Formula 5000 Support at Sandown

In another V8 Supercars ‘first’, spectacular historic motorsport category Formula 5000 is set to appear on the V8 Supercars bill for the first time, at the Wilson Security Sandown 500.

A good grid of the earth-shaking 5-litre V8-powered Australian Grand Prix cars of the 1970s will complete V8 Supercars’ ‘period-look’ supporting program at the opening PIRTEK Enduro Cup event.

While the field is full of great racers, V8 Supercars fans will be excited to see Richard Davison, father of V8 Supercar stars Will and Alex, competing in the field that pits New Zealand’s top contenders against the locals in the second round of the 2013/14 Formula 5000 Australia Cup.

Legendary kiwi veteran Ken Smith (Lola T332), along with 2012/13 NZ MSC series race winners Clark Proctor (March 73A) and Andrew Higgins (Lola T400) are among the kiwi visitors who will provide a stern challenge for Australia’s Formula 5000 regulars.

Among those expected to take on the kiwis at the Wilson Security Sandown 500 are 2012 pole-sitter Bryan Sala (Matich A50), Aaron Lewis (Matich) and defending Formula 5000 Australia Cup winner Andrew Robson (Lola T332), while there are a couple of interesting dark-horse entries.

Davison will drive the well-known ex-Teddy Yip/Alan Jones Lola T332 driven briefly previously by nephew James. ‘Davo’ has shown solid form during his two historic event outings to date, while former F3 and Carrera Cup contender Tom Tweedie will continue his debut season in his father’s ex-Team VDS Chevron B24/28.

The F5000s will contest two qualifying heats on Saturday at Sandown, with a feature F5000 race on Sunday morning, just prior to the V8 Supercars  warm-up.

Familiar V8 Supercar pit lane visitor Bill Gibson of Gibson Freight (which moves the V8 Supercars internationally, to New Zealand and to Texas) is a long-time F5000 fan and supporter, and is overseeing the transport logistics of the kiwi F5000 imports.

“Our involvement with Formula 5000 goes way back to the Tasman series, with John Cannon, John Goss, and so on,” Gibson said.

“I’ve always loved Formula 5000. It is spectacular and, with its rebirth as an historic category, I’m enjoying it again, pleased to be involved, and wouldn’t miss it!”

F5000 Australia Chairman Paul Zazryn said the events were not only a showcase for F5000, but for historic racing in general.

“There’s no doubt the public love the sight and sound of these ‘golden era’ cars, and if it helps to introduce Historic racing to new fans, then that’s great,” he said.

The V8 Utes series and Touring Car Masters will also run as support categories to the V8 Supercars at the Wilson Security Sandown 500.

Tickets are available for the event through Ticketek.