Nathan's current racing car

 

What is F2000?

Nathan Morcom's Rondo Van Diemen F2000 in full flight at Mid-Ohio. Photo by Dennis Valet.

 

 

F2000 is one of several 'junior development' openwheel motor racing categories that provide training for young drivers, like Nathan Morcom, who are aiming to make a career in top-level motorsport - Formula 1, Indy Cars, Le Mans sports cars, GTs, NASCAR and V8 Supercars, etc.

 

It's a development of Formula Ford 1600 (aka 'FF1600' or 'Formula Ford'), which has been the mainstay of entry level openwheeler competition worldwide for some 40 years.

 

The basic specifications of F2000 and FF1600 are similar:

• Tubular steel ‘spaceframe’ chassis
• Naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine
• Four-speed 'H-pattern' manual gearbox
• ‘Open’ differential

 

F2000s are faster than FF1600s:

• More power - 2.0-litre vs 1.6-litre engine
• More aerodynamic downforce - front and rear aerofoil 'wings' and a rear undertray 'diffuser', which are banned in FF1600
• More traction - wider tyres

 

Over the years, F2000 has been a stepping-stone in the careers of countless motor racing champions, most notably Ayrton Senna, Johnny Herbert, Eddie Irvine (Formula 1), Jimmy Vasser, Dan Wheldon, Sam Hornish Jnr, Buddy Rice (Indy Cars), Jason Bright and David Besnard (V8 Supercars).

 

Currently the formula is strongest in the USA, with two multi-State championships: the F2000 Championship Series, which Nathan Morcom is contesting; and the USF2000 National Championship.

 

 

F2000 CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

The series is held on racetracks in north-eastern USA and Canada. There are two 30-minute rounds at seven race meetings, ranging from car club level up to American Le Mans Series and Grand-Am Sports Car Series events. Click here to see the 2011 schedule.