Duckhams Oils Celebrates Formula Ford Legacy

The original British motor oil, Duckhams, has celebrated its Formula Ford racing history this year by sponsoring a new three-round racing championship for 1980s and 1990s Formula Ford.

The Heroes of FF1600 Sprint Cup began in June and ran over three meetings: the Thruxton Historic Festival in June, Oulton Park in July and Croft in September. The series was founded by BARC coordinator Ian Temple, 2017 HSCC Historic Formula Ford champion Richard Tarling, Heroes of FF1600 webmaster Wayne Pearson and long-time Formula Ford racer Steve Deeks.

For 125 years, Duckhams has been a trusted partner in the world of motorsports. Its legacy dates back to 1934, when W. G. Everitt, driving a Duckhams-lubricated MG at Brooklands, broke the world record (H class) for the standing start kilometre and mile. Since then, Duckhams has supported winners in Formula 1, Formula 5000, Formula Atlantic, Formula Ford, British and World Rally champions, Superbikes Championships in the UK and Thailand, the Porsche Carrera Cup GB 2023, British GT 2024 and British Touring Car Championship.

In the 1974 season, 43 out of 55 Formula Ford races were won on Duckhams Q oil. Duckhams enjoyed a long and successful partnership with the Van Diemen Formula Ford racing team, which culminated in the Duckhams team winning the Championship in 1993.

Organisers of the Sprint Cup commented, “When we started dreaming about revisiting the golden age of
FF1600, we dreamed of tempting back the ‘names’: drivers, chassis, engine builders – and sponsors. The iconic brands and colours that shout ‘Formula Ford’. We are excited to welcome aboard as a championship sponsor ‘Duckhams’ – finest quality lubricants, whose product packages will be awarded to ten of our fastest competitors.”

Duckhams’ Global CMO, Rajat Moitra, added, “Duckhams and motorsports have been synonymous with each other along the brand’s legacy of 125 years. We are excited to be supporting this event, which celebrates the “golden era” of Formula Ford in the ’80s and ’90s. A great British engine oil brand, Duckhams has such an iconic motorsports heritage, packed with so many winners. Here’s to driving and winning together for the next 125 years!”

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