Rickitt Partnership MD Tim Rickitt races Formula Ford at Oulton park

Despite the weather, last weekend was a thrilling one for all at RP as we cheered on our Managing Director, Tim Rickitt, at his inaugural Formula Ford race meeting.

Tim was racing in the BRSCC Super Classic Pre 99 Formula Ford Championship at Oulton Park and, in challenging conditions, he took to the track with Rickitt Partnership’s Classic Van Diemen RF80 Formula Ford. 

Formula Ford, also known as F1600 or Formula F, is a class for single-seater, open-wheel race cars.  The series has a rich history dating back to the 1960s and it is unique in that it sees aspiring amateurs and career-minded drivers race alongside amateurs and enthusiasts. The particular championship that Tim was racing in caters for cars built from the mid 1980s to the late 1990s – perfect for Tim who loves his classics! The popularity of the class shows that he is not alone and that there is a huge demand and enthusiasm for racing older Formula Fords. It certainly was a spectacle to see these fabulous cars lined up at the start and there was no mistaking Tim’s car – painted in the distinctive Rickitt Partnership grey and proudly sporting our logo.

Make no mistake, racing Formula Ford is not for the faint-hearted and many illustrious names in racing agree that there are challenges faced and lessons learned within Formula Ford that test any driver, whether professional or amateur.  To tackle his first race Tim has had to master the fundamentals of race car setup and racecraft as well as face the challenging track conditions caused by the ever-unreliable British summer weather!

In addition, Tim’s race times were early morning and late afternoon with a long hiatus in between.  Luckily a steady stream of well-wishers stopped by at the RP gazebo to wish Tim well and partake in a glass or two of something sparkly.  It was lovely to see so many friendly faces and we are hugely grateful to everyone who took the time to pop by when, let’s face it, the weather was more fitting to a log fire and a box set!

We cheered Tim on through the blustery wind and intermittent showers and he did himself proud.  He finished both races very respectably with some great track craft shown and some very healthy lap times achieved.  To say we are proud is an understatement and we cannot wait to see Tim back on the track soon.