Brands Hatch Formula Ford - Big Ups!

[mac]

Just wanted to give some momumental "big ups" to young John Martin and a little Australian chassis manufacturer by the name of Spectrum.

Both were making their debuts in British Formula Ford at Brands Hatch - and they won at their first ever attempt!

3rd and 1st in the two races - truly magnificent!

Remarkable feat from Spectrum, whose busget and resources are dwarved by an operation such as Van Diemen.

[AstroBoy]

Yes, that was a very impressive performance by both parties.

What do people know about this John Martin?

What has he done before this? Does he have a web site?

He drove really well at Brands, it'll be interesting to see how his future develops.

[AstroBoy]

I know he's doing Ozzy Formula Ford this year, but what did he do before that?

[Jacal]

Been Doing national Formula Ford this year. currently leads the championship, next round this weekend

Last year did state level - Victorian, NSW, Qld championships Formula Ford winning Victorian championship and I beleive second in the other, both of which were very competitive last year

Before that I believe was Karting.

Extremely quick, young - 17/18, well funded

If he goes over full time next year, watch out for him

[Jacal]

I stand corrected - 21,

visit www.formulaford.com.au and follow the driver links for more info

[Antoine]

Was at Brands over the weekend and both John and the Spectrum impressed me immensely.
To race at a track you have never driven on (especially the Brands GP track) and beat UK FF regulars is excellent.
It will certainly be interesting to see how John does in the Formula Ford Festival.

[Piglet]

I was surprised that there hadn't been a thread about this previously. John did fantastically and was a very nice lad as well. He mentioned that he hoped to be able to put together a British F3 deal at some point so hopefully we'll see some more of him .

[runshaw]

That is a very good result first time out in the UK, considering the renewed strength and depth of the field this year. The championship this year boasts the biggest grid out of the 4 major single-seater championships, higher than FBMW, FReanult and F3. Will he be doing more UK rounds?

[MikeHoyer]

I think he will be doing the Festival, and hopes to do some other rounds aswell.

[Redracer77]

does he have 2 cars or is he flying his race car back and forth from OZ?

[FFmygale]

The Australian series is a different spec. they are 2 separate cars

[JohnMiller]

What's the differences then, tyres aside?

[Oaksnaf]

Martin should be doing the festival, as they have a car quite clearly. Also last year in his only round of the Australian Formula Ford Championship he won. He also won the Victorian State Title. And providing the seasons end goes to plan should add the National Formula Ford title to his resume. Not too mention the round win in UK on debut.

He should be driving in Europe full time next year I reckon.

AUS Specs

Specifications
Formula Ford racing cars are designed to comply with a strict set of rules which are revised annually. The rules for Formula Ford racing cars ensure that costs are limited and that driver skill becomes the major factor in achieving success.

For technical regulations, please click here

Chassis: Tubular space frame (exotic materials prohibited) construction confined to maximum dimension. Constructors aim to maximise torsional rigidity and minimize weight while maintaining the highest level of driver safety.
Engine: 1600cc, 100ps DOHC four-cylinder Ford Fiesta engine, sealed on cylinder head and front and rear crankshaft seal covers.

Developing 81kW the engine is tuned to develop 125 bhp at 7,000rpm. All components and measurements are specified and the Formula benefits from the worldwide parts support provided by the Ford Motor Company.
Steering: Rack and pinion
Suspension: Front & Rear - pushrod activated dual damper system. Full racing car suspension designs are required to ensure maximum tyre grip at various cornering speeds. Chassis balance is adjustable and controlled by damper, spring and anti-roll bar combinations.
Brakes: Four-wheel disc brakes have independent front and rear activation. Front/rear bias is adjustable.
Gearbox: Limited to 4 forward and 1 reverse gear. Ratios can be changed to suit various circuits and conditions.
Fuel tank: 41-litre
Tyres: Front & rear - 5.5 in Avon (ACB10) tyres. A grooved Avon racing tyre is chosen for optimum grip under all weather conditions. The Avon tyre and compound are specified, ensuring an economical wear rate.
Aerodynamic Devices: Not allowed. Down force is limited to the combination of chassis design/set-up and tyre grip, together with the natural forces of gravity.
Weight: 495kg with driver
Top speed: 250 km/h (approx)
Driver Protection Side protection structures (sidepods) constructed from materials designed to crumple on impact and reduce the risk of driver injury in a side collision were introduced to the category in 1997.

The size of the cockpit opening has been increased to allow for the quick exit of the vehicle in an emergency.

On-board fire extinguishing systems, roll-over hoops and additional protection around the drivers' legs provide increased driver protection.

Not too sure on the British specs though.

[Stocky]

If think he was fast at Brands, wait until you see him go in the wet

[JNWRF01]

Steel calipers and ACB10s are the only difference I think

[bathurst]

Originally Posted by Stocky

If think he was fast at Brands, wait until you see him go in the wet

Your right there Stocky.. Saw John at Sandown, He said hope it pours. Blind me, he was right. He started 14th and won the race. was only damp though. This kid will go a long way. Had a shocker last wknd at Mallala. the Australian Formula Ford Championship now has a 2mth gap till next race. John said he'd be at the British Formula Ford Festival, and 2 rounds as well I think he said. Best of Luck to him.