MCCORMACK CUP TO BE AWARDED IN S5000

McCormack Cup to be awarded in S5000 – Image: Supplied

It has been announced that in the opening round of the inaugural VHT S5000 Championship competitors will be competing for the John McCormack Cup.

By DAN McCARTHY

As it has done previously, S5000 and the Australian Racing Group will honour the heritage of the Australian Drivers’ Championship.

McCormack was an Australian open-wheel ace, winning three Gold Star Championships in the era of Formula 5000 machinery.

The inaugural round winner will be awarded the John McCormack Cup on Australia day, as the Tasmanian event at Symmons Plains Raceway runs from January 24-26.

The John McCormack Cup follows on from the Alan Jones Cup that was to be presented to the winner of the Australian Grand Prix event this year, however due to the sudden outbreak in COVID-19 cases back in March the event was forced to be cancelled.

McCormack starred in the early 1970s Formula 5000 era and is remembered fondly for his close alliance with Elfin race car manufacturer Garrie Cooper and the famous championship-winning Repco-powered Ansett Elfins.

His final Gold Star title came in 1977 aboard a Leyland V8-powered McLaren M23. The Leyland relationship ultimately brought sponsorship from Leyland’s parent company, Unipart.

Following his successful open-wheeler career, McCormack created the famous Sports Sedan Chrysler Valiant and subbed for an injured Kevin Bartlett at Bathurst in the Channel 9 Camaro.

The Tasmanian resident still occasionally races historic racing cars and will be attending the Symmons Plains event next month.

The Symmons Plains event will be the opening round of the S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship, supported by TCR Australia, Touring Car Masters, Trans Am and local support categories including Improved Production, Hyundai Excels and HQ Holdens.

The event takes place from January 24-26, CLICK HERE for Race Tasmania ticketing details.

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