Phillip Island to host S5000 test/evaluation day

Prospective S5000 customers have been invited to test the single-seater at a designated test and evaluation day at Phillip Island later this month.

Series technical partner Garry Rogers Motorsport will bring five of the V8 powered Onroak-Ligier cars to the Victorian circuit on August 28, as preparations build towards the category’s debut at Sandown from September 20-22.

Promoter the Australian Racing Group is yet to confirm entries but has suggested ‘one or more high profile local and international drivers’ will be involved in the test.

GRM is currently in the process of constructing 13 cars for the series’ inaugural season and is handling the leasing and purchase of the cars.

The car made an appearance during the Shannons Nationals round at Queensland Raceway last weekend when Supercars team owner Todd Kelly and former single-seater star John Martin cut laps.

“There’s been quite a bit of interest in S5000 after we took the car to Queensland Raceway last weekend,” said GRM team director Barry Rogers.

“To ensure that everyone gets a chance to, essentially, try before they buy, we have arranged a test day at Phillip Island.

“We will have five cars there and, in addition to the drivers that we have already committed to the day, you’ll get a considerable amount of laps to get a good understanding of the cars.

“The Island test comes with a fee, however, if the driver commits to Sandown, we will give them half of that test money back to go towards their lease drive, or car purchase.

“Really, we want to see the genuine guys who are on the edge of their seat and come out and see what it’s about.

“We firmly believe that the Sandown race meeting is going to be an historic day for Australian motorsport, with the return of high-powered open wheel race cars to our tracks. It’s a very exciting time for our industry.”

There will also be another test day prior to the Sandown event, also at Phillip Island, on the week of the Sandown meeting.