ABOUT
Our Series
Formula First is an entry level single seater racing class where the emphasis is on driver skill and race-craft rather than horsepower or budget.
Formula First is a relatively low-cost formula and provides the best place to start a car racing career.
Many of New Zealand’s most successful drivers made their racing start in Formula First. Drivers who have progressed through New Zealand Formula First include;
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Scott Dixon - IndyCar Driver and 3x IndyCar Champion
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Chris Pither - Aussie V8 Development Series Driver
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Brendon Hartley - Porsche LMP1 WEC Driver
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Simon Gamble - NZ Grand Prix Winner
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Shane van Gisbergen - V8 Supercar Driver and Series runner up in 2014
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Mitch Evans - GP3 Champ and GP2 Driver
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Richie Stanaway - GP2 and WEC Driver
How Much Does it Cost?
A competitive car costs around $20,000. Running costs are however a lot cheaper than many other forms of motor racing. This includes top-level karting. If the cost of purchase stretches your budget, there are always cars available for lease. Leasing costs range from $800 - $1800 per meeting depending on individual deals available. Leasing is a great option if you plan to move on to bigger things after one year in Formula First. Interested in leasing? - See our Services page for who to contact.
How Do I Get Started?
Before getting started, it pays to talk to us regarding your needs. We always welcome visitors down in the pits - at any time. We are more than happy to provide impartial advice.
Richie Stanaway and Mitch Evans leading home the pack.
Is the Racing Close?
Formula First racing is one of the closest forms of motorsport you'll ever see. Since the cars are all powered with the same 1200cc engines, races often come down to tactics and positioning, rather than outright car speed. It is a common to have the first three or four cars finishing within .3 or .4 of a second of oneanother. A recent finish at Pukekohe saw the first four cars finish within 6 hundredths of a second of oneanother. Yes, that’s the top four separated by only 0.06 seconds!
How Fast Are the Cars?
Formula First cars are capable of speeds aproaching the 200 Kph mark. However, on circuits such as Manfeild or Taupo, the maximum speed attained would be anywhere between 160 and 180 Kph. The cars are great fun to drive at those speeds. To give you an idea of comparative speeds, the top speed a Formula Ford reaches at Pukekohe is around 220-230 Kph. Formula First's will do close to 200 at the same track.