Formula Thunder 5000 secures legendary team

THE ambitious project of former magazine publisher and racer Chris Lambden to create a viable, modern interpretation of the old thunderous Formula 5000 cars of a generation ago has received a couple of big boosts in recent days.

First comes confirmation from the well-regarded Birrana open-wheeler team owner, Malcolm Ramsay, that he will join the first group of people to pre-order an FT5000 car, a big show of support for the fledgling formula.

Ramsay’s dominant Birrana team won seven Australian Drivers Championships during the Formula Holden era, from 1994 to 2001. Of late, he has run a Carrera Cup car under the renamed Phenix Motorsport banner.

Commented Ramsay: “At last, an open wheeler with real muscle, which will provide drivers with a real challenge – if you can put one of these on pole, you will have earned it.

“Now we just need other serious teams and drivers to join us, for what I believe will be a terrific formula and series.”

In a further boost, the prototype FT5000 car recently completed a full 65-lap test day at Phillip Island without a single mechanical issue, dipping in to the 1m24s with driver Tim Macrow at the wheel.