The History

Formula Vauxhall was introduced in 1991 by Mike Nicholson, Vauxhall Motorsport Manager together with Van Diemen Int and Jim Russell Racing School. Titled FORMULA VAUXHALL JUNIOR all cars used the Van Diemen Rolling Chassis, LD 200 Hewland gearbox and the 8 valve Vauxhall Nova engine, blue printed and dry sumped. Limited suspension adjustments were allowed together with strict control on tyres with the emphasis therefore being put on driver ability rather than high budget car development programs. 

 

The concept proved to be extremely successful with full grids and close racing, bringing to the forefront many drivers who have since progressed to become professional racing drivers throughout the world. In 1998 it was decided that the formula was in need of a face lift, the latest 16 valve Tigra Twin Cam engine being installed in the existing chassis and a new aerodynamic package introduced. The title of the formula was also changed to drop the junior tag and it has since been known as Formula Vauxhall. 

 

The cars were instantly quicker and often faster than the Formula Ford Zetecs by up to a second per lap on some circuits, thus became a firm favourite in the TOCA support race services with both drivers and spectators. An innovative new idea was also born, known as the "Vauxhall Village" whereby Vauxhall provided the private owner driver facilities to run their cars from a series of purpose made awnings together with the provision of a portable flat patch and set up bay, thus eliminating the individual the cost of purchasing and transporting this expensive equipment.

The series officially ended in 1999, but for 2000 the formula remained in its existing format running in a new BARC organised championship with an excellent prize fund. A revision of class B had been introduced to allow owners of the original 8 valve cars to compete for their own championship within the main race event. Today some of the cars can be found in club racing in the Monopostio Chamionship, F4 and hill climb events. 

Many famous drivers cut their teeth in a Formula Vauxhall Junior, F1 drivers Takuma Sato and Antonio Pizzonia 1998 champion, Garry Paffet who won the last championship, and Danica Patrick who later went on to win a race in the IRL series, these are just a few of those who went on to greater success in the internation racing scene.