Racing History

The Dream

A personal account by Formula Thunder® founder David Vande Berg

“When I started this car build, I wanted a different kind of car, originally a formula car that essentially changed into a safety-focused Can-Am type car with modern, inexpensive, high-performance power and highly reliable components. What Can-Am had in the late 60s and very early 70s is what I would like to see happen again. I know it is a lofty goal, but I believe it is possible…

formula thunder road america SCCA club racing ASR

Where The Dream Began

A personal account by Formula Thunder® founder David Vande Berg about his racing history

dave with datsun formula thunder racing history
Ralt

“As a kid, I spectated snowmobile, super modified, and sprint car races across the Midwest; followed Can-Am and Formula 1 racing, and participated in snowmobile racing with my dad starting at age eleven. I witnessed many fatalities and tragedies, being deeply affected at a very young age. As I matured, eventually going to school for mechanical design and engineering, I followed the careers of guys like Gilles Villeneuve, Danny Sullivan, Al Holbert, and Al Unser Jr. In 1982, I got to see the pinnacle of single-seat Can-Am championship competition as well as the Formula 1 Caesar’s Palace Grand Prix in Las Vegas…