The Classic Formula 3 and Historic Formula Atlantic series will join together in 2023 to share grids across a series of high profile race meetings with the Historic Sports Car Club.
The move has been made to bring together two groups of cars that enjoy similar performance and lap times to ensure that both have a strong calendar. While Classic F3 has long been established, grids in 2022 were modest at times. Meanwhile Historic Formula Atlantic is an emerging series for the 1600cc single seaters built up to the end of 1979.
The shared calendar starts at Snetterton in April and takes in races at Donington Park (June), Croft (September) and the Silverstone Finals meeting in October, while both grids will also appear at the Legends of Brands Hatch Super Prix in July. For the Brands Hatch GP circuit only, the Classic F3 cars will be joined by their counterparts from the French F3 Classic series, while the Formula Atlantic cars can run either with the Historic Formula 2 or Aurora Trophy grids.
In addition, both categories will have the opportunity to race on the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit in May by being part of the Aurora Trophy grid. As before, the URS Classic Formula Ford 2000 cars will be welcome to join the Classic F3 field.
Both series will have 10 races across five events and will be supported by Raceparts, the motor sport parts and spares specialists, who will provide a significant voucher for the winner of each series.
The dates have been chosen carefully to ensure that there are no clashes with the HSCC Historic Formula 2 Series, which has classes for Formula Atlantic cars. Newly crowned Classic F3 champion Steven Barlow has taken on the role of F3 series chairman for the coming season.
Andy Dee-Crowne, CEO of the HSCC said: “We had a combined grid at Brands Hatch last April for Classic Formula 3 and Formula Atlantic and everyone enjoyed it. There’s really not much difference in the pace between the two grids and this move is designed to encourage more cars out for both categories. If things go well, it is entirely possible that the grid could be separated again in the future.”