The thunderous sights and sounds of Formula 5000 will once again be a centrepiece of the SKOPE Classic, with the second round of the 2025/26 NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series taking place at Christchurch’s Euromarque Motorsport Park from 6–8 February.
Marking the halfway point of the four-round series, the SKOPE Classic weekend carries significant weight in the pursuit of season honours, with every point earned shaping overall title aspirations. While the F5000 grid will be reduced to nine cars for this year’s event, the historical importance and quality of machinery on display ensure the category remains a headline attraction.
Leading the field is the definitive early-1970s Formula 5000 chassis, the Lola T332. Glen Richards and Tony Galbraith are joined by Christchurch local Anna Collins, who returns in the family-owned and ex–Graeme Lawrence Lola T332 HU28. The car makes a welcome return following the successful resolution of a brake issue that limited its performance potential at the season opener late last year.
Historic depth is enhanced by the presence of three McLaren-built Formula 5000 cars — a rare sight in any paddock worldwide. Roger Williams will campaign the distinctive green 1970 McLaren M10B, while Tony Annabell fields an evocative orange-liveried example.
Leading the McLaren contingent on points is the McLaren M10A of Tony Roberts, who holds a slender one-point advantage over Annabell, last season’s A-category title winner. Tim Rush was set to expand the McLaren presence with his 1972 M22, but he will be absent after an engine failure during testing earlier in the month ruled the car out of contention.
Also missing from the SKOPE Classic line-up due to engine-related issues are the McRae GM1 of Steve Ross and the Gardos OR2 of James Watson. One welcome addition sees Blake Knowles stepping into the Hey family McRae GM1 (004), normally driven by Michael Hey, who will miss the meeting due to wedding commitments.
With 20 points awarded for entry, Collins arrives at her home circuit tied at the top of the series points table on 80 points, alongside Grant Martin in the Talon MR1 #3. With the series reaching its midpoint, both drivers will be keen to capitalise on a strong showing at Ruapuna.
Also returning to the field is reigning New Zealand F5000 title holder Kevin Ingram. The Feilding driver rebounds after a difficult final race at the season opener, bringing his proven Lola 330/332 back into contention and adding further strength to the front-running group.
On-track action for F5000 competitors begins on Friday with practice sessions. Qualifying follows on Saturday morning and sets the grid for the eight-lap opening race of the weekend on Saturday afternoon, with valuable points awarded for both qualifying and race results.
Sunday morning features the ever-interesting eight-lap handicap start race, followed by the final 12-lap race of the day on Sunday afternoon, with grid positions determined by the results of Saturday’s race.
The weekend’s ultimate prize is the Bert Hawthorne Cup, awarded to the winner of the final F5000 race. Donated by the family of the late Bert Hawthorne, the trophy is the very cup Hawthorne won following his victory in the Lombank Trophy Formula 3 race at Brands Hatch in 1970, and carries deep historical significance given his racing roots at Ruapuna.
Also to be presented during the weekend is the Stan Redmond Memorial Trophy. This special award recognises the driver who, across the event, best displays the exceptional speed, style and unrelenting passion for F5000 racing that Stan Redmond — one of the founding members of the NZ F5000 Association — was renowned for.
Together, the two trophies ensure the SKOPE Classic continues to celebrate not only the cars and competition, but also the people and legacy that underpin Formula 5000 racing in New Zealand.
The 2025/26 NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series proudly enters its 23rd season, supported by SAS Autoparts, MSC, NZ Express Transport, Bonney’s Specialised Bulk Transport, Mobil Lubricants, Avon Motorsport Tyres – Dold Industries, Webdesign, Exide Batteries and Pacifica Shipping.
For event updates, entry lists and photos, visit www.f5000.co.nz and follow F5000 New Zealand on Facebook.
Entry list – SKOPE Classic 2026: NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series
- Toby Annabell – McLaren M10B (#007)
- Tony Galbraith – Lola T332
- Kevin Ingram – Lola T332
- Grant Martin – Talon MR1A
- Glenn Richards – Lola T332
- Tony Roberts – McLaren M10A-09
- Roger Williams – McLaren M10B
- Anna Collins – Lola T332 HU28
- Blake Knowles – McRae GM1 (004)
Header Image: Euan Cameron
