Simple and (very) fast

Formula 5000 (or F5000) was an open wheel, single seater formula that ran around the world from 1968 to 1982. It was originally intended as a low-cost series aimed at open-wheel racing cars, that no longer fit into a particular formula.

The ‘5000’ denomination comes from the maximum 5.0 litre engine capacity allowed in the cars. Manufacturers included Lola, McLaren, Eagle, March, Lotus, Chevron…

F5000 enjoyed popularity in the early 1970s in the US and featured drivers such as Mario Andretti, Al and Bobby Unser, Brian Redman, James Hunt, Jody Scheckter, Vern Schuppan, Jean-Pierre Jarier, David Hobbs, Sam Posey, Elliott Forbes-Robinson, Tom Pryce…

Picture above: Front row of the 1975 Laguna Seca F5000 race with Al Unser & Mario Andretti in their VPJ Lola T-332’s.

The 1975 USAC Formula 5000 Championship was won by Brian Redman driving a Lola T332 Chevrolet (picture below). Second was Mario Andretti and third Al Unser.