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60 years of Formula V: accidents, legends and dangerous races!
Find out more about the history of Formula V, its challenges and formative accidents from the perspective of a former driver and journalist.
60 years of Formula V: accidents, legends and dangerous races!
A look back at Formula V, which was launched 60 years ago, brings back many memories. In episode 7 of his review, the author, who was active as a journalist, racing driver and track announcer for eight years, reports on the dangerous and chaotic paths of the time. “Nobody was without fault,” he emphasizes, describing how accidents and mishaps were part of everyday life on the racetrack. In an era without seat belts, guardrails and unsafe helmets, the Formula V races were an unparalleled test of courage. Many drivers were lucky in the truest sense of the word, including Gerold Pankl, who had long since cemented his reputation as the “crash king”.
A formative experience for the author was an incident in 1966 when he caught Günther Huber in a race on the verge of winning the European Championship. The unfortunate moment when Huber spun in front of him cost him the title and tested the friendship of both drivers, but Huber never held a grudge against the incident. These stories are just the tip of the iceberg when you consider the damage and also the personal pain on the racetrack. “It was an exciting but also dangerous time,” reflects the author about his own experiences.
Accident risk and experiences
In 1970 there was a serious accident at the Nürburgring, which ended lightly for the author - with bruises, but without serious consequences for his competitor. An incident in Mainz-Finthen, where an unforeseen change in the chicane caused a collision with Helmut Marko, is also remembered. These experiences shaped the excitement and uncertainty of the time when every driver was responsible for their own safety.
Formula Vee was more than just a racing sport. It is a legend that was very popular in the 60s and 70s, primarily with VW Beetle components. The American engineer Hubert L. Brundage had the idea of developing racing cars based on the Beetle. Almost every component came from this legendary vehicle, making Formula Vee the greatest brand formula of its time. The vehicles were produced by Kaimann, Beachcar and Formcar, among others, and offered anything but a protected space for their drivers.
A special review
The premiere battle took place on August 1, 1965 at the Nürburgring, and since then Formula Vee has written an undeniable history. With top speeds of around 160 km/h and constantly evolving technology, there were both enthusiastic fans and numerous challenges. Despite all the risks and difficulties, Formula Vee captivated audiences and participants for years.
The author, who is still in touch with his old colleagues and friends, looks back on his mistakes and sees them as part of his formative time in Formula V. The anniversary is a reminder not only of glory and unforgettable races, but also of the decisive lessons of this unfussy era. The adventure in Formula Vee was the beginning for many drivers who eventually moved up to major racing - a path that continued in the 1990s with Formula Volkswagen. This development shows that the spirit of Formula Vee continues to inspire and attract new talent.