Formula Holden
| Company type | Racing category |
|---|---|
| Industry | Motorsport |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Defunct | 2007 |
| Fate | Discontinued by CAMS after 2005; continued under AASA and later OzBOSS until 2007 |
Area served | Australia, New Zealand, Oceania |
| Products | Open wheel racing cars powered by Holden V6 engines |
Formula Holden emerged as an Australian open wheel racing category launched in 1989.
History
Originally called Formula Australia, the series featured aluminium monocoque chassis powered by 3.8-litre Buick V6 engines based on the Holden Commodore (VN). Many of these engines were constructed by Perkins Engineering, headed by former Formula One competitor and multiple Bathurst 1000 champion Larry Perkins. Initial engine output was approximately , with performance enhancements provided through components supplied by series sponsor Automotive Components Limited (ACL).
The category aimed to utilize used Formula 3000 chassis as an affordable option, with CAMS regulations mandating that cars be at least one year old. Dunlop served as the exclusive tyre supplier at the start. From 1992 onward, carbon fibre chassis were permitted. In 2006, an upgrade introduced the 3.6-litre Alloytec V6 engine, though this saw limited uptake. Chassis sources frequently included Japanese Formula Nippon designs alongside Australian manufacturers such as Cheetah Racing Cars, Elfin Sports Cars, Liston, Spa (designed by F1 engineer Gary Anderson), and the student-constructed Shrike (racing car) from Adelaide's TAFE.
Functioning as a cost-effective alternative to Formula 3000, Formula Holden primarily differed in engine choice—employing Holden V6 units rather than more powerful 3.0-litre V8s like the Cosworth DFV or those from Mugen-Honda. While torque figures were similar, Formula Holden engines delivered roughly less horsepower, resulting in reduced top speeds. For instance, at Phillip Island in 1990, a Formula 3000 Dome completed a lap around 1:18, whereas the quickest Formula Holden qualifier recorded a time of 1:26.97.
Between 1989 and 2004, the series decided the recipient of the Australian Drivers' Championship and CAMS Gold Star, taking over from Formula 2. In 2005, this championship transitioned to Australian Formula 3.
The first race at Mallala Motor Sport Park was won by Mark McLaughlin driving an Elfin FA891. Engine costs were economical at approximately A$9,700 compared to more than $25,000 for older categories like Formula Mondial.
From 1991 through 1995, the category was known as Formula Brabham to honor Australia's inaugural F1 World Champion Sir Jack Brabham, who acted as patron. The original name returned in 1996 before changing to "Formula 4000 powered by Holden" in 2003.
The formula also featured in events such as the 1993 Pan-Pacific series, New Zealand Grands Prix, and Tasman Cup races. Although proposals were made for an Asian championship based in China, these plans never came to fruition. Declining grid numbers due to competition from V8 Supercars and Formula 3 led CAMS to discontinue the category after 2005. In 2006, it continued under Australian Auto Sport Alliance (AASA) within the Australian Motor Racing Series and was later integrated into OzBOSS in 2007 with cars rebranded as Formula 3000V6.
During the 2000s, participants included privateer entrants and emerging drivers from Oceania and South Asia seeking international recognition. Despite utilizing machinery comparable to near-Formula One standards, limited competition compelled many drivers to move on to lower-tier European or North American series or switch to Australian touring car championships such as the Supercars Championship or Australian GT Championship.
Since January 2012, pre-1992 Formula Holden vehicles have been eligible for Group R "Historic Racing & Sports Racing Cars (post-1977)" events; however, those equipped with full carbon fibre tubs remain excluded.
Champions
Formula Holden Vehicles
Among the principal chassis were models such as the Cheetah Mk.9, Dome F102, Elfin FA891, Hocking 901/911, Liston BF3, Lola T87/50, T91/50, T93/50, March 87B, along with Ralt RT4, RT20, RT21, RT23, and a range of Reynard variants spanning from the 89D to the 98D. Additional significant cars included the Shrike NB89H and SPA series from 001 to 003.
Circuit Lap Records
Despite the conclusion of competitive Formula Holden racing in Australia after the year 2007, as of May 2024 this category still maintains the outright lap records at multiple tracks across Australia and New Zealand:
Australia
- Canberra Street Circuit* – 1:39.5409 – Simon Wills, driving a Reynard 94D, recorded on 10 June 2000
- Hidden Valley Raceway – 1:02.9268 – Simon Wills in a Reynard 94D, achieved on 13 May 2001
- Lakeside International Raceway – 0:46.66 – Paul Stokell set this time in a Reynard 91D on 17 July 1994
- Mallala Motor Sport Park – 1:02.57 – Paul Stokell, behind the wheel of a Reynard 90D, clocked this on 7 August 1994
- Oran Park Raceway (GP)* – Tim Leahey posted a lap time of 1:01.6718 driving a Reynard 92D on 30 July 2000
- Oran Park Raceway (South)* – Paul Stokell achieved a time of 0:37.73 in a Reynard 90D on 28 August 1994
- Queensland Raceway – Simon Wills recorded a lap of 1:04.0661 in a Reynard 94D on 11 July 1999
- Winton Motor Raceway (Club) – Mark Larkham set a time of 0:52.99 in a Reynard 90D on 4 April 1992
* Circuit no longer operational
New Zealand
- Manfeild Autocourse (short) – On 26 November 2000, Simon Wills completed a lap in 1:01.457 with a Reynard 94D
- Mike Pero Motorsport Park – In 1998, Scott Dixon achieved a time of 1:15.81 driving a Reynard 92D
- Teretonga Park – Greg Murphy set the fastest lap at 0:51.206 in a Reynard 92D during 1998
- Timaru International Motor Raceway – Greg Murphy recorded a lap time of 0:56.26 in a Reynard 92D in 1995