Formula Atlantic
Formula Atlantic is a specification of
History
The history of Formula Atlantic begins with the
, which Roger Barr won in a Twin-Cam powered Crossle and then in their own independent series from 1969 to 1972.Formula Atlantic as a class evolved in the United Kingdom in 1971 from the US Formula B rules, with 1600cc production-based twin-cam engines (initially
As a result of its similarity to Formula Two and Formula Three in terms of chassis regulations, Formula Atlantic typically used chassis closely related to these cars—with performance somewhere in between the two—so most of the manufacturers were familiar from those classes, particularly the likes of Brabham, Lotus, March, Chevron early on, with Ralt and then Reynard later. US manufacturer Swift came to displace the British imports and dominate in North America. Several smaller marques also appeared.
The first professional races run under Formula Atlantic rules in North America were conducted in 1974 by the CASC in Canada (now ASN Canada), drawing much attention and large fields due to its national
During these years, the series attracted guest drivers from Europe, including Formula One, particularly at the Trois-Rivières street race in Quebec, Canada. Guest drivers included James Hunt, Jean-Pierre Jarier, Riccardo Patrese, Patrick Depailler, Jacques Laffite, Didier Pironi and Vittorio Brambilla.
In 1977, the SCCA sanctioned the US events and in 1978 the CASC and SCCA series merged, and conducted the series jointly until 1983, when it ran as the Formula Mondial North American Cup and was won by
Current FA SCCA Club Racing
SCCA Formula Atlantic cars are allowed wings and ground effects. They use either the
Since 2011 SCCA Club Racing has allowed the Swift 016.a and Mazda-Cosworth MZR, albeit with an inlet restrictor to maintain parity with the older Toyota-powered cars. As of 2017 most nationals competitors were running the 016.a-Mazda combination. Also eligible for the class are Mazda rotary powered cars made for the
The minimum weight of a Toyota or BDD powered Atlantic car is 1230 lbs. (558 kg) with driver.
Tribute
In 2012 and 2014, the
Formula Atlantic at the SCCA National Championship Runoffs
See also
References
- ^ Introduction to SCCA Racing rules, North American Motorsports Pages, Retrieved 2010-01-02
- ^ Club Racing Archived 2009-10-10 at the Wayback Machine, Sports Car Club of America, Retrieved 2010-01-02
- ^ Formula SCCA goes national Archived 2011-06-14 at the Wayback Machine, Sports Car Club of America, December 12, 2006, Retrieved 2010-01-02
- ^ "Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion Friday notebook". Racer. August 18, 2012. Retrieved August 29, 2012.