Anglo Racing Academy
Newsletter 
August 2025 Edition 🏎️

We're excited to bring you the latest updates from the track, the workshop, and behind the scenes at Anglo Racing Academy. Whether you’re a past participant, Motorsport enthusiast, or corporate event planner – there’s something in here for you.

🧑🔧 Meet The Team: John

#1 Race Team Mechanic and Team Leader 

If you’ve ever strapped into one of our Formula Fords and felt the pure rush of open-wheel driving, chances are you’ve got John to thank.

As Anglo Racing Academy’s Number 1 Race Team Mechanic and Driving Experience Team Leader, John is the man who makes sure every car is prepared to perfection, every nut and bolt is secure, and every driver can push to the limit with confidence.

John’s meticulous attention to detail both in the workshop and at the track is second to none. He coordinates the team, troubleshoots, and keeps our fleet of race cars running at their absolute best.

Away from the pit lane, John’s passion for cars doesn’t stop. He’s a true enthusiast, spending countless hours restoring and driving his collection of classic cars - a reminder that his love for motorsport runs much deeper than just race day.

This month, we’re proud to showcase not only John in action but also a few of his cherished classics that fuel his passion off the track.

We’re incredibly grateful for everything John does. His hard work, knowledge, and dedication are the backbone of Anglo Racing Academy and he ensures every experience is as authentic and adrenaline-charged as the last.

Here’s to John, for keeping the wheels turning and the engines roaring 👏

💬 Quick Fire with John

📍 Based in: Sydney, NSW
🏁 Favourite part of the job: “Seeing how excited everyone is just before they jump in the car - the energy is contagious!”
🚗 Favourite Race Car: “#6 - It’s always been my favorite and it's the one that I drive when we have the opportunity at the track.”
🎵 Pre-race pump-up song: "Eye Of The Tiger" - Survivor
🎯 Weekend hobby: Tinkering with classic cars
📸 Fun-Fact: John's favorite personal car is his MG TC

🛠️ What's On In the Workshop

Built in 1986 by Van Diemen International in the UK, the RF86 quickly became a dominant force in Formula Ford racing around the world. Van Diemen cars were known for their precision engineering, lightweight tubular steel space-frame chassis, and exceptional handling making them the car of choice for many aspiring drivers climbing the motorsport ladder.

The RF86 competed in the Kent engine category, powered by the 1600cc Ford Kent crossflow engine, which was the backbone of Formula Ford for decades. These cars ran with no aerodynamic wings, meaning success relied purely on chassis balance, mechanical grip, and driver talent. That’s why Formula Ford has long been celebrated as the best training ground for future professional drivers, including Formula 1 champions.

Stay tuned for more progress updates...

🤔 Did You Know? – Van Diemen RF86

• Rising Stars: The RF86 was driven by future Formula 1 stars, including David Coulthard and Eddie Irvine, during their junior careers.
• Winning Pedigree: Van Diemen built more Formula Fords than any other manufacturer in history — and the RF86 was one of its most successful chassis of the 1980s.
• Raw Racing: With no wings or downforce, the RF86 demanded pure driving skill. It’s one of the reasons Formula Ford is still considered the ultimate training ground for professional drivers.
• Collectable Classic: Today, restored RF86s are highly sought after in Historic Formula Ford racing, often running at the front of fiercely competitive grids.

Project 2: ⚙️ Duratec Engine - Clutch & Flywheel Replacement

Our team has also been busy working on one of our Duratec-powered Formula Fords, fitting a replacement AP Racing clutch and flywheel. These controlled Formula Ford components are vital for reliability and performance, delivering smooth power transfer lap after lap. With the new setup in place, this engine is primed for consistent launches and peak performance in race conditions.Unlike other junior categories, Formula Ford is a controlled formula meaning key parts are standardised to keep costs in check and competition tight.

That’s where the AP Racing clutch and flywheel come in. These are the specified components for Duratec-powered cars across the championship.

• The Clutch: A lightweight racing clutch designed to handle repeated high-RPM launches, fast gear changes, and the punishment of track use.
• The Flywheel: Precision balanced, it works with the clutch to deliver smooth power transfer, reduce drivetrain shock, and improve throttle response.

By replacing these components, our team ensures the car remains within regulations while maintaining maximum reliability and performance. It’s the kind of work that doesn’t always get noticed on race day but without it, drivers wouldn’t have the confidence to push flat-out lap after lap.
 

 

Project 3: 🚚 Trailer Maintenance

Behind every great track day is rock-solid logistics. One of our trailers has been receiving some much-needed maintenance, including wiring and lighting work, to keep the fleet moving safely and efficiently between workshop and circuit.

It’s not just the race cars that put in the kilometer's, our transporters do too. Every time we head to the Wodonga TAFE Logic Campus for a Driving Experience event, the team travels over 550 kilometer's each way from our base in Glendenning, NSW.

That’s more than 1,100 kilometer's round trip, hauling trailers loaded with Formula Fords, spare parts, tools, and safety gear. Factor in fuel stops, driver changes, and the inevitable roadside coffee runs, and it’s a full-on mission just to get the fleet trackside.

 

 

Why do we do it? Because Wodonga is one of the best and safest places in Victoria for drivers to experience the thrill of open-wheel race cars and we’re committed to bringing that adrenaline to as many motorsport fans as possible.

Just like swapping clutches or restoring classic chassis, the logistics are a vital part of what makes Anglo Racing Academy tick. Behind every Driving Experience is a huge amount of planning, preparation, and kilometer's on the road - all to ensure that when you arrive at the track, everything runs like clockwork.

 

📸 Experience Day Highlights: Friday 01st August

There’s nothing routine about an Anglo Driving Experience. Each event has its own stories, challenges, and moments of adrenaline that stick with participants long after they climb out of the car.

 

In the Driver’s Seat

From the moment helmets went on, the transformation was clear. Participants weren’t just guests, they became drivers, taking control of genuine Formula Ford race cars. No traction control, no assists, no passenger, just them and the car. Lap after lap, confidence grew as they leaned into corners, felt the tyres bite, and discovered the razor-sharp precision of open-wheel driving.

 

Life in the Pits

The pits were buzzing with energy. Engines crackled, tyres squealed, and the smell of hot brakes filled the air. Families and friends capturing every moment as the drivers blasted past. The camaraderie was unmistakable with mates ribbing each other, first-timers swapping stories, and spectators sharing in the rush.

 

Hot Laps That Steal the Show

When the two-seater fired up, all eyes turned. Those lucky enough to strap in for a passenger hot lap walked away wide-eyed, describing it as “the fastest thing I’ve ever done.” It’s one thing to drive - it’s another to feel the raw pace when one of our pro drivers unleashes the car’s full potential.

Every Anglo event has one common thread: pure motorsport joy. Whether you’re behind the wheel or cheering from the pit wall, it’s an experience that captures the spirit of racing and leaves you wanting more. 

 

 

 

 

 

Driver Reactions:

"Have always wanted to sit in and drive a single seat racing car (lifetime spectator). My wife decided that 10 laps in a Anglo Racing Academy Formula Ford would be the ideal 70th birthday present. It was a great experience and many thanks to the staff at Anglo. They were professional, courteous and very forgiving for someone whose biggest worry was holding others up. I am looking to going back for the dual seat ride to see what it is like with a seasoned driver at the wheel. I certainly (now) have a greater appreciation for those in the Formula Ford category who punt these cars around a track, at speed.
Thank You." 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Google Review from Brian Mackenzie

🗓️ Upcoming Driving Experiences

Listed below are the next available booking dates for our Stage 1 Driving Experiences at each Event location.

👉 View Availability & Book Now 👈

 

📍 Sydney Motorsport Park
Friday 19th September

07:30am – Available ✅
09:30am – Fully Booked ❌
11:30am – Fully Booked ❌
13:30pm – Fully Booked ❌

 

📍 Wodonga Training Facility
Saturday 25th October

08:00am – Available ✅
10:00am – Available ✅
12:00pm – Available ✅
14:00pm – Available ✅

 

📋Merchandise Now in stock and available!
Anglo Racing Academy Tee - Heavyweight Edition

We created three bold new t-shirt designs that showcase the heartbeat of what we do: Drive to Feel Alive. 👕

This premium 300gsm heavyweight t-shirt features an oversized box fit that delivers both comfort and attitude. Designed for those who live life in the fast lane, it’s cut from ultra-soft, durable cotton for that high-end feel you can wear trackside or street-side.

Available in three timeless colourways: White, Black, and Grey
Available in four szies: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large

This is more than just merch. It’s a statement.

• Oversized box fit - we suggest ordering one size smaller than usual

• Ultra-durable 300gsm heavyweight cotton

• Ribbed neckline with reinforced stitching

• Available in White / Black / Grey

• Designed in Australia

• Made for motorsport enthusiasts

Whether you're a seasoned racer or just love the sport, this tee was made to keep up with your lifestyle.

 

Click the link if you want to be one of the first to wear our merch!

👉 Purchase Now 👈

 

 

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