CASTLE COMBE LOOKS TO INCREASE GRID NUMBERS
Formula Ford calendar to get possible revamp to aid field size
The Castle Combe Racing Club is considering the possibility of running threedouble headers next year for Formula Ford 1600s in a bid to improve grid sizes.
Proposed plans feature nine rounds across the season, of which three would be 10-lap double-headers, with one dropped score.
Grid sizes for Formula Fords have dropped off at the Wiltshire circuit compared with last year, with an average of only 14 cars per race, while the National series has continued to grow.
“I think it’s people just doing different things, hopefully it will change for next year,” said Jo Lewkowicz, racing club co-ordinator at Castle Combe.
“We’re trying to do more double-headers as it’s what they [teams and drivers] have requested in the forum. That’s going to be put to the guys this weekend.
“I’ve spoken to a couple of team people and they do say about the package [in the National series]. You have a test day and do one or two races on the Sunday.
“Our testing has to be on a Thursday, that’s what the [Wiltshire] council say we have to do.”
Castle Combe’s Finals Day will take place this weekend, which includes the circuit’s annual Formula Ford Carnival race that will be held for the 21st time.
So far only 12 drivers have provisionally entered compared with 24 who took part in the race last year, with 2016 victor and four-time winner of the event, Ben Norton, not taking part.
“It’s surprising [more people haven’t entered],” said Norton, whose Spectrum from last year is unavailable.
“There’s not a lot of money floating around and for the club racer who wants to go racing to do it at Combe you know you’re going to have competitive racing and only go to one circuit.”
Entries for the Carnival remain open until Friday morning for competitors.