Background information to Firman Cars
Director of Firman Cars, Ralph Firman, was the founder and driving force behind Van Diemen Racing’s success as the global leader of volume race car manufacturing for 3 decades until it’s sale in 1999. Ralph set up Firman Cars early in 2008 to cater for the club racing enthusiast and the same volume car market which he dominated throughout the 1970s, 80s and 90s.
As with race drivers and race teams, there exists that same competitive element amongst the car manufacturing fraternity which has unfortunately been diminished over recent years with the onslaught of the one-make series adopted by clubs and organisers around the world. However, the new and exciting Formula 1000 class introduced in the USA and open to all manufacturers, inspired Firman to re-enter the fray by founding Firman Cars and building a new car.
Gathering together many of the talented individuals of the Van Diemen era, from engineering, purchasing and manufacturing, a programme was devised to produce a totally new and radical car for the developing series. David Baldwin was again commissioned with the design, and with this part of the project now complete, the first prototype chassis was assembled at Firman Cars’s new 10,000 sq. ft. factory unit close to Snetterton circuit in Norfolk, England.
With in-house machining coupled to fabricating and bodywork facilities in adjacant units, this first car was built on schedule and tested at Brands Hatch at the beginning of October 2008.
Following a phenomenal first season wherein the new car won its debut race from pole with a new lap record, the Company has now committed to a new F2000 / Formula Continental car based on the design concept of the F1000, and this new car will be available early in 2010 following the prototype testing.