Garry Rogers Motorsport to complete the build of the first batch of S5000 cars …
STORY: V8 SLEUTH
IMAGES: SUPPLIED
S5000 has partnered with Supercars squad Garry Rogers Motorsport to provide technical support for the new V8-engined open wheel category.
The S5000 made its first public appearance at the Coates Hire Newcastle 500, with Greg Murphy, John Bowe and GRM Supercars driver Garth Tander (pictured above) taking turns at driving the car.
GRM will take delivery of the first batch of 13 Onroak-Ligier chassis – joining the completed car demonstrated in Newcastle – with the team’s 36-strong workforce in charge of the engineering, fabrication and composite construction required to complete them for their debut season in 2019.
The past two off-seasons have been hectic for the Melbourne-based team. The end of their Volvo deal meant they built four new Holdens for 2017 – two main game, two Super2 – then another two new ZB Holdens for Garth Tander and James Golding for 2018.
With no new Supercars scheduled to be constructed for 2019, the team will now be kept busy building S5000 cars.
“Being in the motorsport business, we are always actively looking for work, preferably in the motorsport business,” GRM’s Barry Rogers said.
“We saw the opportunity with S5000 to utilise the workforce that we have to produce a lot of the components that will go into each car.
“It will be a big task, but we will put the right processes in place in regards to the volume of components that you need. Without simplifying it, these cars are like big Meccano sets. The Onroak-Ligier chassis are supplied partially complete, the engines are a slightly modified ‘crate’ engine, which only need small modifications when they arrive in Australia, and the gearbox/transaxle comes complete from Holinger.
“Our fabrication department will be put under the pump but, because we’re not building new Supercars chassis, we believe that it is an achievable job and we’re looking forward to taking it on.
“In the mid 70s, I remember going to Calder Park with Dad and I remember the 5000s roar back then. Car racing is all about the senses, noise and flames – and there’ll be no better car than a S5000 to satisfy all of those senses.”
“The commitment by Garry, Barry and GRM to the production of S5000 cars is a fantastic vote of confidence by them in the formula and the CAMS Australian S5000 Championship,” S5000 category manager Chris Lambden said.
“The facility and personnel available at GRM will be a big boost to the production process, following on from the design and development of the car, overseen by Michael Borland, who will still be involved in a consultancy role.
“Following the successful launch, the recent demo runs with the first car and the reaction to it, this is another crucial box ticked in terms of delivering what we expect will be a super addition to the Australian and New Zealand motorsport scene. Production of the first batch of S5000 cars is now under way and 2019 is looking pretty exciting.”
Purchasing or leasing enquiries for S5000 are to be directed to Garry Rogers Motorsport on +61 3 9793 6933.
