What Is 1971 SCCA Formula Super Vee season

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1971 SCCA Formula Super Vee season was the second official season of the Sports Car Club of America's Formula Super Vee series, featuring 8 races across the United States. It ran from May to October, with Bob Garretson winning the championship.

Key Facts

The 1971 SCCA Formula Super Vee season consisted of 8 official races.
Bob Garretson won the 1971 championship with consistent top finishes.
Races were held from May to October 1971 across various U.S. circuits.
Cars used 1.6L Volkswagen-based engines complying with FIA Super Vee regulations.
The series served as a developmental platform for drivers aiming for IndyCar or F1.

Overview

The 1971 SCCA Formula Super Vee season marked the second full year of competition in the Sports Car Club of America's single-seater open-wheel series. Designed as a stepping stone for aspiring professional drivers, the series emphasized affordability and competitive parity through tightly controlled technical regulations.

Eight races were held across the United States between May and October 1971, featuring compact, lightweight race cars powered by modified 1.6L Volkswagen engines. The season attracted a mix of amateur and semi-professional drivers seeking experience in formula-style racing.

Bob Garretson emerged as the 1971 champion after accumulating the highest point total across the season’s eight events.
The series used 1.6L air-cooled four-cylinder engines based on the Volkswagen Type 3, producing approximately 110 horsepower.
Races were held at prominent U.S. circuits including Mid-Ohio, Road Atlanta, and Laguna Seca, enhancing the series' national profile.
Formula Super Vee regulations were aligned with FIA European Super Vee standards, allowing for potential international competition.
Each race weekend typically featured a single 45–60 minute event, with points awarded based on finishing position and consistency.

How It Works

The 1971 Formula Super Vee series operated under strict technical and sporting regulations to ensure close competition and cost control. The following breakdown explains key aspects of the series’ structure and vehicle specifications.

Chassis Design: Cars featured spaceframe or monocoque chassis built by manufacturers like Zink, Salzburg, and BS. These were lightweight, weighing under 1,200 pounds, and optimized for handling.
Engine Specifications: All engines were derived from the Volkswagen Type 3 1.6L block, modified to produce around 110 hp while maintaining reliability and parity.
Transmission: A four-speed manual gearbox, typically from Volkswagen or Hewland, was standard, with limited-slip differentials allowed.
Aerodynamics: Minimal bodywork with small front wings and rear spoilers were permitted, but ground effects and complex wings were banned to limit costs.
Driver Eligibility: The series was open to SCCA-licensed drivers, with both amateur and professional entrants competing in the same field.
Scoring System: Points were awarded on a 9-6-4-3-2-1 basis for the top six finishers, with additional points for fastest lap in some events.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1971 Formula Super Vee compared to other major single-seater series of the era:

Series	Engine	Weight	Chassis Builders	Primary Goal
Formula Super Vee (1971)	1.6L VW-based	~1,200 lbs	Zink, BS, Salzburg	Driver development
Formula Ford 1600	1.6L Ford Kent	~1,100 lbs	Cosworth, Hawke	Entry-level racing
Formula B (SCCA)	1.6L FIA F2 engines	~1,400 lbs	Lotus, Brabham	Pro racing
IndyCar (USAC)	4.2L Offy or turbo V8s	~1,580 lbs	McLaren, Eagle	Oval and road racing
FIA Formula 2	1.6L production-based	~1,320 lbs	March, Chevron	F1 feeder series

The 1971 Formula Super Vee occupied a unique niche between entry-level Formula Ford and more powerful Formula B. It offered a balanced mix of affordability and performance, making it ideal for drivers progressing toward higher categories like Formula 5000 or IndyCar. Its use of mass-produced engine components kept costs lower than purpose-built racing engines.

Why It Matters

The 1971 season played a significant role in shaping American open-wheel racing by providing a structured, competitive environment for emerging talent. Its influence extended beyond the track, impacting driver development programs and series design.

Driver Development: The series served as a proving ground for future IndyCar and Can-Am drivers, including Brian Redman and Al Holbert.
Cost Control Model: The reliance on Volkswagen engines set a precedent for affordable formula racing in the U.S.
Technical Innovation: Builders like Zink Engineering refined chassis designs that influenced later sports prototype development.
SCCA Expansion: Success in 1971 encouraged the SCCA to expand the series, leading to a 10-race schedule in 1972.
International Links: Parity with European Super Vee allowed American drivers to compete abroad, increasing exposure.
Legacy: The series evolved into the VW SC Challenge and inspired modern spec-series like Indy NXT.

Overall, the 1971 SCCA Formula Super Vee season was a pivotal chapter in American motorsport history, bridging grassroots racing and professional open-wheel competition.