50 years of FF in NZ

[Michael Clark]

The first Formula Ford race in NZ was in October 1970. Actually it was called Formula C and FF wasn't officially a championship until the 71/72 season.

However, with eight FFs coming from Europe, the Historic FF group has decided to have its 50th celebration in January 2019...or at least a 'pre-celebration', meaning that that still leaves October 2020 open for continuing the anniversary celebration.

There will be a dinner for Formula Ford people at Hampton Downs on January the 9th. The first Formula C champion, David Oxton, will be guest of honour and already a fair number of the drivers who raced in the first couple of years of the category here, have signed up to attend.

If you're a starter, PM me for details. Cost of the dinner is $70 and bookings is essential.

Incidentally, one of the drivers in the first FF race here was Alan Crocker. He's still racing them and is one of the eight drivers coming from Europe.

[Michael Clark]

I keep getting calls from people claiming not to know about our HFF dinner but if anyone of the 100 plus people who have viewed this thread are interested - we have at least half of the drivers from the first two or three years of FF here attending.

If you. or anyone you know is even remotely interested, send me a Notification asap

[Allan]

Peter Hughes (Lotus 41c) and David Oxton (Elfin 600) going at it, Baypark December 1970. Note the repaired damage on the front of the Lotus.

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[Allan]

Baypark December 1970

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[Allan]

More Baypark December 1970. The black Titan is I believe Pierre Phillips from the USA but someone may like to correct or confirm that. The other two are Hughes and Oxton.

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[Michael Clark]

You are correct Allan - it is Pierre Phillips. I have forwarded these onto Pete and David. Great shots.

[Allan]

Baypark Easter 1971

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[Allan]

Baypark December 1971

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If you are wondering why I have so many pictures of Peter Hughes it is because I worked with him at Town and Country Cars in Auckland in the early 70s.

[Allan]

Baypark December 1971

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[Steve Holmes]

The first Formula Ford race in NZ was in October 1970. Actually it was called Formula C and FF wasn't officially a championship until the 71/72 season.

However, with eight FFs coming from Europe, the Historic FF group has decided to have its 50th celebration in January 2019...or at least a 'pre-celebration', meaning that that still leaves October 2020 open for continuing the anniversary celebration.

There will be a dinner for Formula Ford people at Hampton Downs on January the 9th. The first Formula C champion, David Oxton, will be guest of honour and already a fair number of the drivers who raced in the first couple of years of the category here, have signed up to attend.

If you're a starter, PM me for details. Cost of the dinner is $70 and bookings is essential.

Incidentally, one of the drivers in the first FF race here was Alan Crocker. He's still racing them and is one of the eight drivers coming from Europe.

Fantastic!

[Ray Bell]

Originally posted by Allan
More Baypark December 1970. The black Titan is I believe Pierre Phillips from the USA but someone may like to correct or confirm that.....

Unfortunately Pierre won't be on the list this time...

We got word through recently that he'd passed away.

I spent a bit of time with him one afternoon back in 2012 as I was passing through Oregon, he had a wealth of knowledge and had many great racing experiences behind him.

[Milan Fistonic]

Bay Park Formula C and Formula Ford entry lists to go with Allan's photos.

December 1970
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Easter 1971
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December 1971
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[Milan Fistonic]

Allan. I think the photos you've described as from December 1971 could be from October 1972. That entry listed below has Robbie Booth in #81 and someone driving a Valour #43. The only problem is it has Peter Hughes driving a Valour #16 whereas it looks like he is in his Lotus. Hughes did drive a Valour at the next meeting in November 1972 at Pukekohe.

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[Allan]

What gets me Milan is that it looks like a Titan that Hughes is driving.

[Michael Clark]

From memory, a Valour and a Titan Mk6 had quite a bit in common...

[Michael Clark]

We've been out to Hampton this afternoon to check out the venue for our 50 years of FF dinner on Wednesday the 9th of January.

The response from the 'original Formula C and Formula Ford drivers' has been great. We have until Monday to finalise numbers so if you'd like to attend - even if never drove or even laid a spanner on a FF - but would like to hear stories from 'back in the day', then please 'Notify' me in the next 24 hours or so.