Backround

Whilst Ralt RT4 have been involved in historic racing previously, the Formula Atlantic events at Sandown in November provided a spectacular  grid and exciting racing. The field of 24 cars presented with remarkable heritage which included the 1972 March 722 of Niki Lauda,  1975 Chevron B29 of Brian Redman, 1975 March 75B of Gilles Villeneuve and the Modus M3 BDD which won the 1975 British Championship.

Formula Atlantic started in the UK in 1971, was broadly based on F2, became Formula Pacific in the USA and then Formula Mondial in Europe, with the term meaning “universal”.

These cars were first included in the Australian GP at Wanneroo W.A. in 1979  with John Smith in a Ralt RT1 finishing 4th. From 1981 until 1984, the Australian GP was exclusively for these cars with Ralt RT4’s providing wins for Brazilian Roberto Moreno (81,83,84) and Frenchman Alain Prost in 1982.

Specifications

The FA cars are powered by the Cosworth BDA (Belt Driven Arrangement) 1600cc engine based on the Ford Escort Block with a twin cam, 4 Valve per cylinder head. Bowser fuel is provided by 48mm or 50mm dual Weber carburettors. Gearbox is a 5 speed Hewland FT 200 with Wheel sizes and wing specifications all standardised.

New Association

The Historic Formula Atlantic and European Formula 2 Association was formed recently to advance the future of this group of historic racing cars and the inaugural office bearers are Bryan Miller (NSW), Colin Haste (NSW), Andrew Fellows (Qld) and Peter Brennan (Vic). The aims of the association include demonstrating the group as a viable historic class, providing close competition without mixing with other classes of cars with dissimilar performance and negotiating with event promoters for 5 events per year. The association will announce their 2005 calandar shortly.  All competitors participate in the John Bowe trophy series, so named as John Bowe is the groups patron. Points are awarded for starting, travelling interstate and finishing places. Current point scorers are Jason Clements 17, Andrew Makin 15, Peter Whelan 15, Jamie Larner 14.5 and Vince Holland 14. There is a F.A.  Association in Canada and discussions have commenced about international opportunities for cars and drivers. With the promise of grids of 25 cars, professional presentation, reliability and crowd pleasing competitive racing these cars will undoubtly earn themselves a place at all major historic meetings and strong sponsorship.

                                                                            - Written by Roger James

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