Dick Smothers driving a Formula B race car at St. Jovite 1969 (scene from "The Racing Scene" starring James Garner). Notice the extremely rudimentary rollover bar. (2:33)
Gorgeous wingless Brabham BT-29 Formula B (3 parts)
Formula B is an open wheel racing class created in Europe by the FIA in 1948 to fill the need for a lower level class than Formula 1. Based on a
2-liter normally aspirated motor, the class became very popular as Formula 2. Starting in 1967 new FIA rules for F2 (sanctioned in North America by the SCCA as Formula B)
allowed only 1600cc motors, and the 4-cylinder Cosworth FVA at approximately 220 hp became the must-have motor. Brabham BT-28/29, Chevron B15, Lotus 41/59/69, Beech, Tecno,
Palliser/Winkelmann, GRD, Titan, Hawke, LeGrand, and others developed chassis for Formula B which were basically the same as European F2 cars. In 1972 2-liter engines were allowed
again and aero devices were now popular, allowing Brabham, Chevron, March, and Ralt to dominate with Cosworth BDA and BMW motors. Unfortunately, Formula B faded out in the U.S. as
Super Vee and Formula Atlantic grew.
