What is the 750 Formula?
Established in 1949 the 750 Formula is the oldest continually running race series in the world (older than F1). 750 Formula is believed by many to be the ultimate in fun, low cost club racing. Still running today under the 750 Motor Club.
Who can compete?
Anyone with an appropriate racing license can compete in the 750 Formula.
How much does it cost?
Costs are typically low with cars available sub £10K and possibly as low as £4K at times. There is a need to purchase suitable helmet, overalls, gloves, boots and HANS device. There are various suppliers of this equipment, you can ask on the 750Formula Forum for recommendations at www.750formula.co.uk.
What are the regulations?
The current 2021 750 Formula regulations can be found at: https://www.750mc.co.uk/formulae/750-formula/regulations.htm
What circuits are used?
Typically the 750 Formula race at Silverstone, Mallory Park, Oulton Park, Donington Park, Cadwell Park, Croft, Brands Hatch, Pembrey, Snetterton and Thruxton. Each year there will be a selection of circuits that the formula will race at and normally changes year on year.
Where can I purchase a car?
Cars are regularly advertised on the for sale section of www.750formula.co.uk website ( http://www.750formula.co.uk/forum/viewforum.php?f=18&sid=01ecaea81920ea38c0bf33754e8a6515 ) and on the Cars For Sale page of the www.750formulachampionship.com website ( https://750formulachampionship.com/cars-for-sale ). 750 Formula kits can also be purchased from Racekits at https://www.racekits.co.uk/ .
What are the different engine and gearbox layouts in the formula and what’s the pros & cons for each?
Engines:
The Fiat 1108CC Fire engine is a very reliable and simple engine, most drivers will get several years of enjoyment out of their engine (and more in some cases) before it needs to be looked at in any serious way. One area of note is that the cylinder head must be of a specific part number to be eligible 46400108 plus a control camshaft which can be purchased from https://www.750mc.co.uk/store/products,750-formula-control-camshaft-kit_23.htm.
There are a number of different layouts used in the formula, the two main ones being:
a) Front engine/in-line 4 speed gearbox/ prop shaft/ live rear axle.
Pros.
Free choice of 4 speed gearboxes
Good weight balance
Most of the weight is in the centre
Lightweight.
Cons.
Gearbox adaptor plate required for chosen gearbox
High un-sprung weight at the rear
No rear camber adjustment
Prop shaft tunnel takes up cockpit space
Carburettor position may conflict with the steering column.
b) Transverse engine/ FIAT 5 speed gearbox/independent/de Dion rear suspension.
Pros.
Transmission components can all be standard FIAT
Free rear suspension design
Lower rear un-sprung weight
More cockpit space .
Cons.
Heavy production gearbox with limited choice of ratios
Slower gearchanges
Most of the weight is at the rear
Limited diffuser length
Gearboxes:
In-line 4 Speed
Reliant road box
Reliant race box
BMC A series box
Chevette
Ford Rocket
Quaife sequential
Bedford Rascal
Modified FIAT Punto
Transverse
Fiat Grande Punto
Fiat Grande Punto with 1:1 5th gear
Fiat Punto
Fiat Seicento 1108
Fiat Seicento 900
How many sets of tyres are needed for a season and how much do they cost?
Slick Tyres:
The control slick for the 750 Formula is the Yokohama N2669 and these can be bought from http://www.polleysport.com/750-formula at an approximate cost of £500.00 per set. Drivers have commonly used one set per season but two sets would certainly keep grip in the car.
Wet Tyres:
Wet tyre choice is free but the Yokohama N2701 also available from Polley Sport is a good choice. Wet tyres usually last for multiple seasons but they should be wrapped and kept in good condition while not being used.
How much maintenance is needed in-between races?
It is not so much maintenance that is required as checking. Almost every nut and bolt on a race car will come loose sooner or later. Rod ends develop play which will make the driver feel uneasy and leaks of coolant, exhaust and induction systems develop in secret. Wire connections will fray or work loose. If you don't check all these things, sooner or later they will catch you out.
Aerodynamics and slick tyres sound complicated, how easy or difficult are the cars to set up and adjust?
The adjustments are easy enough to carry out and getting a car set up as a good base is fairly straightforward. This can be achieved by setting ride heights, toe, camber and corner weights. Refining a car to its optimum depends of the driver knowing what he needs and how to achieve it. This takes more skill and experience and is one of the reasons why some people win races and others don't. There is plenty of knowledge in the formula, just ask if you are unsure.
Are parts easy to obtain?
Most parts are standard or slightly modified and easily sourced. More specialised parts can usually be obtained from other competitors.
Where can I get bodywork from?
Bodywork in the 750 Formula are all shapes and sizes but with fettling you should be able to make panels from another car fit your chassis. Many of the drivers have the original moulds for their bodywork and again it is just a case of asking around.
Martin at https://www.racekits.co.uk/ can supply bodywork sets at a cost that will certainly not break the bank.
Vehicle Profiles
Darvi - http://www.750formula.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=417
Ingam - http://www.750formula.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=3393
Batten 3 - http://www.750formula.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=3394
SDAR/17 - http://www.750formula.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=3398
Copyright © 2020 750 Formula - All Rights Reserved.
Photographs Courtesy of Jonathan Elsey