Racing Club News
Formula Libre is back!
One of the oldest motor racing concepts, that of ‘anything goes’ or ‘Formula Libre’ is to return to the Castle Combe circuit in 2011.
Rechristened Formula MonoLibre, the new, four round series is designed to attract the many enthusiasts with single seater race cars which are no longer eligible or competitive for more conventional championships.
With four classes split between cars above and below 2 litres and with or without aerodynamic aids and treaded tyres, the series is likely to be very popular, especially with local drivers.
One such is Nigel Smith, from Dauntsey Lock, near Chippenham, the former British Touring Car championship and Formula 3000 driver. He said, “We’ve had an ex Vauxhall Junior monoposto car sitting around doing nothing for some time now. This is a great opportunity for us to wheel it out and have some low cost fun.”
With its roots in Grand Prix racing as far back as 1928 and popular in the 1970’s, Formula Libre’s appeal went into decline as drivers moved into the plethora of ‘one make’ formulae.
Castle Combe Racing Club’s competition secretary, Haydn Earl said, “Larger engined single seaters have been missing from Castle Combe for too long. It will be great to see a few of them back, the only restriction being the noise limit we have to adhere strictly to.”
The first round will be on the 18 June and the club is offering a discounted entry fee for all four races.
Chris Harrison