The support of longtime Formula Ford sponsor SDC will allow every driver in this year’s Classic Formula Ford 1600 Championship to save £90 off each race entry fee.
SDC is continuing and increasing its support for the Historic Sports Car Club’s Classic FF1600 championship and that support will be used to subsidise entry fees for competitors across the season.
With six double-header race weekends, including the Grand Prix circuits at Silverstone and Brands Hatch, there is a great calendar for Classic Formula Ford and the SDC backing will make a significant impact on drivers’ budgets for the pre ’82 Formula Ford 1600 series. Last year, the first year of SDC support, drew increased grids culminating in a 30-car field and that trend should continue with the increased backing in 2024.
Bedford-based SDC is a main contractor in the construction industry and operates as an Employee Benefit Trust (EBT), the first of its kind in the British construction industry. Profits are shared among members of staff and the wider community. Two years ago, SDC celebrated its 50th year.
SDC has a long involvement with Formula Ford dating back to the early 1980s when the company supported drivers like Trevor van Rooyen, David Wheeler, John Village, Jonathan Palmer, Gareth Rees and Bernard Dolan in a series of Formula Fords.
Stuart Kestenbaum is chair of the Classic FF 1600 Championship and says that the support is very welcome. “Once again, thanks to the support from SDC, we are taking entry fees back at least a decade and that makes a big difference to our racers. If people do the first five weekends of the season, their sixth and final weekend will cost very little in terms of entry fee.
“I’d also like to thank Alan Cornock for his role in arranging this support. We look forward to a great season and welcoming many SDC guests, notably to our Silverstone dates.”
SDC chairman Francis Shiner explained the company’s support: “Formula Ford is an important part of our history. We did a lot of work at Silverstone over the years and that was a really big part of the company story. Later we completed construction projects for Jonathan Palmer at Bedford and supported local drivers like Nick Tandy.”
Alan Cornock, who was central to the SDC sponsorship of Formula Ford 40 years ago, played a key role in bringing the company back into Formula Ford racing. As the former boss of Royale racing cars, Cornock continues to be closely involved in Formula Ford through his FCS sales and spares organisation.
The SDC Classic FF1600 Championship calendar is:
Apr 20/21 Snetterton
May 4 Silverstone GP
Jun 8/9 Donington Park
Jul 13/14 Brands Hatch GP
Aug 10/11 Croft
Oct 12/13 Silverstone
Each event features two Classic FF1600 races.