DAVISON LATEST TO JOIN S5000 GRID
James Davison latest to join S5000 – Photo: LAT
Preparing for his third-straight Indianapolis 500 campaign, Australian James Davison will make his S5000 Championship debut at Australian Grand Prix on March 12-15.
By HEATH McALPINE
Davison has been competing in America for the past 10 years, racing IndyCar, GTs and NASCAR, but returns to race on Australian shores among a star-studded field including the recently announced Alex Premat and new Team BRM teammate Rubens Barrichello.
The 33-year-old can’t wait to take to Albert Park after watching cousin Alex race in the inaugural round last year and his father Jon’s previous career in F5000 during the 1970s.
“I’ve been a fan of the S5000 series from its inception, as it brings back some of the magic of the Formula 5000 era of the 70s that my father drove in,” said Davison.
“The class really gives modern motor sport fans what they want. The horsepower, big rear tyres and limited grip. It is going to be a fun new challenge for me.
“Racing S5000 around Albert Park against Rubens Barrichello will be a fantastic experience and will no doubt attract interest from the F1 fans.
“I personally love the Albert Park layout and should make for some great racing.”
Category manager Chris Lambden believes Davison will be one of the favourites at Albert Park.
“James is one of the top Australians in US professional motorsport and will be a top contender at Albert Park,” said Lambden.
“Why he loves the Albert Park layout is because, a few years ago, he actually drove the Lola Formula 5000 car once raced by Alan Jones (and owned by his uncle, Richard Davison, at the time) in the historic F5000 event, and blew everyone away …
“He has thus experienced big horsepower at the place where S5000 will kick off its 2020 championship. Since then, he has carved out a great career in the States and so will be right in the thick of it.”
Davison will complete a test alongside stablemate Barrichello at Winton prior to the opening round and will be supported by US-based ground maintenance providers BYRD Enterprises and Melbourne’s Sergi Mobile Crane Solutions.
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