Formula 5000Formula 5000, also referred to as F5000, was a racing series that lasted from 1968 through 1982. In the United States, the series raced in the SCCA Formula A races. F5000 was conceived as a low-cost, open-wheeled racing series that had a maximum of 5.0 liter engine displacement size. Marquees from the Can-Am series, such as McLaren, Eagle, Lotus, Lola, March, and Chevron all competed in F5000. Nameplates such as Mario Andretti, Brian Redman, David Hobbs, and Jody Scheckter could often be found behind the wheels of F5000 racers.
The large V8 engine cars provided much enjoyment for the fans. The fast cars, loud engines, and exhilarating performance was truly a spectacle. Just like many other formula series, the sport quickly became dominated by a single team and the cost to stay competitive increased dramatically. By 1975, the series had become unpopular. Most marquees converted their cars and began competing in the Can-Am championship, which was resurrected for 1977. The introduction of the IMSA Group C was the ultimate demise of the F5000 series, which featured faster cars with better performance.
In 1967, Gus Hutchison won the first F5000 championship with his Lotus 41. Lou Sell and Tony Adamowicz won the championship in the following years respectably, both driving Eagles. A pair of McLaren M10B's won the championship in 1970 and 1971. Graham McRae emerged victorious in his McRae GM1 racer during the 1972 season. From 1973 through 1976, Lola dominated the series with their T330 and T332 variants.
The sport was popular in other countries such as Europe, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia. |
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