James Davison to compete in S5000 at Aus Grand Prix ahead of Indy 500 attempt

Australian James Davison will join the S5000 series grid at the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix, ahead of his third consecutive Indianapolis 500 entry.

Davison’s career began in Australian Formula Ford before he moved to the US, competing in various single seater championships, sports cars and NASCAR.

Davison will drive a Team BRM prepared S5000 at Albert Park. His late grandfather, Lex, was a four-time winner of the Australian Grand Prix.

Davison’s entry will be supported by USA-based grounds maintenance providers BYRD Enterprises, as well as Melbourne backers Sergi Mobile Crane Solutions.

“I’ve been a fan of the S5000 series from it’s inception, as it brings back some of the magic of the Formula 5000 era of the 70s that my father drove in," he said.

“The class really gives modern Motorsport fans what they want. The horsepower, big rear tyres and limited grip. It is going to be be a fun new challenge for me.

“Racing S5000 around Albert Park against Rubens Barrichello will be a fantastic experience and will no doubt attract interest from the F1 fans. 

“I personally love the Albert Park layout and should make for some great racing.”

“James is one of the top Australians in US professional motorsport and will be a top contender at Albert Park," said S5000 category manager Chris Lambden.

“Why he loves the Albert Park layout is because, a few years ago, he actually drove the Lola Formula 5000 car once raced by Alan Jones (and owned by his uncle, Richard Davison, at the time) in the historic F5000 event, and blew everyone away …

“He has thus experienced big horsepower at the place where S5000 will kick off its 2020 championship. Since then, he has carved out a great career in the States and so  will be right in the thick of it."