The thunder of Formula 5000 racing returns this summer with confirmation of the 2025/26 SAS Autoparts MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series calendar – a four-round series featuring some of the country’s most popular historic racing events.
The season begins 14–16 November 2025 at the MG Classic, held at Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon, right in the backyard of reigning series champion Kevin Ingram.
The MG Classic has long been the traditional curtain-raiser for New Zealand’s historic racing categories, and once again it sets the tone for the summer.
The spotlight then shifts south for the SKOPE Classic in Christchurch (6–8 February 2026). Renowned for its strong organisation, diverse grids, and vibrant atmosphere, the SKOPE Classic continues to draw big crowds and international attention.
Just two weeks later, F5000 will return to Manfeild (20–22 February 2026). The inclusion of F5000 adds further star power to the event.
The tight turnaround from SKOPE to Manfeild is deliberate – creating an enticing trans-Tasman opportunity for Australian teams to contest back-to-back events at two iconic New Zealand circuits with deep F5000 heritage.
The domestic campaign then concludes at Hampton Downs with the Legends of Speed (21–22 March 2026).
Now a mainstay of the historic racing scene, this event continues to grow in stature, offering a fitting finale to the season, alongside muscle cars, sports saloons, and other classic categories.
The season leads naturally into an Australian F5000 series in mid-2026, with events planned at Sydney Motorsport Park and Queensland Raceway.
Series President Glenn Richards says the 2025/26 calendar strikes a balance between tradition and new opportunities:
“The MG Classic and SKOPE Classic are fixtures in our calendar, and adding the February Manfeild meeting gives us something special – a genuine trans-Tasman double-header. For Australian competitors, it’s a chance to race at two of New Zealand’s most popular and historically significant circuits, all within a two-week window. We’re excited to see the grids this attracts.”
The series will also welcome new and returning competitors, including James Watson in the family’s Guardos F5000 and James Mackinlay, who is progressing with the rebuild of his rare Forsgrini Mk1.
His father, John Mackinlay, will also base his March 73A/2 in Christchurch so both cars can be prepared together ahead of the SKOPE meeting in February.
Other additions to the grid this season include Clyde Walters in the ex-Steve Ward Lola T142 and Rob Ward (no relation) in his McLaren M10A – adding a third ‘A’ category car to the field.
The SAS Autoparts MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series continues to celebrate one of the most exciting eras of single-seater racing, bringing the spectacular sight and sound of 1970s Formula 5000 cars back to life for fans across New Zealand.
Now entering its 23rd season, the series is proudly supported by SAS Autoparts, MSC, NZ Express Transport, Bonney’s Specialised Bulk Transport, Mobil Lubricants, Nova Tyres, Webdesign, Exide Batteries and Pacifica Shipping, who provide sea freight for the cars competing in New Zealand.
For more information on event dates, entry details, and how to follow the series, visit www.f5000.co.nz and follow F5000 New Zealand on Facebook.
Header Image: Matt Smith
