Ex Chip Mead Formula Atlantic, fresh engine rebuilt by Ivey, fresh FT200 gearbox. Ready to race!
1976 RALT RT1 Formula AtlanticChassis No. – RT1-11Exterior Color –Two Tone Blue and White LiveryInterior Color – BlackEngine – Ford Cosworth BDA 1.6L in-line 4-cylinderTransmission – 5-Speed Hewland FT200 transaxle

History of RALT and RT1-11

Founded by ex-Jack Brabham associate Ron Tauranac, RALT was named as the acronym of Ron and brother Austin Lewis. Established in 1974, the first of their cars were the RT1 built specifically to compete in Formula Two, Formular Three, and Formula Atlantic racing. These cars were well received with successes in races spanning 1974-1978. Using a lightweight monocoque chassis and fiberglass body, the 1,100 lb car was both capable and versatile, powered by a 230 hp engine driving a 5-speed Hewland gearbox.This RALT was built for the Formula Atlantic series and delivered to the first owner in 1976. One of 43 cars built, it was ideal for the Canadian and US racing series and SCCA events. Delivered in early 1976 to Cavanaugh Racing, Philadelphia, PA for Harry Talbot “Chip” Mead, it’s likely the purchase was supported by Jim Trueman, Red Roof Inns, who would later become a strong backer of future Mead race cars.

By 1977, Mead continued to run the car, eventually shifting racing duties to a Portland, OR based team operated by Pierre Phillips. At the end of the season, the car was sold to New Zealander Rick Shea who intended to continue in Formula Atlantic and SCCA events, but, with his primary sponsor (the music group Jethro Tull) having backed out, RT1-11 remained sidelined for the 1978 season. The next owner, Carlos Bobeda, acquired the car in 1980 intending to run it in SCCA National races. With racing technology advancing swiftly he elected to improve the car, rebuilding it with a new monocoque and changing the rear suspension to 1978 specifications including relocating the radius rod pickup points inboard which vastly improved steering dynamics at higher speeds. RT1-11 changed hands throughout the 1980s and 1990s as it continued to be raced in SCCA events including Southern California Regionals and numerous other events. Among the many races documented for this car highlights include:

1st at 1977 SCCA Oregon Region Regional – Chip Mead3rd at 1977 SCCA Oregon Region Regional “Rose Cup” – Chip Mead3rd at 1977 Labatt’s CASC Formula Atlantic Championship, Round 6 – Mead4th at 1977 Labatt’s CASC Formula Atlantic Championship, Round 1 – Mead1st at 1980 SCCA Colorado Region National – Carlos Bobeda2nd at 1980 SCCA California Sports Car Club National - Bobeda3rd at 1981 SCCA California Sports Car Club National – Bobeda4th at 1982 SCCA California Sports Car Club National – Stu Hayner3rd at 1989 SCCA San Diego Region Regionals – Randy GoodmanDocumented by expert Dr. Chris Townsend with a complete history of all owners since originally built including prior ownership (2022) with well-known engine expert Dave Vegher of Veloce Motors West, Petaluma, CA, this RALT is also backed by a Certificate from Ron Tauranac Racing Ltd. citing the authenticity of the fuel cell and roll over bar (key identifying and authentic original numbers confirming chassis RT1-11). In addition to the documented history of owners, races, and participation in race events, this RALT has always been under exemplary care from a cadre of capable owners and serviced by top tier vintage racing specialists including extensive professional preparation under current ownership.Build Details and Recent PreparationUnder current ownership, this RALT has been comprehensively prepared in every respect with no expense spared, performed by experts at CTC, Competition Touring Cars, Cotati, CA. Work included disassembling the car entirely, crack checking all suspension pieces and replacing several pieces including four new magnesium uprights, bearings, and all rod ends, and all four Koni shock absorbers serviced by Psi. While the car was fully disassembled, tub repairs were performed as needed including installing a new steel front crossmember and a complete rebuild alignment, and installation of the rear wing structure and wing. Additionally, all hydraulics were rebuilt or replaced, new brake rotors were installed, and a fresh Shipper wiring harness installed. Concurrent with the chassis, brakes, and suspension work, an impressive IVEY rebuild was performed on the Cosworth BDA engine with essentially zero time logged on the completed engine as it sits today. The Hewland 5-speed FT200 gearbox was also freshened, and numerous other important mechanical items were also completed during the rebuild which concluded in July 2026.Current Condition Overview

Today this RALT Formula Atlantic offers an exemplary presentation with excellent paint and beautifully finished competition livery representative of the first years of competition and ownership under Chip Mead. RT1-11 has been restored to a very high standard both cosmetically and mechanically with only minor evidence of track use evident on the body panels. The racing livery is impressive as the vivid blue colors highlight the full front air dam and rear wing but also reveal the lightweight construction of the open wheel configuration. The clean white paint scheme for the center section is flanked by two tone blue finishes placing visual attention on the advanced aerodynamics developed during this experimental era where many advances in this area were intuitively engineered prior to modern computer analysis. The lightweight fiberglass bodywork sits low and tight to the chassis with the rear wing perched well behind the rear axle where trailing air creates welcoming downforce particularly under high speed cornering. The sophisticated bodywork includes a side intake scoop feeding dual twin side-draft Weber carburetors and a choice of two softly contoured white engine covers to facilitate proper airflow. Inside the cockpit, the minimal instrumentation is clean, simple, and properly placed for immediate view behind a quick-release Momo steering wheel. A custom formed racing seat is fitted with a Sabelt seat belt harness and surrounded by a roll over bar. The car sits on a set of staggered size JRW Jongbloed Racing Wheels shod with Avon racing tires.Under the lightweight body sections, the well-prepared frame and suspension have been thoughtfully crack tested, serviced, replaced as needed, and restored with attention to detail including the use of high-quality materials, updated fasteners and hardware, and durable race-proven finishes. The entire engine compartment has been professionally finished with attention to cosmetic presentation and mechanical excellence including the impressive IVEY built BDA Cosworth engine and Hewland 5-speed FT200 gearbox. Everything from the fuel delivery system, electrical components including all new wiring, suspension, and brakes have been tested and reassembled with care and accuracy.Passionately developed and professionally prepared by racing innovators, offered with racing and ownership documentation since delivered new, and recent rebuild performed by dedicated professionals, RALT RT1-11 offers the next fortunate enthusiast a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a properly prepared vintage race car with confidence and pride at numerous premier contemporary vintage racing venues.Items included with this RALT

This RALT is accompanied by a Ron Taurnac Racing Ltd. certificate, a copiously researched historic and ownership report with a listing of races from period events prepared by Dr. Chris Townsend, and the following mechanical spares:The original Marston fuel cellsTwo fiberglass front air damsThree front air dam belly pansA spare front spoilerTwo fiberglass engine shroudsVarious metal frame and support partsFive brake discsVarious gears for the HewlandOne spare axleFour suspension hubsFuel and oil filtersSpare brake padsTwo spare gaugesMisc. suspension shimsSpare radiatorMisc. spare body panels