Motorsport Without Rules: Formula Libre
Your eyes do not deceive you: that is a Formula 3 car with a V8 engine.
Why? Formula Libre, that’s why.
Those familiar with hillclimbing would be familiar with the discipline’s premier open-wheel category – no holds barred motorsport, an outlet allowing creative minds to run free, and where the fastest purpose-built machinery can be found.
Want to jam massive wings and a ludicrous engine on your Formula Ford? Have at it.
Have an F3000 car you don’t know what to do with? This class is for you.
Prefer the smell of alcohol over gasoline? No problem.
You own a lot of scrap metal that looks pretty aerodynamic? Try it out here.
Want to strap a NASA rocket to your go kart? Well, maybe not…
While the top end of town can get caught up in a continual spiral of regulations, when it comes to one car at a time speed events, Formula Libre keeps rules to a minimum.
Outside of the standard “General Requirements for Cars and Drivers”, the Motorsport Australia Manual has its stipulations for the class scribbled down on half a page, with a considerable portion of that devoted to a letterhead.
The wordy part reads:
2. CLASSES
Use of existing record classes is permitted for Formula Libre cars in speed events.
3. FUEL
Fuel is free, save for that which is specifically prohibited (see Schedule G – “General Requirements for Cars and Drivers”).
4. TRANSMISSION
(a) Four-wheel drive is permitted in speed events.
(b) Unless specifically required in Supplementary Regulations, an operable reverse gear and an on-board starter are not required.
So what sort of open wheeler are you going to build?
Below is some inspiration, a throwback gallery to Formula Libre examples from years past at the Mount Cotton Hillclimb, a venue we recently featured right here.
Hit us up on the socials @theracetorque with your thoughts!
Above pictured is Bill Norman’s GEK (Ground Effect Kawasaki), as pictured at Speed on Tweed.
Consider these specs for a moment:
– Powered by a one litre Superbike engine, as salvaged from a crashed bike
– 185hp at 13,000rpm
– Custom built reverse gear
– 0 to 100km/h in 2.5 seconds
– Constructed largely from recycled material
– The rear wing was donated from a crashed 1980 F3 car
– Ugly, but indecently fast
– Total build cost: Approximately $8,000
While the GEK is not strictly a Formula Libre, it does hold the distinction of being the first “Sports Car” to break the magical 40sec barrier at Mount Cotton…
Mark Walker (administrator)
A vastly experienced Motorsport Public Relations operator, journalist, commentator and photographer, Mark brings his unique angle to The Race Torque in both words and imagery. As well as serving as our key photographer on the ground at major events around Australia (and overseas), Walker will often chime in with his unique and pin-point sharp viewpoint of the racing world via the keyboard too.
