F5000s to race for KB Trophy at the Island

By Thomas Miles

Date posted: February 20, 2024

In what is shaping up to be a massive 2024 Island Classic, the Formula 5000s will be a highlight with the Kevin Bartlett Trophy on the line.

A strong field of screaming Formula 5000s from both sides of the Tasman will put on a show in the always entertaining the Phillip Island F5000 Historic Grand Prix.

But there is extra on the line with event organisers Victorian Historic Racing Register recognising a famous figure and one of their own.

The winning driver of the eight-lap feature will be presented with the Kevin Bartlett Trophy presented by the 1974 Bathurst 1000 winner himself.

Not only is Bartlett one of the most famous figures from the seventies being a star in both touring cars and open wheelers, he has also been a terrific servant for the VHRR, being its driving standards observer for more than two decades.

The ever-spectacular Kevin Bartlett powers around Warwick Farm during the 1972 Gold Star race in his superb Chesterfield-sponsored Lola T300.

VHRR president Ian Tate said it will be a special occasion.

“We have 10 F5000s coming from NZ and another eight or nine from Australia so it will be fantastic,” he told AUTO ACTIO.

“They will have their own standalone race called the Phillip Island F5000 Historic Grand Prix for the Kevin Bartlett Trophy.

“Kevin is our driving standards observer for over 20 years and has been a long time supporter.

“He got a lot out of the sport and now is putting so much back in it is incredible.

“There will be a special trophy and KB will present it himself.

“It will be an 8 lap rolling start race and from what I have seen it will be a very close, tight race.

“There has been good racing in NZ but we have almost double the field.”

The NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series has been busy with the Island Classic the fourth round of its championship.

The most recent was held at Christchurch’s Euromarque Motorsport Park where 21-year-old Michael Hey led the way in his McRae GM1.

But he will have a lot more competition from the locals to contend with likely to be led by Tim Berryman, who won all five races at last year’s Island Classic.

Overall a huge field of 415 cars are expected at the time of print and Tate can’t wait.

“To have 415 entries so far is extremely fantastic,” he said.

“We have cars from all over Australia and New Zealand and when you look at all the categories there will be fantastic racing everywhere.”

The 2024 Island Classic will be held on March 7-10 and tickets and more information can be found at vhrr.com.

Image: John Lemm

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F5000s to race for KB Trophy at the Island

Not only is Bartlett one of the most famous figures from the seventies being a star in both touring cars and open wheelers, he has also been a terrific servant for the VHRR, being its driving standards observer for more than two decades.

“Kevin is our driving standards observer for over 20 years and has been a long time supporter.

The NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series has been busy with the Island Classic the fourth round of its championship.

“To have 415 entries so far is extremely fantastic,” he said.

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