The original plans for two potentially parallel Australian ‘F5000-style’ open-wheeler race car projects have now progressed significantly with the confirmation that both projects are now fully integrated and aligned.
The parties behind the S5000 concept and the FT5000 concept had never met, but both clearly had the same focus, which was to bring dynamic, exciting open wheeler racing back to motorsport in the region.
With both parties keen to explore the opportunity to meet face-to-face, it was veteran racer John Bowe who assisted in facilitating the introductions.
Today the parties that initiated the development and prototype build of the ‘Super5000’ chassis together with FT5000 constructor Chris Lambden have announced that they will work together to develop one car.
Lambden commented, “This is the significant step forward which will allow the concept of a modern 5000-style race car and series to actually happen, and happen well, which is what we both started out to do. I am more than pleased with the way we have been able to reach this solution, which I happily endorse and support.
“The one thing that became apparent quite soon was that we all are primarily what I’d call ‘motorsport people’, and our motivation for getting into all this was the same. It didn’t take that long to agree a sensible way forward.
They have confirmed that they will incorporate beneficial technical elements from the FT5000 and S5000 to create a single ‘5000-style’ car, ensuring rapid progress towards the spectacular V8 open-wheeler category that both set out to achieve. Work has already commenced on the merged project under the overarching S5000 project umbrella, with further testing and development planned for both chassis as part of a detailed technical evaluation.
John McMellan also commented. “I think it’s important to highlight that the team at PAYCE, who are involved in the development of the S5000, have been responsible for the progress that has been made in getting both parties aligned. I merely assisted in the parties coming together after JB and I met with Chris. This decision to work together is a credit to their vision and flexibility.
“It’s also good to have Chris on board, who will play a role in the ongoing technical discussion.
“An outcome such as this will only result in a better outcome both commercially and technically as well as for the sport.
“The project team will take the best elements of both designs and thinking along with some other new thoughts to ensure we have a stand-out category that results in exciting, fast and action-packed open-wheeler racing.”
It is anticipated that a combination of elements of both projects along with some new enhancements will result in a revised final technical spec which will be revealed in the coming months. There will now be one combined concept that draws upon the best elements available.
It is expected that a field of cars will contest a series of key feature races from mid-2018.
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