With the success that Mike Rand's F1600 and Les Phillip's Pacific Formula F series are enjoying (which is fantastic by the way), the attraction of sending our budding stars of tomorrow to Europe has rightfully taken on lesser importance except for the end of year trophy races like the FFF and Walter Hayes. However, a very cost effective and ultra competitive series still does exist where fields routinely exceed 20 cars and race on some of the best tracks known the world over. BRSCC FF1600 still offers a young driver the opportunity to cost effectively develop their race craft in a European setting where access the Formula One pathway is readily apparent.
This year North America has two of its own competing in the Championship where one is leading the way and the other has won three races and lies fourth. Austin Kimberly from San Diego along with Skylar Robinson from Augusta have employed Cliff Dempsey Racing to further their driving careers which has equated to great success this year. In the ten races to date both have tasted the Champaign and been on the podium for nearly every race. Skylar has recently been selected as a candidate for Team USA Scholarship along with seven other fantastic drivers and hopes to be selected as one of two who will compete at the FFF and Walter Hayes Trophy. Austin, who is currently winning the championship, will not only see the season out but also will be competing at the FFF and Walter Hayes Trophy right along side Team USA Scholarship and Team Canada out of The Cliff Dempsey Racing stable.
Formula Ford 1600 in the UK is still a healthy race series that attracks both the new and old with pro drivers making guest appearances all the time. With the number of outstanding and historic venues a plenty in the UK, racing there not only provides a cost effective way to develop a young driver, it also exposes them to the rigors that European racing provides giving them a foundation from which to attack the F1 ladder.
