750 and 1200 Formula Regulations

Next year marks the 21st anniversary of the 750 Formula, introduced by the 750 M.C. at the instigation of the late Holland Birkett, to enable impecunious owners of Austin Sevens to enjoy some motor racing. The 750 Formula was followed by the 1172 Formula to give the same service to those building side-valve Ford Ten-engined Specials and this continues today as the 1200 Formula.

The 750 M.C. announce that no changes will be made to the 750 Formula for 1969. The Formula nowadays permits either side-valve Austin 7 engines or o.h.v. 600 c.c. Reliant engines. It is interesting that a considerable number of competitors still use Austin 7 engines (40% of starters in the N. Staffs. Silverstone Meeting did so) and there thus remains a very satisfactory balance between the two engine types. As some 60,000 Reliant 600 engines have been made to date the spares position should remain fluid, for a long time to come. The Club promises at least 12 months’ notice before Reliant 700 c.c. engines are accepted. Chassis frames must continue to have side members of either Austin 7 top-hat or square-tube section, as a safety factor. Sportscar equipment complying with R.A.C. Sports-car requirements will remain essential.

The 1200 Formula likewise will continue unchanged, but it is possible that at some future time the carburetter intake orifice size of o.h.v. Ford engines may be required to be reduced, to even up performance of o.h.v. cars and s.v. cars. The proposal that B.M.C. and Rootes engines be admitted was strongly opposed. Those who are contemplating racing cars under either Formula are assured of help and encouragement from the 750 M.C., whose 750 Formula enquiries are looked after by J. G. Ward, 1, Rodwold, Susan Wood, Chislehurst, Kent and whose 1200 Formula enquiries are the concern of H. W. Cooper, 38, Westerham Drive, Siticup, Kent. The 750 M.C. also looks after racing to the Mini 7 Formula, for basically standard B.M.C. Mini saloons and details are available from R. D. Bromley, 1 Lillington Avenue, Leamington Spa or R. J. Fox, 42, Stokesay House, Jarvis Road, Erdington, Birmingham 3.—W. B.