S5000 completes first private driver test at Phillip Island

Multiple S5000s hit the track for the first time at Phillip Island, with four brand-new cars joining the prototype chassis.

GRM Supercars driver James Golding, TCR race winner John Martin, Formula 4 champion Luis Leeds, Australian international racer Ricky Capo, and road biker Beau Beaton were among the drivers who took part in the test and evaluation day.

Gary Rogers Motorsport, category manufacturers, instigated the day, while experienced open-wheel outfits Team BRM and AGI Sport were also involved in the test.

“This car is a beast,” said Luis Leeds. “Phillip Island is my favourite track, and to have the opportunity to go out there, have a blast, enjoy the horsepower, the aerodynamics, it’s awesome.”

“I pooped my pants when I first got in it! I was wheel spinning in fourth gear, so you have to tame the beast. I’ve driven a lot of open wheelers, cars with lots of grip, but nothing with this much horsepower. 

“They also have so much performance under brakes. They blew my mind, because they do things that you feel aren’t possible, so it was really cool.”

Leeds later took to Instagram to say his team “will work our butts off to try get out there for the first running in September at the Shannons Nationals.”

The day ended at 3pm due to heavy wet weather.

S5000 will return to Phillip Island for further tests in the week prior to the category’s debut at Sandown on September 20-22.