 500 (Summit Point Raceway)
And our 50th celebration of Formula Ford. This promises to be a mega event with consummate racer and raconteur Brian Redman joining us at Friday night cocktail party and barbeque. Formula Ford only run group. We are limited to 45with over 20 already entered so guarantee your spot and enter now (yes entry IS open!)

June 22-24 Vintage Motorsports Festival (Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park)
By popular demand we have added the Thompson event. Formula Ford has been growing at Thompson and it gives us an opportunity to join with our northerly members. Formula Ford run group

July 7-9 PVGP Historic Races / July 15-16 PVGP @ Schenley Park Exhibition
Everyone wanted to see Pitt-Race on the calendar and here it is. A fantastic track in the middle of our geography (our own Oulton Park) and the old section is being resurfaced as we write (goodbye straightaway bumps). Speaking of bumps – not to mention curbs, walls, a giant car show, a bucolic paddock and the most enthusiastic crowds you have ever seen - we are back at Schenley Park for an exhibition – if you were not there, last year you missed a fun weekend. Make it a week’s vacation in Pittsburgh this year!

September 15-17 New Jersey Historic Races (NJMP – Lightning Circuit)
This event just keeps growing because it’s a relaxed low key weekend with lots of track time at a track everyone loves at a temperate time of late summer. There’s just no downside to this weekend.

October 6-8 VRG @ The Glen (Watkins Glen International)
Our survey says The Glen is the Fordsters favorite track by a wide margin, but 24 entries in 2016 didn’t show it. For 2017 we hope you vote with your feet and enter at the country’s oldest and most famous international road racing course. Smooooooth surface! Finger Lakes autumnal vistas are at their best on this new earlier date – the same weekend Formula 1 used to run.

October 20-22 Vintage Pumpkin Run (Dominion Raceway)
2016 was the first year and the meeting went off well. The owners have promised to make significant improvements in 2017 based on VRG’s recommendations, so ensure you join us for the Grand Finale!

Hope to see you back in 2017 for more races.

Chris, Andrew & Bernard. With help from Storm!