One make series

Australia's only somewhat internationally recognisable category, Formula Ford (1600), is to become a one-make series with locally produced cars. What are your experiences with one make categories? Do you think they are good or bad, and why?

I reckon it is a bad idea because:

People I have spoken to that have raced in other one make series complain that they are never really a level playing field regardless of the promoters claims.

The cars date quickly and the series often seem to die after a few seasons.

FF has been a basis for junior chassis designers like Adrian Reynard, Mark Bailey and in Australia Mike Borland to prove their worth. There are probably lots more that I am not familiar with.

It is supposed to be "cheap" but it usually means "cheap and nasty".

Etc, etc.
What do you guys think?

I'm inclined to agree with you that one make series lack the interest of multi chassis series. They seem to come into existence a florish, with close racing, but then one team will work out how to make the car go best, competition becomes less, and the class dies. That's my view of how its worked in the UK anyway.

As one of only 2 major international series in Australia (along with F3 which is really only starting here) it is not a good move to take it away from what the rest of the world are using. It is a big enough jump to go from the current cars with the old Kent engine to the newer Zetec cars in Europe.

At least they have put off the FF spec series another year....it is a shame, because there are very few cars being imported these days (only been 1 Van Diemen in 3 years) and grids are subsequently dwindling..

Thanks for the support guys, I hope Howard Marsden retires before it comes to fruition but the powers to be at FF Aust. seem to be behind it for some reason. Ford Aust. are backing Michael Caruso in FF National this year (as reward for winning the Max Challenge Kart Series). Why can't they put that money to all the FF competitors to pay for TV coverage or other expenses.

Three new VDs have arrived for this season. I'm not sure if there any new Mygales I have heard of possibly one. Apparently the VDs have been quick in testing.

Ian Luff has 98VD zetecs this year for his FF schools.