When you think of 'formula' series' in Motorsport, you're not usually thinking of anything particularly quick. Formula classes tend to emphasize driver skill over differences in vehicle construction, and often are intended to provide a stepping stone into high level motorsport. Formula Vee and Formula Ford are examples of classes that are affordable to run, place emphasis on driver skill and have also proved themselves as feeder classes to high level motorsport. For example, Garth Tanders last drive before stepping into the Garry Rogers Motorsport Valvoline number 34 car all those years ago, was in Formula Fords.



In Group 1 drag racing, there are only 2 'formula' classes, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Bike. Pro Stock racers drive cars restricted to a maximum capacity of 6.5 litres, a minimum weight of 1043kg and must be naturally aspirated and carburetted. There's also a restriction to ensure only iron block v8's with 2 valves per cylinder are used, and restrictions on what body modifications are allowed to ensure no one has an unfair advantage. With a national record of 7.042 seconds for the quarter mile, Pro Stock would have to be one of the quickest forms of formula racing around.



This Saturday, October 31st, spectators at the Perth Motorplex will witness the first round of the ANDRA Pro Series Pro Stock Championship to be held in WA. 13 drivers, including WA's own Allan Puglia, have nominated for the round. In addition, approximately 250 local teams have entered for the first round of the Motorplex's track championships. This figure includes an awesome 41 blown cars in the Top Comp and Supercharged Outlaw categories.



Gates open at 10am, with the first Pro Stock qualifier set for midday. Check out www.motorplex.com.au for more information.