The Formula Vee Association of Western Australia, also known as FVAWA, is a sports club based in Perth that focuses on affordable racing for aspiring young drivers and experienced racers. The club provides a stepping stone for drivers aiming to progress through the racing ladder and offers a budget-friendly option for those seeking competitiveness.
FVAWA attracts a diverse mix of participants, including young Karting graduates and seasoned drivers who value affordability and competitiveness. The club's grids feature a wide range of drivers with different backgrounds and aspirations, with over 300 cars registered nationally.
One of the main advantages of joining FVAWA is the affordability of racing. Contrary to popular belief, getting involved in motor racing doesn't have to break the bank. A race-ready 1200 car can be purchased for $10,000 or less, while a 1600 car starts from around $15,000. Additionally, a year's racing budget can be kept under $5,000, making it an accessible option for enthusiasts.
Interested individuals can refer to the club's resources page for the Formula Vee Handbook and classifieds to find available cars.
For those unfamiliar with Formula Vee racing, FVAWA encourages them to attend races at Barbagallo. Spectators have the opportunity to witness the excitement firsthand, explore the paddock, admire the cars, and engage in conversations with the passionate drivers who love talking about their vehicles and racing experiences.
FVAWA organises the Western Australia Championship, which consists of nine race meetings held every 2–3 weeks from March to November. Drivers vie for the championship title and participate in highly competitive races throughout the season.
Formula Vee is not limited to a certain age group. The association welcomes aspiring drivers as young as 14, providing them with the opportunity to learn and develop their driving skills. Furthermore, FVAWA attracts seasoned drivers who refuse to retire and choose to embrace the thrill of racing rather than settling for a life of golf. It's never too late to get behind the wheel of a Formula Vee.
The club boasts impressive achievements, as showcased by the 2023 Points State Championship standings. In the 1200 category, Brett Scarey secured the top spot with 436 points, followed closely by Andrew Lockett with 416 points. For the 1600 category, Franz Esterbauer, Dave Caisley, and Paul Moltoni earned the top three positions.
In terms of events, FVAWA members can look forward to exciting races at various circuits. Carco Raceway, located at Wattle Ave in Neerabup, hosts the final round of the Western Australia Championship. Additionally, the Baskerville Raceway National Challenge in Tasmania and the Philip Island National Series Round 4 in Victoria offer further opportunities for thrilling racing experiences.
Formula Vee racing, named after its use of Volkswagen components, is recognised by the Australian motor sport governing body, CAMS, as the entry-level open-wheeler circuit competition. The strict car specifications prioritise driver skill over budget and mechanical aptitude, making it a learning class and a stepping stone into higher levels of motor sport. Numerous successful drivers, including Larry Perkins, John Bowe, Colin Bond, Cameron McConville, Jason Bargwanna, and Paul Stokell, began their careers in Formula Vee.
For those looking to embark on an exhilarating racing journey or get involved with racing cars, FVAWA provides the platform to live out their dreams in an affordable and competitive manner.