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S5000 Tasman Series to launch in Sydney
THE S5000 Tasman Series will commence with what is set to be a memorable weekend at Sydney Motorsport Park this November.
The first round in the two-event, seven race Tasman Series return will see Australia’s top open wheel category join the Supercars Championship at the Western Sydney Circuit on November 19-21.
The series will then conclude at Mount Panorama, Bathurst, one week later as part of the massive six-day Bathurst 1000 event between November 30 and December 5.
2021 marks the return of the iconic Tasman Series, initially staged between 1964 and 1975 and won by legends of the sport including Bruce McLaren, Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart and Chris Amon.
The same Tasman Cup presented to those champions will be awarded to the winner of the 2021 series with the full blessing of custodians, Motorsport Australia and Motorsport New Zealand.
The November event will mark the second time that the New South Wales circuit will have hosted an S5000 round; Sydney Motorsport Park the scene of the climactic Australian Drivers’ Championship Grand Finale’ in May this year.
That weekend, Joey Mawson clinched the title despite a wild off at turn one early in the feature race. Meanwhile, James Golding won two of the three races, the round and claimed the circuit lap record, which stands at 1m26.06s.
The Sydney event will see three races contested with each counting towards the Tasman Series, which carries a prize fund of $50,000 – $30,000 going to the overall winner.
Further details surrounding the Sydney event will be confirmed in due course.
LIAM CURKPATRICK – S5000 Championship Manager
“Despite the calendar shuffles this year, we have worked hard to make sure that our original concept of a two-round S5000 Tasman Series could be maintained, so this is an excellent outcome.
“Joining the Supercars at Sydney Motorsport Park will ensure that the return of the Tasman Series launches at a high-profile event, with live TV, and at a great drivers’ track that everyone loved when we raced there in May this year.
“We will then head to Bathurst eight days later, ensuring the two-events remain in a compact timeframe to make it easier for teams and drivers traveling from interstate.
“Even though our initial plans have changed, we are confident that the return of the Tasman Series will be spectacular for our competitors and for fans watching at the circuit or on TV.”