Formula Fords Power On

With just two months to go before the fiercely contested Formula Ford Festival and Walter Hayes Trophy, two strong grids of cars from all eras got down to business at Brands Hatch and Snetterton, testing themselves and each other ahead of their much-anticipated annual showdowns, whilst also getting on with the business of accumulating all-important championship points.

In Kent, James Beckett’s United Formula Ford Championship saw its drivers line up to compete not only for its own title but also for the first instalment of The Champion of Brands and the much-prized Peter Rogers Trophy.

Rory Smith returned to action after his horrific shunt at Oulton Park earlier in the year and immediately cemented his credentials as a strong favourite for both blue-riband events with a storming double pole, followed by a win and a second. Guest driver Tom Nippers was on hand to capitalise on an unforced error by Smith in Race 1 to seize a comfortable win (by Formula Ford standards), whilst Smith managed to displace Ronan Doherty by a nose in the battle of the placings. Race 2, however, was all Smith, despite mounting pressure from the Irish pair of Doherty and Morgan Quinn, former champion Quinn suffering a slow puncture with just minutes remaining.

Over in Norfolk, the BRSCC’s Geoff Page Engineering Super Classic Pre ’99 Formula Ford Championship produced two outstanding battles between youth and experience: 17-year-old Harrison Morrow is fast earning a reputation for speed, determination and mechanical sympathy, whilst Alex Ames has an enviable record as one of the country’s most versatile historic racers. In searing heat and with a supporting cast of cars from five different manufacturers, these two went head-to-head for lap after lap, corner after corner. It was thrilling stuff, spoiled only by Ames’ Van Diemen cutting out briefly through Coram, not once but twice in the final laps. Morrow pulled clear to earn the win, but with his misfire cured for Race 2, Ames was able to level the score.

Here are some of our favourite images from both meetings, courtesy of Peter Levay and Sammy Nudd.

Alex Ames leads the way at Snetterton

Rory Smith sits on pole position at Brands Hatch

Ben Tinkler, Van Diemen RF92, enjoyed a mighty battle with Oli Roberts in the Jordi Gené RF89…

…these two swapping places and daring each other to brake ever later.

Tom Nippers celebrates victory in Race 1 at Brands Hatch.

Axel Castillou’s Ray 92F

It’s an oily business.

Rory Smith, the 2026 winner of the Pete Rogers Trophy, together with Lucy Sophoclides (Pete’s sister) and old sparring partner Ian Flux.

Alex Ames leads Harrison Morrow.

Morgan Quinn battled hard to still make the podium, despite a slow puncture.

The TM Racing squad getting on with data analysis in the cool of the paddock.

Joseph Pomfret points the Merlyn into Wilson on Snetterton’s 200 circuit.

One last word for Cody Hayhurst

It was a difficult weekend for Maris Schulte, but the young German worked hard to show the pace he’s capable of.

Tim Fitzgerald with the Van Diemen RF89.

Micheal Fitzgerald

Simon Langman with his Duckhams Van Diemen RF80

The view from above. Mark Adkins Jamun leads the Palliser heading into Graham Hill Bend.

Hugh Esterson exits sideways.

Chris Sharples is a past Champion of Brands with his Palliser.

Ronan Doherty congratulates Rory Smith after another thrilling dice at Brands Hatch.

And that’s a wrap, until the next time.