Formula Ford open wheel racers

I have always liked the open wheeled relatively inexpensive Formula Ford open wheeled racers, seems they would be a blast to drive and would be a fun hobby.

Anyone have any advice on purchasing one, running costs and what to look for?

Thanks

Jeff,
My wife drove Formula Ford for 9 years in SCCA San Francisco region. We had 45 to 60 car race grids. Great way to really learn how to drive fast.Cost is the same as any race deal. How fast do you want to go? You can buy a good used car for $7000 or go to the top at about $25,000. Weekend race costs are entry fee $200. Gas for race car $75. tires are the big cost. about $500 per set. you can use the tires for many weekends but they are not as fast after about 3 heat cycles, so that is up to you. Engine will last up to 2 years, but the fast guys will do a top end valve rebuild every 2 races. backyard engine rebuild can be done for $1000. Pro rebuild for $4,500. Most cars suspension is bullet proof, but it does get rough on track and things do get bent. Typical suspension corner parts replacement would be in the $1,500 area. you can have great fun for $500--$800 per weekend race cost. But, don't forget about motels, food, gas for the hauler, the hauler and trailer. You can find people to help you for free, but you still have to feed them and if traveling, get them a room. these things are way faster than most all street cars. My 45 year old wife drove a support race at the NASCAR Winston Cup race at SEARS POINT and in her 115 hp Formula Ford turned a lap time that would have placed her in 5th position on the Nascar Winston Cup race starting grid. AND, that was on 4 race old tires. If you want to find out about fast, get a formula ford. They are a great way to start out racing.Best cost per bang. Now if you really want to go fast, get a current D or C sports racer. these things fly. My Hayabusa powered Radical can and has out accellerated a Ferrari F-40 at Roebling and can pass 360 challange cars at will. It can run and has run with 333sp at Wakins Glen and has passed more than a few of those. This is a safer type car that a Formula ford,as you don't have the open wheel danger. But, open wheel formula cars are the real deal. Cost for a good D or C sports racer car is $40,000 to $65,000 with the same low running costs as a FF.

Thanks for the info Bob, Formula Fords sound like a lot of fun, didn't know they were so fast but from what I've read you can steer them with the throttle which sounds like a blast.formula Fords appeal to me as from what I've read it's much better to learn on open wheel cars then go to a covered wheel car if desired than the other way around.

Regards

does Formula 2000 still exist in SCCA???

those babies rip!!

Yep! F2000 = Formula Continetel in SCCA (FC)
Jeff, they can be very fast after you learn to not lift off the throttle. In FF if you lift, 3 cars will pass you. It will teach you how to be Smooooth, very smooooth.

forgot, current F2000 have the Ford Zytek engine

Hi Bob,

was just curious. The old days before package cars.

Have to admit though, for lap times the Sport Renaults or Sport Fords (or whatever SCCA calls them this year) are hard to beat for begginners.

You reminded me when you mentioned "don't lift"

We used to call em' "Sports Rambo's" They do bang on each other alot as the frames on these were built like a tank. They are very heavy, but as you said, a great car to begin with.
We did built quite a few cars before all this checkbook racing caught on. The good old days are what wore me out.