Island Classic attracts huge Formula Ford field

A bumper 54 car grid of historic Formula Fords has been assembled for this weekend’s Phillip Island Classic.

The impressive Historic Formula Ford contingent will feature among the 540 plus cars entered across 12 categories for the annual meeting at the Victorian circuit.

John Blanchard will drive the family-owned Van Diemen RF89.

Joining Blanchard on the grid is the 1982 British Formula Ford champion Rick Morris, who is set to race Andy Nethercote’s Reynard FF87.

Fellow Brit and experienced Formula Ford racer Gaius Ghinn will also feature on the grid in a Lola T642 Ecurie Australie entry.

Expat Don Boyack and Ireland’s Jennifer Mullan are also making the trip from Europe to contest the meeting.

In terms of local entrants, 1988 ‘Australian Driver To Europe’ champion David Roberts returns after a 28-year sabbatical to drive a Swift FB89 with Ellery Motorsport.

Richard Davison, the 1980 Australian Formula 2 champion, will join the Formula Ford field in his recently-acquired Van Diemen RF89.

The Historic Formula Fords will contest five races beginning on Friday before concluding on Sunday.

The category will join an extensive program featuring races for historic Formula 1 and Formula 5000 machinery alongside an array of classic touring cars.