The Formula 5000 Drivers Association announced that a field of about a dozen historic Formula 5000 cars will be competing in the Mid-Ohio Vintage Grand Prix presented by the Sportcar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) on June 25-28, 2009.
The field of entries is rich with a variety of different makes, such as Chevron, Eagle, Lola, McKee, McRae and Shadow, spanning production years from 1969 to 1976. Among the cars present will be the 1969 Gurney Eagle Championship car driven by Formula 5000 Champion Tony Adamowicz. Also, at the event will be the ex-Brian Redman 1976 Championship Lola T332 now owned and raced by Rick Parsons. Eric Haga returns to Mid-Ohio reunited with his 1970 Lola T190 which he raced in 1970 and 1971 in the original SCCA Continental Series.
Drivers will compete for trophies for top place finishes in their Class. The Formula 5000 Drivers Association also will present a Championship Trophy based on points accumulated over the 2009 racing season at the three events held at Mid-Ohio, Road America and Watkins Glen.
According to Seb Coppola, president of the Formula 5000 Drivers Association, “It is fantastic to have a large field of Formula 5000 return to Mid-Ohio more than 30 years after these cars competed in professional races at this storied track. Drivers and fans will enjoy a thrilling weekend they have not experienced since the mid 1970s.”
The Formula 5000 Drivers Association is a membership car club established to promote the registration, restoration and use of historic Formula 5000 race cars. The Association organizes vintage racing events and other activities for its members. In addition, the Association manages a registry of Formula 5000 cars at www.f5000registry.com.
[Source: F5000 Drivers Association]
I can’t wait to see them again, but I can tell you that HSR had the Formula 5000 Reunion at Mid-Ohio in the mid 90’s and it was a great event. The back straight at Mid-Ohio was MADE for those thumping V-8’s!