There’s Trouble in Paradise
FORMULA CLASSIC RACING 20th April 2024
Newsletter 041
We are so privileged to own race cars of a golden era, to have access to two great local race tracks and to have some of the lowest cost circuit racing in the world, yet we regularly choose not to enjoy them. Why is this?
Sadly, as with most great things that are ‘on your doorstep’ they are taken for granted and often underutilised, ignored or forgotten about, assuming they will always be there whenever you want them. Please don’t take for granted this amazing privilege we have as one day it may all be gone.
I’d like to share with you some statistical data from the past few years regarding the number of drivers that took part in Formula Classic events by year;
To date this year we have managed to put out;
Round 1 – 7 cars
Round 2 – 5 cars
Round 3 – 7 cars
Round 4 – 3 cars (cancelled)
What has happened? What is going on? Why are we having so few entrants to our events?
The Formula Classic website lists 86 known historic racing and sports cars in WA, the majority of which are owned by FCR members.
FCR currently have 41 club members, 34 of these are racing members.
I’ve highlighted these statistics to demonstrate the imbalance between the number of racing members, the numbers of eligible race cars in the state in comparison to the number of cars on the track this season.
Last weekend’s showing would not have been missed by many and the reputation of Formula Classic will have been seriously tarnished as a result of having only 2 cars running in the final race.
I think this is only time, in my many years that I have been involved in motorsport, that I have ever seen such a small grid.
We all want Formula Classic to succeed and be around for years to come, not only for ourselves but for future members to ensure the legacy of historic motorsport continues.
Round 5 at Wanneroo Park is being held on Saturday 15th June. It is imperative that FCR put out a big field of cars at this event to show everyone that we are a robust class with a strong and deep membership. Whilst entries for Round 5 are not yet open, I would ask everyone to put in an early entry again signalling our strength as a racing group.
It has been said many times before but I’ll repeat it once again. Any member who needs help preparing their race car please do not hesitate to ask. There are several very able members willing to assist anyone in getting their car prepared for the track.
STAY SAFE Contact details; admin@formulaclassic.com.au
Since this newsletter was written we have had only 3 cars enter for round 4 and hence it was cancelled, let’s see ifwe can make a comeback for round 5