Ahead of its maiden appearance at the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix this month, the Australian S5000 Championship has secured a new naming rights partner in Very High Temperature (VHT).

 

As of today, the open-wheel competition will be known as the VHT Australian S5000 Championship.

 

Established in the USA more than 50 years ago, VHT specialises in high performance, flameproof coatings for automotive, hardware and household applications - a product which is able to withstand extremely hot temperatures.

 

Its founder, Brian Sampson had an impressive open-wheel career of his own, which included a victory in the 1975 Hardie-Ferodo 1000 alongside Peter Brock, as well as successful stints in Formula 2 and 3.

 

With the company’s branding to appear on the upper nosecone area and rear wing endplates of every car throughout the season, VHT Australia Director Brendan Jones was excited for the new partnership.

 

“VHT is thrilled to be the first-ever naming rights sponsor of the VHT Australian S5000 Championship.,” Jones said.

 

“S5000 is a category unlike anything Australian motorsport has seen since Formula 5000, so it is an honour for VHT to be associated with this great racing formula.

 

“With S5000 being the fastest open wheel category in Australia and VHT being renowned for high performance coatings, this partnership fits on every level.”

 

The category will have a 16-car field for the Australian Grand Prix with former Formula 1 stars Rubens Barrichello and Giancarlo Fisichella to headline the impressive field, while 2019 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 winner Alexandre Premat is also making his S5000 debut.

 

The VHT Australian S5000 Championship’s first round of the 2020 season begins at the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix on 12-15 March.