Formula Jedi Series Overview

Formula Jedi was originally created in 1996 as 'Formula 600'. The name was taken from the Honda 600cc motorcycle engine that was fitted to the rear of the Jedi racing car, constructed by John Corbyn at his Northamptonshire workshops. The idea for a race championship was developed because the Jedi chassis was being used very successfully on sprint and hillclimb circuits throughout the UK.

Formula 600 was therefore created and backed by the British Racing and Sports Car Club (BRSCC) to produce identical performance single seater racing cars, that would provide a cost effective way to go motor racing. It would also teach the young and old about using slicks and wings. In 2000, Honda UK gave their support to the formula and the series became 'Formula Honda'.

Since the formula was created, several drivers have earned enormous respect through the motorsports media as 'up and coming racers'. James Pickford took the title in 1997 and 1998 and went on to be nominated as an Autosport Young Driver of the Year. Lewis Carter won the championship in 1999 and has now enjoyed further success in the Clio Cup and British Touring Car Championship. Anthony Nicklin proved dominant in 2000, with Alex Buncombe the 19 year old son of former Touring Car star Johnathan taking the title in 2001. Alex has since moved up to Formula Renault. Other notable historic performances have come from Rob Auston (now in Formula Three), Stefan Hodgetts (son of Touring Car Championship winner Chris), Matt Jackson, who moved up to Touring Cars, Sillon Battistini, now in Caterhams and Chris Ellis, who enjoyed success in the televised Privilege Insurance British GT Championship.

Nigel Reuben became the class of the field in 2002 taking 9 race wins and umpteen fastest laps. He also broke the 'outright' circuit record at Anglesey and broke the Jedi lap recordss at Cadwell Park, Croft and Oulton Park. However, in 2002, Nigel faced stiff opposition from a whole string of top drivers. Andy Roberts won three races at Brands, Mallory and Donington and had five podium finishes and two fastest laps. Other strong performances came from Scottish Driver David Roper who took eight podium finishes. The formula also attracted its first female driver in Jodie Hemming who progressed from the Karting ranks and quickly proved she was on the pace. 2004 has been Jodie's year in class A of the newly titled Formula Jedi series, taking eight straight wins. Sixteen year old Katharine Impey is also representing the girls in class A from 2004.

Because the cars are so affordable to run and such fun to drive, Formula Jedi now attracts drivers from 16 to 60 years of age, some even older. So whether you're a Jensen Button 'wannabe' or just a keen clubman, there is room for you in Formula Jedi.

Jedi Racing Cars

The car is a John Corbyn-designed, lightweight spaceframe chassis, based on the successful Jedi design. All cars are built to the same specification to enable a level paying field. The class A engine is the Honda CBR 600cc 4 stroke, water-cooled, 16 valve motorbike engine producing 100bhp. This delivers a 0-60 time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 130mph. The gearbox is again from the Honda CBR and uses a sequential 6-speed with selection of ratios. Introduced in 2003, class B allows any bike engine up to 1000cc - tool of choice is currently the Yamaha R1 engine, but the class currently features Honda Fireblade and Suzuki GSXR machinery. Regulations aim to keep performance close between cars which produces close and exciting racing. All cars run on Avon controlled tyres.