About Us

The History of Formula M:

Re-established between 1988 and 1990 in the Paarl amongst ex Formula M drivers, Stock car drivers and new comers. Initially a proto-type car was built by Jan Theunissen, Gavin Cook/Wayne Ferreira and Dirk Booysen. One or two old cars from the 1970’s were bought by other members, the likes of Nick Krugler, Andre Hougaard and Danny Le Roux. At the same time team effort, by the guys and gals, plus a lot of naughty kids (now racing presently) was spent on making the Paarl 1.5km tar circuit from the 1970’s raceable. Racing in earnest began in 1991 with the introduction of an additional eight cars from Metal Tech. By 1993 the now named Wynland Micro Racing Club had thirty-six cars competing in three classes of 550cc A, 550cc B and 250cc’s at the Gavin Cook Race Track. Race entry fee was then R5.00 and each class raced 3 races of 6 laps each. Other races also took place on the day consisting of Handicap, Ladies, Mechanics and Allcomers races each of 6 laps at the end of the day. 1994 saw the introduction of the “Twin Peaks” when they started commentating on our races. A case of Castle and a borrowed/stolen p.a. system from the Formula K section was all persuasion they required. The Supersingles and 50cc motorcycles also joined the club after being thrown out of Formula K. They consisted of the likes of Alan Westman and Chris Bosson, who were young men at the time. Paarl was renowned for fights between the marshals for who gets to go to Paarl and who would be missing out on the fantastic racing and the tremendous after parties… From 1997 the club moved to the Killarney Race Track and the lap record for the Gavin Cook circuit remained at 57.3 sec and was not only set with the so-called smaller class of 250cc, it was held by a woman, Lilla Ferreira that just proves the friendly family environment the sport is run by.

More about Formula M Racing:

Formula M racing in the Western Cape mainly takes place on the famous Killarney circuit near Tableview. The raceday is incorporated with the governing Short Circuit Section of the Western Province Motor Club that consists of various types of racing vehicles e.g. Supercarts, Motards, 150cc’s and more! With the aim at being a total family experience we not only have the middle-aged guy racing but a wide variety of male and female, young and old making their mark in the history books. Currently we compete in a Club championship within Western Province Motor Club that is regulated by Motorsport South Africa and we also have a sister club, The Formula M racing club of South Africa, in the Gauteng province. Raceday consists of one session for practice and qualifying (15 minutes) and three races/heats of 10 laps (+/- 24km) each during the day giving you plenty of time to fix the odd problem, start the braai or sign some autographs for those whom have managed to attract a fan club! Thereafter it is off to the after party to get your honors and socialize with the great Short Circuit family (drivers, pit-macs, family members, marshals and officials) that always make you feel at home no matter who you are! A normal racing calendar consists of nine racedays, each with their Friday practice as well as plenty of extra practice days and invitational racedays that is capped off at the end of the year with our year-end function in November, where the Club Champion is crowned. Scoring points toward the Championship happens per race/heat as on the following basis: 1st - 9 points, 2nd - 6 points, 3rd - 4 points, 4th - 3 points, 5th - 2 points and 6th - 1 point.

The Formula M Race Car Spesifications:

Formula M racing cars are of the open wheel, single seater, rear wheel driven design, powered by a motorcyle engine and only space frame construction is allowed. The overhaul length of the Formula M car should not be more than 4m - all inclusive and the wheelbase (axle centrers) should be between 1,52m and 2,65m. The car track maximum, center to center off the tyre should be no more than 1.4m. Formula M cars are only permitted to use 13" Rims with racing slick tyres. Road tyres may be used when the track is wet. The following two motorcyle eniges are allowed: 400cc 4-stroke with no modifications and 250cc 2-stroke open to all modifications.