Gravity Formula One Race Cars

Remember why the apple falls out of the tree? Roger Hickey does, and he has taken gravity to the extreme.

In September, 1990, Hickey and a friend, Don Baumea, started tinkering with the idea of new type of race car. Borrowing from go-cart technology and bobsled design, the 33-year-old Hickey created Gravity Formula One--a motorless race car with the looks of a Grand Prix racer but without the deafening engine roar.

“People underestimate gravity,� Hickey said. “When they see the car, they get super excited. They always say, ‘This is so trick! Where do you put the motor?’ Gravity Formula One is about as far as you can get from a go-cart or a soapbox derby car. I mean, soapbox racers don’t need roll bars.�

Indeed, this is no orange crate on wheels. The central structure is a tube-shaped shell made of carbon fiber and fiberglass that seats one and sits about an inch off the ground.

The car has slick racing tires, hydraulic brakes and a steering mechanism. As another safety measure, the steel frame, like an Indy race car, will break away from the body under impact, protecting the driver.

Hickey, an avid speedboat and motorcycle racer, says he designed the cars with safety first and foremost in mind.

“I’ve been in racing all my life,� he said. “I’ve broken a lot of bones to pay for my victories. I wanted to make this sport really safe to protect me, my family, friends and customers.�

So far, only six of the cars have been produced; another 25 are on order. Sold as a kit, the cars list for less than $2,000. Additional options, including an elaborate safety harness or a custom paint job, may add another $1,000 to the price tag.

Hickey also has plans to create the American Gravity Racing Organization to sponsor races throughout Southern California and, eventually, across the country. About eight races are set for this year.

Taking into account of the current areas available for training, races will be run on little-traveled hilly roads. Urban racers will test their mettle in the Orange County Grand Prix, to be held this August in Costa Mesa, where they will compete on a six-level parking lot slalom run.

And this may be a sport that will appeal to the masses.

“I call it eco-racing,� he said. “Gravity Formula One is economical and ecological because there’s no motor . . . which means no noise, no fumes and no high maintenance costs.�

Baumea, an engineer with McDonnell Douglas, added, “Although these cars go extremely fast, this is not a crazy sport. It is a sport of total responsibility, not injury. This is about learning your limitations and how you respond to pressure. Anyone of any age can win.�

Hickey and Baumea would like to keep the sport in the hands of the professional barbecue crowd.

“Right now, I’ve got a firefighter, some families and my wife racing,� Hickey said. “They like Gravity Formula One because it’s an invention that’s real. It’s fun. This is not a pet rock.�

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