The BRSCC Formula Ford Festival 2017

2017 was the 46th running of the BRSCC Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch with all racing held on the famous Indy Circuit – Formula Ford celebrate’s it’s 50th year this season…

With a whole host of drivers from various parts of the world, South Africa, Japan, Ireland, USA and Canada, all in battle to add their names to the BRSCC Formula Ford Festival’s ‘Roll Of Honour’ which includes the likes of Jenson Button, Mark Webber and Johnny Herbert. This years honour went to Joey Foster who first won this prestigious title back in 2003 driving a Van Diemen RF03.

With all the weekends heats and simi finals all done and dusted, Neil Maclennan led the way from pole with Joey Foster slotting in nicely behind. Everyone got off the line cleanly fortunately as they all thundered towards Paddock Hill Bend, all of Neil MacLennan early efforts would be swiftly hampered as the safety car soon came into play with three cars wedged in the gravel at this legendary first corner mid way through the 20 lap ‘Finals Race’. The re-start would prove to be beneficial for Joey Foster with Maclennan trying to keep at bay both Foster and Cowley with Foster making the killer move around the outside of Paddock Hill. Foster kept the lead and remained untroubled with Keith Donegan and his Van Diemen trying to close the gap to Foster and his Ray GR08, but without success right up to the chequered flag.

With victory going to Joey Foster, 2nd went to Donegan with Maclennan, although starting in pole position was unlucky not to take the win and finished on the final podium position.

Also racing at the weekend we had a mix of races in support, Toyo Tyres Porsche championship with Ed Hayes and his Porsche Boxster taking the weekends three race wins.

Sports 2000 Pinto and Duratec with a 25 minute and a slightly longer 30 minute race, combined fields, with Paul Trayhurn in his Gunn TS11 taking the win in the 25 minute affair and Micheal Gibbins in an MCR winning the 30 minute race.

The Nankang Tyres BMW Compact Cup with a huge grid of 31 cars occupying the circuit made in onto the second lap during there first outing of two before the red flags appeared with four cars buried in the gravel at Paddock Hill with Steven Dailly seeing of all the competition with a double win.

The Luna Logistics Classic Formula Ford Championship also with two races over the weekend put on a good show with wins for Scott Mansell in a Crossle 35F in the first and Mark Armstrong in his Van Diemen RF80 taking the win in the second of the weekends Classic Formula Ford races.

The Irish Super Cars and GT Lights with their two races over the weekend made the most of their track time with honors going to Graeme Colfer and Bob Cameron both driving ASK Supercars.

The weather over the weekend was a mix of heavy rain showers on Saturday, Sunday have the best of the weather, remaining dry with the sun making an appearance throughout the day.

Overall the weekend was an enjoyable event with larger grids in every class.

A minutes silence was held before the start of the Formula Ford Festival Finals Race in memory of Club President Tom Dooley who passed away earlier in the week.

Results

BRSCC