Started in 1968 as Formula A in the United States, Formula 5000, as it became known, featured open-wheeled “Formula One–style” cars powered by 5-liter, normally aspirated, V-8 engines. In its heyday, in the mid-1970s, F5000 attracted big-name drivers like Mario Andretti, Bobby Unser, Sr., Jody Scheckter, and Brian Redman, piloting racing cars from the likes of Lola, Chevron, McLaren, and Surtees.
Last fall, a new organization—the Formula 5000 Registry—was created to both preserve these super-fast racecars, as well as to promote their continued competition in historic racing events. This month’s featured Web site is the official site of the registry and includes a history of the F5000 series in the U.S., Europe, and the Pacific; listings and histories of various marques including Chevron, Chinook, Eagle, Lola, March, McRae, McLaren, and Surtees; a photo gallery; a video gallery; information on upcoming F5000 race events; F5000 cars and parts for sale; as well as links and information on joining the association. Of particular interest is the video gallery, which includes amateur home movies from the 1970–1976 Mid-Ohio F5000 rounds.
