Formula Ford champions pull out

Reigning Australian Formula Ford champions Sonic Motor Racing Services has made the “difficult decision” to not defend its crown in 2024.

Despite dominating the 2023 season led by champion Matt Hillyer, Sonic will not defend its Formula Ford crown.

Instead the team will focus on Porsche racing with teams in both the Carrera Cup and Sprint Challenge championships.

Hillyer’s title was Sonic Motor Racing Services’ 13th overall with the first dating back to Will Davison in 2001.

Since then the likes of Jamie Whincup (2002) David Reynolds (2004) Tim Blanchard (2007) Nick Percat (2009) Cameron Waters (2011) Anton De Pasquale (2013) Leanne Tander (2016) Max Vidau (2017) Hunter McElrea (2018) Angelo Mouzouris (2019) Valentino Astuti (2022) and Hillyer have won the prestigious title.

These glories have ensured Sonic has left its mark as the most dominant Formula Ford team of the modern era.

But for the first time in a quarter of a century, there will not be a single Sonic Motor Racing Services car on the grid.

Sonic Motor Racing Services owner Michael Ritter admitted it was “an emotional decision that had to be made” but did not rule out a return to Formula Ford.

“We have made the difficult decision that we will not be contesting the Australian Formula Ford Series this year,” said Ritter.

“Formula Ford holds a special place for myself, Maria and the team. Formula Ford has been the mainstay of our team since our inception.

“This decision has been made for several reasons. We have been considering the direction of the team and business for quite some time and although the decision is somewhat of an emotional one, it was one that had to be made.

“We are really going to miss being in the Formula Ford paddock. It has been a massive part of our lives for 25 years and I’ve built many lifelong friends from the garages of that paddock. 

“I will continue to watch Formula Ford from afar and consider our options for 2025 and beyond.

“In the meantime our focus is firmly on our Porsche programs for 2024.”

Ritter explained the reducing profile of the long-lasting open-wheel category that has been crowning national champions since 1970 was a major factor.

“For so long Formula Ford in this country has been the premier junior category and pathway where drivers looking to make a career in the sport either locally or Internationally drivers started their careers,” he said. 

“Sonic has had great success not only in terms of championship wins but also as a pathway for our drivers to further progress their careers along with many of our mechanics and engineers.

“Unfortunately at present, Formula Ford doesn’t have the visibility or profile it had at its peak and the competition from other categories at this level of the sport has increased dramatically. 

“I believe that given the correct backing and direction this can be turned around and I would like to see nothing more than it regain its position as the pre-eminent category in this country for young drivers from karting to transition into circuit racing.”

The 2024 Australian Formula Ford season begins at Winton on April 26-28.

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