From Bob Connearney:

"I’ve just discovered this section of your website, and it (along with all other sections) is just fantastic!!! In regards to an inquiry on 2/16/05 from Daniel Smith: I believe in the early sixties, there was a club on the west coast that promoted a Formula 4, similar to but allowing larger motors than the old British Formula 3(?), which generally used cycle engines of 500cc. F4 was intended to include Crosley-sized motors. I’m quite certain that Red Le Grande built a mid-engined car with a BMW 600 or 700 opposed twin engine for this class. Someplace in my archives I have a single page advertising “flyer” of this car."

Email from Daniel Smith to Bob Connearney:

"I believe you have come closer to anyone helping me with this car.  I have had it confirmed that the car does have a Crosley motor in it.  I am making a deal on one of the cars now.  I know it's not going to set the track on fire but I do plan on running it at a Sovren event or two.  Just with a "Be Gentle" sign on the back for all of those who are about to pass me.  If you run across the "flyer" you mention I would be very grateful to receive a copy of it.  Any info/photos will be very helpful in getting it back the way it should be."

"Formula 4" Memories From Bill Oker:

"I was checking your updates page and noticed the question from Bob Connearney IRT the FRA and Formula 4. A couple of friends of mine and I were actually members of this astute racing association back in the early 1960's. We were "under age" and not eligible to drive but we were allowed to work turn crew. Never mind that we were not trained in any way and were totally unqualified for the job...!! 

We worked turns three and four at Willow Springs several times. This was fun since the FRA often held their events in conjunction with CMC (California Motorcycle Club...as I recall). They'd run both motorcycle and formula car races on the same weekend...not together of course...!! I do recall the Formula 4 cars and remember seeing Red LeGrand there many times. Those were fun days. One afternoon we were "called in" on the radio presumably because the racing was done for the day. We loaded up my 1949 Chevrolet Convertible with all our flags, fire extinguishers, etc and turned on to the track. About as we were coming outta turn 5 they started a motorcycle race...!! I floored the 'ol Chevy (had a 150+ hp 6-banger in it) and someone yelled "slow down...you're catching them...!!" Needless to say the race steward was not pleased as we pulled off of the course outta turn nine and drove into the pits with the bikes just catching us at that point...!! After a verbal altercation with the starter...I said to the race steward..."what kind of an idiot would start a race with no turn crew...?!?!?!"