It’s been more than a decade since Australia has seen open-wheel motor racing, but all that’s about to change.
S5000 is set to become the fastest motorsport category to hit Australian shores in decades.
Positioned as the premier open wheel class in the Australian region, the CAMS Australian S5000 Championship will hit Australian motorsport circuits in 2019.
Boasting a brand-new FIA-approved chassis, a powerful and cost-effective five-litre V8 engine and an all-Australian transmission system, S5000 is a bold, contemporary and modern class aimed at introducing young and aspiring drivers, as well as experienced professionals, to first-class open wheel racing.
The S5000 Championship gets underway next year with six rounds to be held alongside the Shannons Nationals events which includes visits to Sydney Motorsport Park, Phillip Island, Winton, Sandown and two rounds at Australia’s newest venue, The Bend in South Australia.
It is anticipated that these modern, sleek race cars, powered by a sealed 5.0-litre, 418kW V8 Ford Coyote ‘Aluminator’ engine, will break the outright lap records at almost all of the venues it visits.
The world-class open wheel category is also investigating opportunities to hold non-championship events, pending discussions with other racing promoters.
Other possible calendar inclusions could also see the revival of a Tasman Series, including events in New Zealand over the summer.
The S5000 chassis features the latest FIA-specification carbon-fibre monocoque with strength, safety and cost-effectiveness the main priorities.
The chassis will feature the halo protective device, making it the first Australian racing class that will feature the FIA-mandated safety feature.
Following the launch this week at Sydney Motorsport Park, demonstration laps will be held in conjunction with the final round of the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship on the Newcastle street track.
Confederation of Australian Motorsport CEO Eugene Arocca welcomed the series S5000 to the Shannons Nationals calendar next year.
“There has been significant interest in this new category from competitors and fans alike,” he said.
“Feedback from the initial launch of S5000 was extremely positive and sparked plenty of passionate discussion about the exciting future of open-wheel racing in Australia. S5000 is a welcome addition to the Australian motor sport landscape.
“The Shannons Nationals in 2019 will be a terrific mix of really competitive categories, including some of the newest in Australia with both S5000 and TCR Australia set to debut at the first event in Sydney next year. We can’t wait.”
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
CHASSIS
Dimensions
Length 4900mm
Width: 1950mm
Wheelbase: 3000mm
SUSPENSION
Pushrod adjustable ride, front/rear
Front/rear adjustable anti-roll bars
JRi three-way adjustable shock absorbers
STEERING
Collapsible steering column
BRAKES
Vented steel rotors
FIA APPROVALS
2018 FIA rear crash structure
2018 FIA side-impact structures
2018 FIA cockpit halo
2018 FIA side and front intrusion panels
2018 FIA-spec 6-point harness
2018 FIA-spec 6Kj wheel tethers
2018 FIA headrest
2018 FIA-spec extractable seat
ENGINE
Fuel-injected 5.0-litre quad-cam V8 Ford Coyote ‘Aluminator’
Prepared to Super5000 spec by InnoV8 (Brisbane)
Max horsepower: 560hp
Max torque: 460 ft-lbs
Max rpm: 8000rpm
Electronics/dash: MoTeC
TRANSMISSION
Holinger MFT six-speed sequential transaxle, with pneumatic paddle change, includes bespoke (front) drop gear set for lower engine height and thus lower car centre of gravity
Holinger-designed bell-housing with integral oil tank.
Gearbox/bellhousing include suspension pick-up points and shock-absorber mounts
WHEELS AND TYRES
15 x 17 inch rear, 15 x 12 inch front wheels
Rear tyre: 680/405-15
Front tyre: 570/290-15
CHASSIS INTEGRATION/DESIGN ENGINEERING
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