Technical

Formula Vee is the most affordable open wheel racing car category in Australia. It represents the ultimate in simple but effective technology in an affordable race car package. In the sport of motor racing, where the cost of a car in most categories is in excess of $95,000, the cost of a new Formula Vee (1600cc) is about $55,000 and you can expect to pay around $20,000 for a competitive second hand 1600cc car. 1200cc cars range from between $5,000 and $10,000. Running costs are low, the VW engine and the VW components are most reliable, available locally and easy to maintain – and a Vee car remains competitive for many years.

A feature of Formula Vee racing is the drivers hitting 200 kph along the straights and then keeping the cars ‘on the edge’ for the whole race in tight formations. The strong VW engine can take revs of up to 6,500RPM. Vee cars race hard and close together with frequent lead changes and close finishes. Lap times are only slightly below those of much more powerful cars. Formula Vee is found on every racing circuit in Australia with sometimes over 40 cars in an event.

The chassis are simple and easy to repair with costs minimal. Despite the often intense wheel-to-wheel racing there have been few accidents. Formula Vee has an excellent safety record with only very few serious injuries. Due to the structural integrity of the cars drivers generally walk away unharmed from appealing and ageless form of motor racing. Drivers from 14 (16 in NSW) to 65 compete in evenly matched cars that emphasise driver skill