SUPER5000 SHOCK: ALL-NEW AUSSIE ‘INDYCAR’

New-look Super5000 to commence next year – Image: SSMedia

BIG BANGER open-wheel racing is returning to Australia with the new-look Super5000, which will start next year in an unexpected guise.

By MARK FOGARTY

In a late switch to appease safety concerns, S5000’s backers have adopted an FIA-approved 2018 chassis powered by an Australian-modified five-litre V8 that drives through a locally made transmission.

The change has won the endorsement of CAMS, which has granted now-rare full national championship status to the planned six- or seven-round S5000 series in 2019.

Although inspired by the famous Formula 5000s of the 1970s, S5000 is a thoroughly up-to-date new pinnacle single-seater category for Australasia that is closer to American IndyCar in concept and performance.

The surprise all-new Franco-American Onroak-Ligier chassis, which includes the latest halo cockpit protection, has replaced the original Supercars-instigated S5000 proposal and the 2008 Swift-based Formula Thunder 5000 design.

The new S5000 retains the FT5000’s cost-effective V8 drivetrain and limited aerodynamic downforce to promote affordable and close racing with the emphasis on driver skill.

The latest issue of AUTO ACTION magazine, on sale today (Thursday), has a comprehensive rundown on Super5000, with full technical details and all the background to its controversial creation.

AA was given an exclusive pre-launch briefing by new-generation Aussie V8 open wheeler founding father Chris Lambden, who has been appointed S5000’s category manager.

The new issue of AA also reveals how S5000 could revive the international ‘Indycarnival’ atmosphere at October’s Surfers Paradise street race festival, which was headlined by the American open-wheelers from 1991-2008.

As well as an all-Australian Holinger gearbox, the S5000 uses an ECU developed by Australian-based international electronic control systems leader MoTec.

AA has also learned that the S5000’s electronics allow for the use of an IndyCar-style push-to-pass in-race performance boost, which is being considered.

S5000 marks the return of high-powered single-seaters in Australia after an absence of more than a decade.

Domestically, they haven’t been seen since the demise of Formula Holden as a national championship category in 2006, when F3 took over as Australia’s premier open-wheel category.

S5000 is backed by new promoter powerhouse Australian Racing Group, which is also behind next year’s local introduction of the international TCR touring car racing category.

ARG is underwritten by reclusive motorsport enthusiast/business entrepreneur Brian Boyd, already a major racing patron through his PAYCE property development enterprise.

ARG’s day-to-day operations are headed by former Supercars senior executive Matt Braid, who was – ironically – one of the instigators of the divisive original S5000 plan.

Significantly, the category management deal includes national title status as the CAMS Super5000 Australian Championship.

Based on the carbon-fibre Ligier JS F3 chassis designed for next year’s new American Formula 3 series, the S5000 spec chassis easily adapts to accommodating the Australian-modified five-litre Ford Coyote ‘Aluminator’ V8.

Producing an unstressed 560 horsepower, the sealed control spec motor mates to an Australian-made Holinger six-speed paddle shift transaxle.

Official details of Super5000 were announced to coincide with the publication of AUTO ACTION #1743, on sale today (Thursday).

According to the S5000 media release, the new category has moved beyond retro to being completely state-of-the-art.

“While some of the category’s original concepts would turn the clock back to the now-historic Formula 5000 series held through the 1970s, the new, bold Super5000 class is a completely contemporary and modern category, aimed at introducing young and aspiring drivers to first-class open wheel racing, as well as experienced professionals,” the launch statement said.

The blurb continued: “The contemporary Super5000 car is based on an all-new Onroak-Ligier carbon-fibre monocoque, with strength, safety and cost-effectiveness the main priorities.

“The Super 5000 chassis will feature the halo protective device, making it the first Australian racing class that will feature the FIA-mandated safety feature.

“Components for the modern, state-of-the-art chassis, engine and transmission are specified control parts – including the Onroak-Ligier safety cell – that will further reduce initial and ongoing costs for competitors and teams.”

Along with the cost-saving Ford V8/Holinger drivetrain, the S5000 racer will feature “huge” 17-inch wide rear tyres, “giving the Super5000 car an undeniable on-track presence”, while “its deliberately moderate downforce package will complete a car in which driver skill will pay a premium”.

Super5000 category manager Chris Lambden – a former editor of AUTO ACTION – said: “It’s been an interesting pathway over the past three-and-a-half years to get to this point, but what we’re now going to be able to offer Australian motorsport is actually better than I had ever thought we could achieve.

“The 2018 FIA-spec Onroak-Ligier tub, amalgamated with the V8 engine and Holinger rear end, makes up a totally contemporary Super5000 car that is going to blow people away. It will retain the modest downforce and mechanical grip elements that we have aimed for, so it’s going to be fast and safe and, at last, we have a serious, spectacular, high-level open wheeler category – perhaps Australia’s version of IndyCar.

“There have been a lot of people expressing interest in getting involved, and with CAMS now ticking off the car and the championship series, it is well and truly on.”

ARG’s Matt Braid added: “Since the original presentation of the Super5000 concept as a new, premier open-wheel racing series, interest in bringing the category to life has been extremely strong from fans, teams and potential drivers, and has continued to grow as each prototype car has been displayed.

“Given the significant interest and support for launching the Super5000 category, Australian Racing Group is extremely pleased to finally confirm the specification of the car and to have Super5000 endorsed and confirmed as an official category by CAMS for 2019.

“The 2019 specification Super5000 car not only looks great, but will be extremely safe, fast and spectacular on track, foregoing technical driving aids to ensure driver talent shines through and provide a level of excitement on track that open wheel fans in Australia and the world have not experienced in some time.

“We can’t wait to see the spectacle of a strong field of Super5000 cars racing wheel-to-wheel on the track in 2019.”

CAMS chief executive officer Eugene Arocca applauded the return of a pinnacle open-wheeler category that could eventually justify the restoration of the Australian Drivers’ Championship ‘Gold Star’.

“The introduction of the CAMS Super5000 Australian Championship to our growing motorsport landscape is a very welcome addition,” Arocca said. “We are excited to announce ARG has secured the commercial rights to manage Super5000 and look forward to seeing the first cars on track in the near future.

“The ARG team have put forward some very exciting plans to ensure this open-wheel category is a great success. We are, of course, also pleased to see the FIA-approved safety features incorporated, including the (Australian-first) halo.

“We look forward to working closely with Matt, Chris and the entire team at ARG as this category prepares for its competitive debut in 2019.”

For more of the latest national motorsport news, pick up the latest issue of Auto Action, on sale now. Also make sure you follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or our weekly email newsletter for all the latest updates between issues.