F5000: Redman return

Legendary British driver Brian Redman might return from the USA to contest a round of the FORCE’s Formula 5000 Transatlantic Challenge series, after agreeing to put his name to the trophy for its 1972-77 class.

The expatriate Lancastrian not only starred here, but also swept to three straight SCCA/USAC Formula A titles from 1974-76, at the wheel of Carl Haas’ Lolas, against the likes of Mario Andretti, Al Unser, Jackie Oliver and David Hobbs. He still competes occasionally in a Lola T330/332.

A big reunion party is planned for former F5000 competitors and team members at the Brands Hatch round on 21-22 July, and it is hoped the likes of Redman and former British champions Frank Gardner and Peter Gethin will attend.

The seven-race competition kicks off at Ireland’s Mondello Park (extended since it hosted early F5000 battles) in May, and is scheduled to visit Donington Park, Brands Hatch (including a BTCC support race in October), the A-1 Ring, Zolder and Most on the continent. Pre-72 F5000s also have a class within the Force’s Classic GP series. MP