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Chicago, IL – (1/21/2025) – The Formula 5000 Drivers Association is pleased to announce its racing schedule for 2025. The Association has announced four races at four world-renowned race tracks for the 2025 Revival Race Series.

The 2025 U.S. Formula 5000 Revival Races will take place at the following venues:

• May 2 – 4: Laguna Seca SpeedTour with SVRA
• July 17 – 20: Road America – The WeatherTech International Challenge with Brian Redman
• September 4 – 7: Watkins Glen SpeedTour with SVRA
• October 30 – Nov. 2: Circuit of the Americas with SVRA
  

According to Rick Parsons, President of the Formula 5000 Drivers Association: “I am pleased to be able to announce a 2025 season of racing events for F5000 cars and drivers at four of North America’s best race tracks. I look forward to a great season and ample participation from the entire F5000 group.”

The Association also announced that Ted Wenz was appointed to the Association Board of Directors beginning in 2025. Ted has a long history with Formula 5000, racing various car makes over several years lastly in a McRae GM1 and now with a Lola T332.
The Board accepted the resignation of Dudley Cunningham from the Board and as Treasurer. The Board thanks Dudley for his dedication and contribution to the F5000 Association and his many years of friendship.

The U.S. Formula 5000 Drivers Association is a membership car club established to promote the restoration, presentation, registration and racing of historic Formula 5000 race cars. The Association organizes vintage racing events and other activities for Formula 5000 cars (www.F5000Registry.com).

Media Contact:
Rick Parsons – 239 707-2775

rickparsons401@gmail.com

Paul Zazryn and Bruce Leeson Clinch 2023 F5000 Championship

Rochester, MI – (9/11/23) – The Formula 5000 Drivers Association is pleased to announce the results of its race events to close the 2023 season at Laguna Seca in conjunction with the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Pre-Reunion and Reunion on August 12-19, 2023.

With a field of approximately 20 cars spanning from 1968 to 1976, the Formula 5000 group celebrated its 55th Anniversary. Participants gathered from across the United States, New Zealand, Australia and England. Several of the major makes of F5000 cars from the 1960s and 1970s were represented, including Chevron, Eagle, Elfin, LeGrand, Lola, McLaren, and McRae. The racing was close and clean. Racing fans, drivers, and promoters enjoyed the racing, sounds and majestic look of the F5000 cars on and off the track.

In the final race of the Reunion on Saturday, August 19, finishing first in F5000 Class A (pre-1972 cars) was Bruce Leeson in a 1969 McLaren M10B. Leeson dominated in all four races of the Reunion and Pre-Reunion running flawless with first place finishes and ahead of several newer race cars. Second in Class A was Paul Kuhl in a 1968 Lola T140 who had an impressive drive in the oldest car in the F5000 group, building up speed throughout the track sessions leading to the final race. Johnnie Crean finished third in class A in a 1969 Gurney Eagle Mk5 who drove a spirited race and was a bit handicapped by mechanical issues during the event.

Finishing first in F5000 Class B (1972-1976 cars) and first overall in the group was Kirt Bennett in the ex-Al Unser Sr. white and blue 1974 Lola T332. Bennett outpaced the rest of the F5000 group with laps times around 1 minute and 22 seconds. After suffering a hit from another car and an early retirement during the first race of the Pre-Reunion and starting from the back of the grid in the second race to a 5th place finish, Bennett battled with Paul Zazryn in the Reunion races to finish first in each of the two races.

Finishing a close second in Class B was Australian driver Paul Zazryn in his red 1974 Lola T332 who put an excellent show with Bennett. Zazryn dominated in the Pre-Reunion taking advantage of Bennett’s misfortune and showed his superb driving skills during the Reunion races being nose to tail with Bennett in the battle of the two Lola T332. Third in Class B was New Zealander Glenn Richards in the beautiful blue and yellow ex-Eppie Wietzes 1975 Lola T400. Richards also scored a 3rd place finish in the first of the Reunion races and after finishing second in the two Pre-Reunion races.

The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion also was the final round of the 2023 F5000 Revival Race Championship Series. Bruce Leeson was crowned Champion in Class A after strong races at both Road America and Laguna Seca. This is the second Championship for Leeson since the beginning of the F5000 U.S. Revival Race Series in 2008 with the previous Championship coming in 2015.

Paul Zazryn won the Championship in Class B. Zazryn joined the U.S. F5000 Series at Road America in July 2023 and quickly showed his racing abilities. With Bennett sidelined in the first race of the Monterey Pre-Reunion and handicapped in the second race by starting at the rear of the grid, Zazryn developed a sufficient lead in championship points that Bennett could not overcome after Zazryn second place finishes in both of the Reunion races.

According to Seb Coppola, President of the F5000 Drivers Association, “2023 was another special milestone year for Formula 5000. I congratulate the 2023 Champions. I also want to thank all participants in our 2023 race events and especially our friends from Australia, New Zealand, and England who came from long distances and at great expense to be part of our 55th Anniversary celebration.”

The U.S. Formula 5000 Drivers Association is a membership organization established to promote the restoration, presentation, registration and racing of historic Formula 5000 race cars. (www.F5000Registry.com).

Media:
Seb Coppola 248-601-2800

SebCoppola@F5000Registry.com

Rochester, MI – (7/20/2023) – The Formula 5000 Drivers Association is pleased to announce the results of the second round of its 2023 revival racing series at the WeatherTech International Challenge with Brian Redman at Road America on July 15-16, 2023.

Finishing first in F5000 Class A (pre-1972 cars) was Bruce Leeson in a 1969 McLaren M10B. Second in Class A was Tom Simpson in a 1972 McKee Mk18. Paul Dudiak was third in his 1969 McKee Mk12C. The three drivers repeated their one/two/three finishing positions in class both in the Saturday Qualifying Race and the Sunday Feature Race running very strong and consistent laps. Attrition due to track incidents and mechanical problems to other Class A cars made the final results easier for the top three finishers.

Finishing first in F5000 Class B (1972-1976 cars) and first overall in the group was Kirt Bennett in the ex-Al Unser white and blue 1974 Lola T332. Bennett outpaced the rest of the F5000 group with laps times around 2.08 minutes. After a mechanical problem on Saturday, which hobbled his car, Australian driver Paul Zazryn put an excellent show in the feature race on Sunday starting sixth on the grid and finishing second overall and in class in his red 1974 Lola T332.

Finishing third in Class B in his 1973 McRae GM1 was Jim Stengel after an engine change during the weekend.

After the second round of racing for the 2023 season, Philip Lewis has a slight edge on Kirt Bennett for the lead in the Formula 5000 Championship Points in Class B. Bruce Leeson leads the standings in Class A with Dave Zavetsky only a couple of points behind from the first round at Road Atlanta. With two more rounds to go, the 2023 championship is still wide open for the taking among the top 8 drivers.

The Formula 5000 series now heads to Laguna Seca for the third and fourth rounds of the championship at the Rolex Monterey Reunion and Pre-Reunion on August 12 through 19, 2023. With an expected field of nearly 25 race cars from the U.S., Australia, England, and New Zealand, it should be a great show for participants and race fans.

The U.S. Formula 5000 Drivers Association is a membership organization established to promote the restoration, presentation, registration and racing of historic Formula 5000 race cars. (www.F5000Registry.com).

Media:
Seb Coppola 248-601-2800

SebCoppola@F5000Registry.com

Formula 5000 Headed to Road America & Laguna Seca For Rolex Motorsports Reunion In The 55th Anniversary Revival Race Series

Rochester, MI – (5/24/2023) – In less than two months, a select group of Formula 5000 race cars will be visiting the iconic Road America racetrack to relive and celebrate the 55th anniversary of the birth of this phenomenal race series. The 2023 race event will take place on July 12-16 in conjunction with the WeatherTech International Challenge with Brian Redman

In the inaugural F5000 race at Road America on July 27, 1968, Jerry Hansen took first place in a Lola T140 followed by three other Lolas T140. In a combined grid with Formula B cars, other marques included McLaren, Lotus, Le Grand, McKee, Brabhams and Chevron. Other notable drivers included John Gunn, Steve Durst, David Pabst (Pabst Blue Ribbon fame), Jerry Entin, Lou Sells, and Dick Smothers.

In the same vein, the 2023 contingent of F5000 cars will include Lolas, March, Matich, McLaren, McRae, McKee and other well-known marquees, competing on this thrilling 4-mile race track with long straights, elevation changes, sweeping turns, a kink, and a carousel.

Subsequently, on August 11, 2023, the F5000 group heads to Laguna Seca for the Monterey Motorsports Pre-Reunion followed the following week by the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. A group of more than 25 F5000 cars will compete over the two-week period featuring additional marquees, such Gurney Eagle, Chevron, Elfin, Talon, and Le Grand. Nearly a dozen of the race cars and drivers will come from Australia, England, and New Zealand making the celebration of 55 years of Formula 5000 an international event.

Race fans will hear and see the thunder and fury of V8 engines in race cars previously piloted by racing icons, such as Mario Andretti, Brian Redman, David Hobbs, Graham McRae, Peter Gethin, Johnny Rutherford, Al Unser, Sr., and Eppie Wietzes.

According to Seb Coppola, President of the Formula 5000 Drivers Association: “I am extremely pleased to see a wide array and participation of F5000 race cars at two of the most iconic race tracks in North America. I am particularly grateful to have our friends from Australia, England and New Zealand join us in this celebration of the 55th Anniversary of the F5000 racing series.”

The U.S. Formula 5000 Drivers Association is a membership car club established to promote the restoration, presentation, registration, and racing of historic Formula 5000 race cars. The Association organizes vintage racing events and other activities for Formula 5000 cars (www.F5000Registry.com).

Media Contact:
Seb Coppola – 248-601-2800

SebCoppola@F5000Registry.com

Formula 5000 Closes 2022 Season At Watkins Glen with SVRA SpeedTour Grand Prix Paul Dudiak and Rick Parsons Clinch 2022 F5000 Championship

Rochester, MI – (9/20/22) – The Formula 5000 Drivers Association is pleased to announce the results of its race event to close the 2022 season at Watkins Glen in conjunction with the SVRA SpeedTour Grand Prix on September 10, 2022.

Finishing first in F5000 Class A (pre-1972 cars) was Seb Coppola in his stunning red, white and blue 1970 Lola T192. The Lola came alive in the Saturday Qualifying Race after mediocre lap times in practice and qualifying sessions. Second in Class A was Paul Dudiak in a white and blue 1969 McKee Mk12. Dudiak chased Coppola throughout the race on Saturday and made a few passing attempts before Coppola was able to pull away after Dudiak suffered a spin during the last lap. Finishing third was Tom Simpson in a 1972 McKee Mk18. Simpson was a steady performer throughout the weekend.

Finishing first in F5000 Class B (post 1971 cars) and first overall in the group was Rick Parsons in the ex-Brian Redman #1 Boraxo livered car. Parsons posted a best lap time of one minute 56 seconds. Finishing second was Philip Lewis in the orange 1971 Matich A50. After a two-year absence from the group and few mechanical problems during the weekend, Lewis had good race on Saturday starting from the rear and cutting through the field with competitive lap times in the 1.57s. Third in Class B was Jim Stengel in the black 1973 McRae GM1 driving a solid qualifying race. Rain on Sunday prevented a repeat of the Saturday race and forced an early departure from the event.

The Watkins Glen SVRA event was also the final round of the 2022 F5000 Revival Race Championship Series. With the most points for the year, Paul Dudiak was crowned Champion in Class A. This is Dudiak’s second championship since the start of the F5000 U.S. Revival Race Series in 2008.

Rick Parsons won the Championship in Class B after accumulating the highest points in class. This is Parsons’ fourth championship in the F5000 Series. With first place finishes at Indy and Watkins Glen, and second place at Road America, Parsons won a well-deserved championship title in 2022.

The U.S. Formula 5000 Drivers Association is a membership organization established to promote the restoration, presentation, registration and racing of historic Formula 5000 race cars. (www.F5000Registry.com).

Media:
Seb Coppola 248-601-2800

SebCoppola@F5000Registry.com

Formula 5000 Closes 2021 Season At Watkins Glen with SVRA SpeedTour Grand Prix Kirt Bennett and Seb Coppola Clinch 2021 F5000 Championship

Rochester, MI – (9/13/21) – The Formula 5000 Drivers Association is pleased to announce the results of its race event to close the 2021 season at Watkins Glen in conjunction with the SVRA SpeedTour Grand Prix on September 12, 2021.

Finishing first in F5000 Class A (pre-1972 cars) was Seb Coppola in his stunning red, white and blue 1970 Lola T192. Coppola raced flawlessly during the weekend with increasing speed each session. Second in Class A was Paul Dudiak in a white and blue 1969 McKee Mk12. Dudiak chased Coppola throughout the weekend and made a few passing attempts on Sunday before Coppola was able to pull away. Finishing third was Mike Knittel in a 1970 Chinook. Knittel was returning to racing after fighting a serious illness during the past year and was enjoying the time on track and camaraderie in the paddock.

Finishing first in F5000 Class B (post 1971 cars) and first overall in the group was Kirt Bennett in the shiny blue ex-Al Unser 1974 Lola T332. Bennett led the race within the F5000 group from the start and outpaced the group with laps of 1 minute, 50 seconds. Finishing second was Rasim Tugberk in the white and blue 1971 Leda LT25. After a few mechanical problems and a slow start to the weekend, Tugberk came alive on Sunday with competitive lap times of 2.05 minutes. Third in Class B was Tom Simpson who was driving a 1972 McKee Mk18. Simpson was a steady performer in both the qualifying and feature races.

The Watkins Glen SVRA event was also the final round of the 2021 F5000 Revival Race Championship Series. With the most points for the year, Seb Coppola was crowned Champion in Class A. This is Coppola’s fourth championship since the start of the F5000 U.S. Revival Race Series in 2008.

Kirt Bennett won the Championship in Class B after accumulating the highest points in class. This is Bennet’s first championship in the F5000 Series. With first place finishes at Road America and Watkins Glen, good car reliability and a hot shoe, Bennett has won a well-deserved championship title for 2021.

The U.S. Formula 5000 Drivers Association is a membership organization established to promote the restoration, presentation, registration and racing of historic Formula 5000 race cars. (www.F5000Registry.com).

Media:
Seb Coppola 248-601-2800

SebCoppola@F5000Registry.com

Formula 5000 Revival Racing Series 2021 Round 2 Race Results At Road America

Rochester, MI – (7/19/2021) – The Formula 5000 Drivers Association is pleased to announce the results of the second round of its 2021 revival racing series at the WeatherTech International Challenge with Brian Redman at Road America on July 17-18, 2021.

Finishing first in F5000 Class A (pre-1972 cars) was Bruce Leeson in a 1969 McLaren M10B. Second in Class A was Tom Simpson in a 1972 McKee Mk18. Paul Dudiak was third in his 1969 McKee Mk12C. The three drivers repeated their one/two/three finishing positions in class both in the Saturday Qualifying Race and the Sunday Feature Race running very strong and consistent laps. Attrition due to track incidents and mechanical problems to other Class A cars made the final results easier for the top three finishers.

Finishing first in F5000 Class B (1972-1976 cars) and first overall in the group was Kirt Bennett in the ex-Al Unser white and blue 1974 Lola T332. Bennett outpaced the rest of the F5000 group starting from last place on Sunday due to a failing transponder not recording lap times in the Saturday qualifying race.

Not far behind and finishing second in class was Dave Nicholas in the black/white/orange ex-Jackie Oliver 1976 Shadow DN6. Nicholas repeated his finishing position for the second year in a row taming a fast-looking race car. Finishing third in Class B was Greg Borland in another 1976 Shadow DN6. Unfortunately, fuel pump problems forced the car to limp to an earlier finish than desired.

After the second round of racing for the 2021 season, Kirt Bennett and Rick Parsons lead the Formula 5000 Championship Points standing with 60 points in Class B. Seb Coppola and Bruce Leeson lead the standings in Class A. Not far behind in second place in the standings with 54 points are Dave Nicholas and Tom Simpson. The Formula 5000 series now heads to Watkins Glen for the SVRA U.S. Vintage Grand Prix on September 9-12 for the third round of the 2021 Championship.

The U.S. Formula 5000 Drivers Association is a membership organization established to promote the restoration, presentation, registration and racing of historic Formula 5000 race cars. (www.F5000Registry.com).

Media:
Seb Coppola 248-601-2800

SebCoppola@F5000Registry.com

Rochester, MI – (7/31/2020) – The Formula 5000 Drivers Association is pleased to announce the results of the first round of its 2020 revival racing series at the WeatherTech International Challenge with Brian Redman at Road America on July 25-26, 2020.

Finishing first in F5000 Class A (pre-1972 cars) was George Bruggenthies in the ex-Sam Posey 1970 Surtees TS-8. Second in Class A was Paul Dudiak in the 1969 McKee Mk12C. Finishing third was Bruce Leeson in the 1969 green McLaren M10B. Leeson experienced engine problems during the weekend and was not able to run competitive lap times. Bruggenthies and Dudiak repeated their one/two finishing positions in class both in the Saturday Qualifying Race and The Sunday Feature Race running very strong and consistent laps.

Finishing first in F5000 Class B (1972-1976 cars) and first overall in the group was Kirt Bennett in the ex-Al Unser white and blue 1974 Lola T332. Bennett outpaced the rest of the F5000 group with a best lap of 2 minutes and 12 seconds in the race and a qualifying best lap of 2.08.6 for pole position.

Not far behind and finishing second in class was Dave Nicholas in the black/white/orange ex-Jackie Oliver 1975 Shadow DN6. Nicholas was a late date substitute driver for the Shadow and did a superb job placing the car in a competitive finish. Finishing third in Class B was Jim Stengel in his 1973 McRae GM1. Stengel had a strong and consistent 3rd place race result both in the Saturday and Sunday races after qualifying second for the Saturday race with a personal best time at Road America of 2 minutes, 13 seconds.

After the first round of racing for the 2020 season, George Bruggenthies and Kirt Bennett lead the Formula 5000 Championship Points standing with 60 points in their respective classes. Not far behind in second place in the standings with 54 points are Paul Dudiak and Dave Nicholas.

The Formula 5000 series now heads to Watkins Glen for the SVRA U.S. Vintage Grand Prix on September 9-13 for the second round of the 2020 Championship.

The U.S. Formula 5000 Drivers Association is a membership organization established to promote the restoration, presentation, registration and racing of historic Formula 5000 race cars. (www.F5000Registry.com).

Media:
Seb Coppola 248-601-2800

SebCoppola@F5000Registry.com