FORMULA FORD: RACING’S MOST SUCCESSFUL CLASS

Were you to give examples of Ford’s most noteworthy feats in motorsport, the UK’s junior single-seater scene might not jump to mind as readily as the GT40 or Cosworth DFV. But perhaps it should.

Ford’s investment in this country’s single-seater racing stretches back to 1967 and only ended, officially, last year when its British Formula 4 relationship concluded. And 1967 is significant. As on July 2 of that year, at Brands Hatch, the very first Formula Ford race took place, Ray Allen topping the Lotus 51-dominated field.

And in the years since Formula Ford became possibly the most successful racing formula the world has seen; the ultimate in accessible and competitive first-rung single-seater competition. As many as nine Formula 1 World champions passed through, as have plenty of others who became notable elsewhere.

And as with most of the best ideas, it originated over a few beverages. It involved Motor Racing Stables, a racing drivers’ school based at Brands, and legendary Brands boss John Webb. “John Webb used to have