Related Formula
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Formula Ford has given birth to several other categories of racing: Formula Ford 2000 evolved in the 1970s to use a Pinto engine and, although it used basically Formula Ford chassis, permitted use of slicks and wings; it was seen as a natural step up from the 1600cc formula and a stepping stone to categories such as Formula Three. Formula Ford 2000 engines and transmissions were married to sports-racing chassis to produce Sports 2000.
Older Formula Fords, with outboard shock absorbers, race in the United States as Club Formula Fords in SCCA and other club racing series.
Formula 100 was an unsuccessful attempt in the late 1960s to create a sportscar category related to Formula Ford but using a 1300 cc Ford engine; the cars were heavy and slow. The proposed Formula Turbo Ford, an attempt to update FF2000, of the mid-1980s was limited to one Reynard that ran a few demonstration laps.
Formula Ford remains popular in its 1600 cc form—the cars are widely raced, sprinted and hillclimbed. Formula Continental is also a popular choice in the USA and Canada. The class provides a venue for Formula Ford 2000 as well as the earlier Formula C (1100 cc pure racing engine) and Formula Super Vee (production-based VW engines) cars. Formula Continental cars employ aerodynamic effects (front and rear wings).
However, the inherent danger of motorsport shows has been underscored by a number of devastating crashes, most famously the crash of 19-year-old driver Lucas Dumbrell at the Oran Park Raceway in 2008. The incident occurred on the second lap of a 12-lap Formula Ford race which preceded the V8 Supercar championship race. The safety car had been deployed, causing the pack leaders to slow down as they rounded a dog-leg. However, seconds later, cars in the back half of the track were unaware of the yellow flag having been raised and had not slowed down, resulting in Dumbrell running over the back of a competitor and rolling his car. Dumbrell suffered severe spinal injuries that left him a quadriplegic.
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