Unbeatable Smyth wins the 2025 Formula Ford Festival

Jason Smyth didn’t only follow in his father’s footsteps to win last weekend’s Formula Ford Festival Grand Final, he all but erased them! Such was the dominance of the brash young Irishman’s display that all who lined Brands Hatch’s grassy banks could only marvel at his clear intent to make this one of the most memorable Formula Ford seasons for decades.

From the outset, Smyth, driving a Team Dolan-prepared Van Diemen RF00, stamped his authority on proceedings, robustly defending his line if necessary, but never really looking seriously threatened. In the Grand Final, starting from pole position, he once again delivered emphatically, leading every lap, despite unwelcome interruptions from the safety car (placing all those behind right back onto his gearbox).

Compatriot Jordan Dempsey mounted the strongest challenge. Indeed, these two had been at it ever since their heat. But whilst Dempsey’s resolve sought to deliver a barrage of pressure, Smyth’s pace and precision proved decisive, the gap never seriously threatened.

The result was an all-Irish podium, with Niall Murray completing the top three, an outcome that underlined the current strength of talent from across the water.

For Smyth, however, the headlines will now shift to the future, and not only his chances of a remarkable treble (by adding the Walter Hayes Trophy to his victories here and in the United Formula Ford Championship), but also his future progression, which hopefully will see him remain in single-seaters, preferably the slicks and wings variety.

Here are 20 of our favourite images from the weekend:

All images by Steve Hindle & Peter Levay

Jason Smyth leads the Formula Ford festival Grand Final.

Smyth keeps Jordan Dempsey firmly in his mirrors.

Niall Murray had a new Dolan-built Van Diemen at his disposal, but a lack of seat time through the season appeared to hinder his challenge.

Tom Nippers had looked the most likely to challenge Smyth early in the weekend, but he found himself facing too many battles to reach the podium.

Past winner Rory Smith was another who just couldn't produce the pace to close the gap to the leaders.

All these years later, Rick Morris still produced the speed and determination to make the Final (the only one of his class to do so).

Stuart Kestenbaum is another ever-present stalwart, though sadly his Historic Final appearance was curtailed by a collision on the exit of Graham Hill Bend.

Hugh Esterson, in the Ray GR18, enjoys a close fight with Morgan Quinn.

Connor Willis under pressure through Paddock.

Darwin Smith switched to the more modern Ray GR22.

Adam Fathers, rising above the shouts of support from his boys on the banking.

Former Formula V racer, Ronan Doherty, runs wide, allowing Luke Cooper (21) and Ben Cochran (93) to make the pass.

Callum Baxter flies the flag for Team Canada.

Oli Roberts (16) in determined mood in the Jordi Gené tribute car.

But Storm Gjerdrum wasn't for giving way!

James Rigby knows his saviour.

Phil Attwood's Crosslé.

Oli Buckton in the Elden Mk8.

Cam Jackson in the glorious Winkelmann.

Sam Street (17) and Klaus Dieter Haeckel brave it out through Paddock.

Written By

Steve Hindle

Steve has lived his life with motor sport; from childhood years as a fan, to racing around the greatest tracks in Europe, first as a driver and later as a team principal. Today he's a familiar sight trackside and in the pit lane, notebook in one hand, camera in another, capturing moments and contributing to some of the leading titles in motor sport and automotive media.