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S5000 stars on Formula 1 stage
Racing at its highest profile event so far in its short history, the Nulon S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship certainly attracted attention at this year’s Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.
A record Melbourne Formula 1 crowd attended the event last weekend following the circumstances of two years ago when S5000 was scheduled to be a support class.
Nulon S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship Development Manager, Chris Lambden revealed his excitement for the category to make its long awaited debut at Australia’s largest motorsport event.
“It’s been two years of frustration since we were almost here and it’s just great for these cars to be on show at the Grand Prix,” said Lambden.
What particularly struck Lambden was the amount of spectators attracted to the Nulon S5000 pit behind the main grandstands, something he hopes to change for future events.
“From what I’ve seen from the spectators and fans they love this because after every race the paddock area – which was out on the public zone – has been swamped by people. The response from the fans has been brilliant.
“Really it has been a great weekend.”
Alabar/Form700 Team BRM’s Joey Mawson took two wins during the weekend, the other was a maiden victory for Shae Davies for Versa Motorsport as already the category is attracting the attention of some leading international pundits.
“I don’t want to name drop, but I was talking to Martin Brundle and he said it looks brilliant,” Lambden said.
In praising the field last weekend, Lambden highlighted debutant Conor Somers as impressive in his maiden appearance and hopes he will be a fixture in rounds to come.
“Conor has done a great job and due to our grid reversal format he was on pole, but unfortunately someone tagged him,” Lambden explained.
“It’s been a massively good experience for him and we’re very much hoping he’ll continue on in the series.”
Also, in exciting developments leading up to the round was commercial support through Nulon as naming rights partner and Supercheap Auto for its Pole Award.
The next round of Nulon S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship is at Sydney Motorsport Park on May 27-29 as part of a bumper Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships roster.