JACKSON BIDS FOR TITLE IN THIRD CAR
Historic Formula Ford star to switch to March 709 next season
Historic Formula Ford 1600 ace Cameron Jackson will bid to win a third title in a row in 2020, using a third different chassis.
After winning the 2018 title in a Lola T200, Jackson took this year’s crown in a Winkelmann but will now contest next season in an unfashionable March 709. In addition, he will double up in the Historic Sports Car Club Classic Formula Ford Championship in a Van Diemen RF80.
For his third Pre ’72 title bid, Jackson will use the 1970 March of fellow racer Ross Drybrough. The 709 was the US version of the 708 design and only two or three were built for export. It was based on the chassis of the 1969 693 prototype Formula 3 car from the fledgling March operation.
“It’s a bit of a novelty and a selfimposed idea to run in different cars for three seasons,” said Jackson. “Potentially, this is the biggest challenge of the three. But we back-to-back tested the March at Brands in September and in six laps, it was on the pace of the Winkelmann. We were quite shocked that it produced a competitive lap time.”
Jackson and preparer Neil Fowler will now develop the car. “It’s got amazing turn-in and great mid-corner, but it is a bit of a brick in terms of aerodynamics,” added Jackson.
Meanwhile, he will chase the Classic Championship in the Van Diemen he raced at the Walter Hayes Trophy. Jackson said: “I’m definitely planning to do a full season in both championships. I’ll be getting my fix for my addiction to Formula Ford racing!”