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Superlicence points boost for S5000 drivers
A revision to the Motorsport Australia Superlicence points structure has provided a boost for drivers competing in the S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship.
The forthcoming 2021/22 S5000 season will see the champion now receive 12 Superlicence points and the runner-up 10, with points allocated down to 9th place in the championship.
It positions the championship at the same level as both the Super2 Series and GT World Challenge Australia in terms of the number points awarded to the champion.
Alongside other criteria, drivers must accrue 13 Motorsport Australia Superlicence points before being eligible to compete in the Supercars Championship.
The adjusted Superlicence points structure will ensure that Australia’s top open-wheel category will provide a place for future Supercars champions to hone their craft, alongside those chasing an international open-wheel career or simply competing in S5000 as a destination category in its own right.
“While there are those in S5000 purely to contest a top-level open-wheeler Championship, it’s now entirely viable as a means of qualifying for Supercars should that be a driver’s ambition,” said S5000 Category Development Manager Chris Lambden.
“There are many pathways to take, including Super2, but S5000 makes a lot of sense for drivers especially with the Superlicence points now matching.
“S5000’s most recent relevant predecessor – Formula Holden – crowned young Gold Star champions such as Mark Skaife, Rick Kelly and Jason Bright and they all ‘did okay’ in Supercars racing after winning the Australian Drivers’ Championship.
“The economies built in to S5000 result in a highly affordable series budget for a category at this level, which means there are young racers out there who can help fulfil their career ambitions by racing in a high-profile category with a reasonable level of sponsorship input.”
Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport & Commercial Operations Michael Smith said:
“With S5000, given its stature as the holder of the prestigious Motorsport Australia Gold Star title and the vehicles themselves, it makes sense for it to be worthy of 12 Superlicence points for the winner of the Championship and provide an opportunity as another pathway to the Supercars Championship.
“We know S5000 will continue to grow and establish a strong reputation in the coming years ahead. It’s an important part of our Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships events and is a real fan favourite.”
2021 VHT S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship runner-up Thomas Randle was recently confirmed as a full-time driver for the 2022 Supercars season with Tickford Racing, following a series of impressive wildcard performances with the team recently.
S5000’s second season, a full seven-round Australian Drivers Championship, kicks off in September at Sandown in Melbourne before running across the Summer months.
The highlight will be a three-event ‘Triple Crown’ series-within-a-series, that includes the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, the Bathurst International and the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 event.
Joey Mawson won the inaugural S5000 Australian Drivers Championship contested over four rounds earlier this year.
The full breakdown of Motorsport Australia Superlicence points distribution can be found on the official website by clicking here.