Historic FF1600 set for a transformation in fortunes this year

Historic Formulation Ford 1600 is about for a change in fortunes this 12 months with 31 entries already obtained for its Snetterton opener, in distinction to 13 for 2024’s Norfolk go to.

With a number of newcomers already dedicated for the 26-27 April occasion – together with promising children chasing the Novice Cup initiative – a number of getting ready vehicles and others set to affix at subsequent rounds, the qualifying races of yesteryear may return.

Inside administration adjustments, with former Historic Sports activities Automotive Membership chairman Chris Sharples taking on the class’s reins, have re-energised racers and expanded the fraternity, largely by driving entry charges down.

There was a lot work to do when Palliser racer Sharples voluntarily tried to show issues spherical previous to final July’s Manufacturers Hatch Superprix.

After solely 13 rivals had subscribed to Snetterton’s opener, it dropped to 10 at Cadwell Park and was at 14 for Donington Park.

Basic FF1600 sponsor SDC’s pledge to rebate rivals within the pre-1982 championship inadvertently hit Historic FF1600 numbers. Certainly, Benn Simms emerged champion in his Historic Jomo, entered for Snetterton, over a area that averaged 26.

Rising circuit monitor time prices, in the end handed on to rivals, additionally stunted development, significantly because the coronavirus pandemic.

Larger Historic buyer demand, nevertheless, has made negotiation of decrease entry charges possible, therefore racers pays £100-£200 much less per occasion in 2025.

“Lowering entry charges has generated momentum and bought individuals speaking about HFF once more,” mentioned Sharples.

“Six vehicles modified arms over the winter and extra actions are within the pipeline.

“There’s a actual buzz about it. Aside from many newcomers, rivals returning and bringing vehicles out of garages after a number of years, augurs nicely as we construct in the direction of FFord’s sixtieth anniversary in 2027.

“I really feel a way of overwhelming gratitude to the drivers for coming into Snetterton early as an illustration of intent.”

Amongst these planning to make sequence debuts this season are Racing Bulls F1 engineer Andy Boulet (Alexis), Jensen Fennymore within the Merlyn Mk20 of his Historic FF2000 title-winning father Graham, Ed Lillingston-Value and George Townsend (Merlyns) and Gareth Jones in Invoice Cowing’s Nike.