Formula Thunder 5000’s prototype chassis is expected to begin track testing in early September following delays in its completion.

Former motorsport publisher and driver Chris Lambden launched the modern Formula 5000 category in March, utilising a Swift-designed chassis and Ford Coyote V8 engine.

Delays in the completion of the Holinger gearbox’s bellhousing assembly have ensured that the car has remained idle in Borland Racing’s Melbourne factory.

Work has however continued on the project, with the recent arrival of the first batch of the bespoke Giti tyres a key milestone.

“Some things are taking a little bit longer than we’d hoped,” Lambden told Speedcafe.com.

“We’re probably still six weeks away from running the car, but the main thing is that we do it once and do it right.

“When the car is ready we’ll quietly shake it down before doing a series of public demonstrations in Melbourne, at Eastern Creek and possibly in Queensland as well.

“That’s the time when we’ll go through our test program and get as many interested parties along to look and feel what it’s all about.”

The delay in finishing the prototype has seen Lambden scrap plans to debut the category as soon as December.

He is, however, confident that the required number of 12 orders needed to commit to making the first batch of cars will be filled.

“I’ve had some really interesting phone calls from people that want a car, but we’re not seeking money until the first car is up and running,” he said.

“I’m pretty optimistic based on the feedback we’ve had that we’ll get the 12 (orders) we need to go ahead.”

If the green light is given, the cars will be built from the Swift designs in Melbourne ahead of delivery to customers in the new year.

“What we plan to do is organise three or four races at existing events throughout the middle part of next year,” continued Lambden of the revised rollout plan.

“A number of events have approached us and said we’d love to have you.

“That’ll allow us to build up to our own summer series at the end of 2017.”