Brabham lays plans for crowdfunded race return

ALMOST half a century after it last won a grand prix constructor’s title, the Brabham name may once again grace a bespoke race car – but this time, you could be a part owner.

Project Brabham, announced today by Sir Jack Brabham’s son David, aims to resurrect the motor sport dynasty’s name to take on the FIA World Endurance Championship and the Le Mans 24 Hours.

However, the cash needed to carry the team will come from crowdfunding – mums and dads, and anyone else with an interest in rebuilding the Brabham name – via a public appeal for support, and under the new team’s charter, all its race-honed knowledge will be laid before anyone who wants to see it – and add to it.

And if things work well, it could even spell the Brabham name’s return to formula one.

“Brabham aims to return to the track in the FIA World Endurance Championship next season with a three-year LMP2 program,” a release from the British-based team said.

“In year four, the marque will finally return as a constructor by way of LMP1, with firm intentions of winning the only world title for sportscars and the greatest endurance race on earth, the Le Mans 24 Hours.

“Series such as the FIA Formula E Championship could also be a consideration while Brabham hopes to one-day return to Formula One,” it said.

For as little as $2, those keen to buy a stake in the dream will have access to an online portal that will allow them to “engage with Brabham on a new level, to live, breathe and learn through the highs and lows of creating, managing and sustaining a professional racing team”.

That includes a voice in collaborative team decisions, with Brabham seeking input on everything from its investor search, driver selection process and building its premises to the first car build, test and race.

It has an educational role, too, with a portal allowing users to develop the team’s racing technology, as well as learning about race engineering via online modules.

"I am a big believer in the power of collective thinking and see many advantages in this model that will help Brabham become a winning team once again, but in a new and inspiring way,” David Brabham said in a statement announcing the project.

“Who knows where that could lead? Back to Formula One, I hope.

“It will stretch people's thinking, but I believe the time is right for a change and I am excited at what opportunities lie ahead,” he said.

The team has five weeks to attract enough investors to kick-start the project.