LOTUS 51 CLASS FOR HISTORIC FORMULA FORD
A dedicated class for Lotus 51s is set to feature in the Historic Formula Ford 1600 Championship next season after a special parade formed part of the recent Brands Hatch Superprix event.
Eight of the machines – which, alongside converted Lotus 31 F3s, formed the grid for the first standalone FF1600 race at Brands in 1967 – ran for three laps in Kent. Such was current car owners’ support for former Historic Sports Car Club chairman Chris Sharples’ initiative that a class for the 51 is now set to be introduced next season, prior to Formula Ford’s 60th anniversary in 2027.
“What started as a light-hearted idea very quickly gathered momentum,” said Sharples. “Having eight 51s at Brands was fantastic – a ninth dropped out late in the preparations – but more remarkable was that three of them raced.
“[Long-time 51 racer and Lotus fanatic] Simon Hadfield was first to enter, and John Cottrill and Roger Newman soon signed up. Lee Penson’s car is ready, but he couldn’t commit to the weekend. Cliff Gray, Colin Richards, Martin Tinsley and Jason Wilkinson intend to be out with us next year.
“The cars are out there [more than 200 were made in 1967 and 1968], but some are currently in hillclimb – spec with small fuel tanks and need recommissioning for circuit use. Among three we know of under restoration is Nick Roach’s road-going version, currently with a 2.5-litre engine.”
In a field of 29 cars at Brands, the youngest 1971 designs, Hadfield demonstrated a finely set-up 51’s mettle by finishing seventh in both races. “They don’t get off the corners quite as well as some younger chassis, but I was fourth quickest in the middle sector and thoroughly enjoyed the weekend,” he said.
The Brands parade was flagged away by former club CEO Grahame White, the programmed starter at the landmark 1967 British Automobile Racing Club event. Pat Allen, sister of inaugural race winner Ray, who died in 2021, also presented the prizes.
The Lotus 51 scheme comes at a time when the social element of the Historic and Classic FF1600 series run under the HSCC’s umbrella is also growing, thanks to the dedication of ardent racers Sharples and Stuart Kestenbaum.
MARCUS PYE
All images: Motorsport Classics Media