What was the 1980 Australian Drivers' Championship?

The 1980 Australian Drivers' Championship was a motor racing competition sanctioned by the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) for drivers of Australian Formula 1 racing cars. This championship marked the 24th running of the Australian Drivers' Championship, with the winner receiving the CAMS Gold Star.

Who was the winner of the 1980 Australian Drivers' Championship?

The 1980 Australian Drivers' Championship was won by Alfredo Costanzo. He achieved this victory driving a Lola T430 Chevrolet.

What type of racing cars were eligible for the 1980 Australian Drivers' Championship?

In 1980, the Australian Formula 1 category catered to cars that complied with one of three specific formulae: Formula 5000, International Formula One, or Formula Pacific. This allowed for a diverse range of high-performance open-wheel racing cars to compete.

How were cars classified for championship points in the 1980 Australian Drivers' Championship?

For the purpose of awarding championship points, cars were divided into two classes based on engine capacity. These were the 'Over 1600cc' class, which included Formula 5000 and International Formula One cars, and the 'Under 1600cc' class, which was open to Formula Pacific cars.

What was the points system used in the 1980 Australian Drivers' Championship?

Championship points were awarded on a 9-6-4-3-2-1 basis to the top six Australian license holders in each class at every round. Additionally, bonus points were awarded on a 4-3-2-1 basis to the top four Australian license holders at each round, irrespective of their class.

Which racing circuit hosted the first round of the 1980 Australian Drivers' Championship?

The first round of the 1980 Australian Drivers' Championship was held at Sandown Park in Victoria on February 24.

Who won the first round of the 1980 Australian Drivers' Championship?

John Wright won the first round of the 1980 Australian Drivers' Championship, driving a Lola T400 Chevrolet.

Which circuit hosted the second round of the championship, and who won it?

The second round took place at Baskerville Raceway in Tasmania. The winner of this round was Jon Davison, piloting a Lola T332 Chevrolet.

What car did John Bowe drive when he won the third round at Symmons Plains?

John Bowe won the third round of the championship at Symmons Plains Raceway in Tasmania driving an Elfin MR8 Chevrolet.

How many rounds comprised the 1980 Australian Drivers' Championship?

The 1980 Australian Drivers' Championship was contested over a total of eight rounds, with each round featuring a single race.

Which driver secured the most victories in the 1980 Australian Drivers' Championship?

Alfredo Costanzo won two rounds of the championship, specifically Round 6 at Sandown Park and Round 7 at Winton. Jon Davison also won two rounds (Round 2 at Baskerville and Round 5 at Lakeside). John Bowe also won two rounds (Round 3 at Symmons Plains and Round 4 at Oran Park). John Wright won Round 1, and Alan Jones won Round 8.

What car did Alfredo Costanzo drive to win the championship?

Alfredo Costanzo drove a Lola T430 Chevrolet throughout the championship, which he piloted to his victory.

Who finished in second place in the 1980 Australian Drivers' Championship, and what car did they drive?

Jon Davison finished in second place in the championship. He competed in a Lola T332 Chevrolet.

What car was driven by John Bowe, who finished third in the championship?

John Bowe, who secured third place in the championship, drove an Elfin MR8 Chevrolet.

What were the points scored by the championship winner, Alfredo Costanzo, in the final three rounds?

Alfredo Costanzo scored 8 points at Sandown Park (Round 6), 13 points at Winton (Round 7), and 13 points at Calder Raceway (Round 8), contributing significantly to his championship total.

Which driver finished fourth in the championship standings, and what was their total points?

Chas Talbot finished in fourth place in the 1980 Australian Drivers' Championship, accumulating a total of 33 points. He drove a Lola T332 Chevrolet.

What car did John Wright drive, and what was his final championship position?

John Wright drove a Lola T400 Chevrolet and finished the championship in fifth place. He scored a total of 28 points.

Who finished sixth in the championship, and what car did they drive?

Ray Hanger finished sixth in the championship standings, driving a March 77B Ford. He accumulated 23 points.

Which two drivers tied for seventh place in the championship points, and what were their scores?

Peter Williamson and Rob Butcher tied for seventh place, both scoring 12 points. Williamson drove a Galloway Ford, while Butcher drove a Lola T332 Chevrolet.

What were the eligible formulae for Australian Formula 1 cars in 1980?

The eligible formulae for Australian Formula 1 cars in 1980 were Formula 5000, International Formula One, and Formula Pacific. This classification allowed for a variety of chassis and engine configurations.

How were the points allocated for the top six drivers in each class at each round?

The points allocation for the top six Australian license holders in each class at each round was as follows: 9 points for first place, 6 for second, 4 for third, 3 for fourth, 2 for fifth, and 1 for sixth.

What bonus points were awarded in the championship, and to whom?

Bonus points were awarded on a 4-3-2-1 basis to the top four Australian license holders at each round, regardless of which class they competed in. These bonus points helped to further differentiate drivers based on their overall performance.

Which drivers were not eligible for championship points in the 1980 season?

Drivers who were not Australian license holders were not eligible for championship points. This included notable drivers like Guy Edwards, Alan Jones, Bruno Giacomelli, and Didier Pironi, who participated in specific rounds but did not score championship points.

What car did Alan Jones drive when he won the Australian Grand Prix, the final round of the championship?

Alan Jones, who won the final round, the Australian Grand Prix at Calder Raceway, drove a Williams FW07B Ford. Although he won the race, he was not eligible for championship points as he was not an Australian license holder.

What was the relationship between the 1980 Australian Drivers' Championship and the CAMS Gold Star?

The winner of the 1980 Australian Drivers' Championship was awarded the CAMS Gold Star, which is a prestigious recognition in Australian motor racing. This indicates that winning the championship also meant earning this significant accolade.

Which circuits hosted rounds of the championship in Tasmania?

Tasmania hosted two rounds of the championship: Baskerville Raceway for Round 2 and Symmons Plains Raceway for Round 3.

What car did Jon Davison drive when he finished second in the championship?

Jon Davison drove a Lola T332 Chevrolet during the 1980 Australian Drivers' Championship, securing second place overall.

What were the points scored by John Bowe in the rounds he won?

John Bowe won Round 3 at Symmons Plains, scoring 13 points, and Round 4 at Oran Park, also scoring 13 points. These victories contributed significantly to his third-place finish in the championship.

What car did Peter Bull drive, and what was his championship point total?

Peter Bull drove an Elfin and scored 3 points in the championship. He was one of several drivers who tied for 20th place in the final standings.

Which entrant was associated with the championship winner, Alfredo Costanzo?

The entrant associated with Alfredo Costanzo, the 1980 Australian Drivers' Champion, was Porsche Distributors.

What was the car used by Jon Davison in Round 5 at Lakeside, and what was his result?

In Round 5 at Lakeside, Jon Davison drove a Lola T332 Chevrolet and won the race, scoring 13 points.

What car did Ray Hanger drive, and what were his points in the championship?

Ray Hanger drove a March 77B Ford and finished the championship with 23 points, placing him in sixth position.

What was the car driven by Guy Edwards when he finished second at Round 1, and why was he ineligible for points?

Guy Edwards drove a Fittipaldi F5A when he finished second at Round 1. He was ineligible for championship points because he was not an Australian license holder.

What car did Bruno Giacomelli drive in the Australian Grand Prix, and what was his result?

Bruno Giacomelli drove an Alfa Romeo 179 in the Australian Grand Prix (Round 8) and finished second in that race. However, he was not eligible for championship points as he was not an Australian license holder.

What car did Didier Pironi drive in the Australian Grand Prix, and what was his result?

Didier Pironi drove an Elfin MR8 Chevrolet in the Australian Grand Prix (Round 8) and finished third in the race. He was not eligible for championship points because he was not an Australian license holder.

What was the previous year's Australian Drivers' Championship?

The previous year's Australian Drivers' Championship was the 1979 championship.

What was the next year's Australian Drivers' Championship?

The next year's Australian Drivers' Championship was the 1981 championship.

Which round of the championship was the Australian Grand Prix?

The Australian Grand Prix was the eighth and final round of the 1980 Australian Drivers' Championship.

What car did Peter Williamson drive, and what was his championship point total?

Peter Williamson drove a Galloway Ford and scored 12 points in the championship, tying him for seventh place.

What car did Rob Butcher drive, and what was his championship point total?

Rob Butcher drove a Lola T332 Chevrolet and scored 12 points in the championship, tying him for seventh place.

What car did Paul Hamilton drive, and what was his championship point total?

Paul Hamilton drove an Elfin 600 and scored 11 points in the championship, tying him for ninth place.

What car did John Smith drive, and what was his championship point total?

John Smith drove a Ralt RT1 and scored 11 points in the championship, tying him for ninth place.

What car did Clive Millis drive, and what was his championship point total?

Clive Millis drove an Elfin 700 and scored 9 points in the championship, tying him for eleventh place.

What car did Andrew Newton drive, and what was his championship point total?

Andrew Newton drove an Elfin 700 and scored 9 points in the championship, tying him for eleventh place.

What car did Greg Doidge drive, and what was his championship point total?

Greg Doidge drove a Matich A53 and scored 9 points in the championship, tying him for eleventh place.

What car did Dave Cooper drive, and what was his championship point total?

Dave Cooper drove an Elfin 700 and scored 6 points in the championship, tying him for fourteenth place.

What car did Mike Stack drive, and what was his championship point total?

Mike Stack drove a Cheetah and scored 6 points in the championship, tying him for fourteenth place.

What car did Gary Cosser drive, and what was his championship point total?

Gary Cosser drove a Bowin P6 Ford and scored 6 points in the championship, tying him for fourteenth place.

What car did Peter Middleton drive, and what was his championship point total?

Peter Middleton drove an Elfin MR8 Chevrolet and scored 6 points in the championship, tying him for fourteenth place.

What car did Ivan Tighe drive, and what was his championship point total?

Ivan Tighe drove a Chevron B37 Chevrolet and scored 5 points in the championship, placing him 18th.

What car did Bob Power drive, and what was his championship point total?

Bob Power drove a Kaditcha and scored 4 points in the championship, placing him 19th.

1980 Australian Drivers Championship Wiki: 1980 Australian Drivers' Championship: A Season of Speed and Strategy

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Season Overview

The Championship

The 1980 Australian Drivers' Championship marked the 24th iteration of Australia's premier open-wheel racing series. Sanctioned by the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS), this championship was the ultimate test of skill and endurance for Australian racing drivers. The coveted prize for the series victor was the prestigious CAMS Gold Star, signifying national supremacy in the sport.

Victorious Campaign

The 1980 championship was decisively won by Alfredo Costanzo. Piloting a formidable Lola T430 equipped with a powerful Chevrolet engine, Costanzo demonstrated exceptional consistency and speed throughout the season. His performance secured him the championship title, cementing his status as a leading figure in Australian motorsport during that era.

Season Structure

The championship was contested over an eight-round series, with each round featuring a single, high-stakes race. This format demanded peak performance at every event, as drivers navigated diverse circuits across Australia, accumulating points towards the ultimate goal of the CAMS Gold Star.

Race Calendar

Championship Rounds

The 1980 season comprised eight rounds held at iconic Australian circuits. The following table details the schedule, including the race name, circuit location, state, date, and the winning driver and their car.

Round	Race Name	Circuit	State	Date	Winning Driver	Car
1		Sandown Park	Victoria	24 February	John Wright	Lola T400 Chevrolet
2		Baskerville	Tasmania	March	Jon Davison	Lola T332 Chevrolet
3		Symmons Plains	Tasmania	23 March	John Bowe	Elfin MR8 Chevrolet
4		Oran Park	New South Wales	4 May	John Bowe	Elfin MR8 Chevrolet
5		Lakeside	Queensland	20 July	Jon Davison	Lola T332 Chevrolet
6		Sandown Park	Victoria	14 September	Alfredo Costanzo	Lola T430 Chevrolet
7	Rose City Trophy	Winton	Victoria	26 October	Alfredo Costanzo	Lola T430 Chevrolet
8	Australian Grand Prix	Calder Raceway	Victoria	16 November	Alan Jones	Williams FW07B Ford

Class Structure

Formulae Permitted

The 1980 Australian Drivers' Championship was notable for its inclusive regulations, allowing cars compliant with three distinct formulae to compete:

Formula 5000: A powerful class known for its V8 engines.
International Formula One: The premier global formula, featuring cutting-edge technology.
Formula Pacific: A category often utilizing smaller-displacement engines, providing a different performance profile.

Championship Classes

For the purpose of championship points allocation, the field was divided into two distinct classes, ensuring fair competition across different engine capacities:

Over 1600cc: This class encompassed the potent Formula 5000 and International Formula One cars.
Under 1600cc: This class was designated for the Formula Pacific cars, offering a competitive platform for drivers in this category.

Points System

Awarding Championship Points

The championship employed a structured points system designed to reward consistent performance across the season. Points were awarded based on finishing positions within each class, as well as overall bonus points.

Class Points: A 9-6-4-3-2-1 points structure was applied to the top six Australian license holders in each class at every round.
Bonus Points: Additionally, bonus points were awarded on a 4-3-2-1 basis to the top four Australian license holders at each round, irrespective of their class. This system encouraged drivers to push for overall positions, adding another layer of strategic depth to the championship.

Championship Results

Final Standings

The culmination of the eight-round season saw Alfredo Costanzo emerge as the champion. The following table presents the final standings, detailing the drivers' positions, the cars they campaigned, their entrants, and their points accumulated across the various rounds.

Position	Driver	Car	Entrant	San	Bas	Sym	Ora	Lak	San	Win	Cal	Total
1	Alfredo Costanzo	Lola T430 Chevrolet	Porsche Distributors	-	2	9	-	8	13	13	13	58
2	Jon Davison	Lola T332 Chevrolet	Lee Seeton	9	13	6	6	13	2	3	-	52
3	John Bowe	Elfin MR8 Chevrolet	Ansett Team Elfin	4	9	13	13	3	-	9	-	51
4	Chas Talbot	Lola T332 Chevrolet	Chas Talbot	6	4	-	-	-	9	5	9	33
5	John Wright	Lola T400 Chevrolet	John Wright	13	6	-	9	-	-	-	-	28
6	Ray Hanger	March 77B Ford	Ray Hanger	-	-	-	4	6	9	4	-	23
7	Peter Williamson	Galloway Ford	Peter Williamson Pty Ltd	-	-	-	-	12	-	-	-	12
7	Rob Butcher	Lola T332 Chevrolet	Hahndorf Motor Museum	-	-	-	-	-	6	-	6	12
9	Paul Hamilton	Elfin 600	Paul Hamilton	-	-	-	-	9	2	-	-	11
9	John Smith	Ralt RT1	John Smith	-	-	-	-	-	-	11	-	11
11	Clive Millis	Elfin 700		-	9	-	-	-	-	-	-	9
	Andrew Newton	Elfin 700		-	-	9	-	-	-	-	-	9
	Greg Doidge	Matich A53	Greg Doidge	1	-	4	4	-	-	-	-	9
	Gary Cosser	Bowin P6 Ford		-	-	-	-	-	-	6	-	6
	Peter Middleton	Elfin MR8 Chevrolet	P Middleton	2	-	-	-	-	4	-	-	6
14	Dave Cooper	Elfin 700		-	6	-	-	-	-	-	-	6
Mike Stack	Cheetah		-	-	-	6	-	-	-	-	6
Peter Bull	Elfin	Peter Bull	-	-	-	-	3	-	-	-	3
Ian Adams	Lola T330 Chevrolet	Ian Adams	-	-	-	-	-	1	2	-	3
Peter Edwards	Lola T332 Chevrolet	PJ Edwards	-	-	2	-	-	-	-	1	3
Mel McEwin	Matich A53 Repco Holden	Mel McEwin	1	1	1	-	-	-	-	-	3
20	Colin Trengrove	Lola T332 Chevrolet	John Silman Power Tools	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	2	2

Notable Non-Eligible Drivers

International Competitors

Several highly accomplished drivers participated in the championship rounds but were not eligible for championship points, typically due to not holding Australian licenses. Their presence, however, significantly elevated the competition and prestige of the events.

Guy Edwards: Competed in a Fittipaldi F5A, securing second place at Round 1.
Alan Jones: The reigning Formula One World Champion, drove a Williams FW07B Ford to victory in the Australian Grand Prix (Round 8).
Bruno Giacomelli: Piloted an Alfa Romeo 179, finishing second in the Australian Grand Prix.
Didier Pironi: Drove an Elfin MR8 Chevrolet, achieving third place in the Australian Grand Prix.

External Resources

Visual Archive

To view visual documentation and photographs from the 1980 Australian "Formula 5000" season, the following external link provides access to a valuable archive:

1980 Australian "Formula 5000" images, www.autopics.com.au (opens in new tab)

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References

Points totals below tenth position were calculated from round results published in Australian Motor Racing Year, 1980/81, pages 108-127

A full list of references for this article are available at the 1980 Australian Drivers' Championship Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This content has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, drawing upon publicly available data from Wikipedia. It is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness, the information presented may not be entirely exhaustive, current, or free from minor inaccuracies.

This is not professional motorsport advice. The information provided herein should not substitute for consultation with qualified motorsport historians, CAMS officials, or professional racing consultants. Always verify critical information with official sources and experts.

The creators of this page are not liable for any errors or omissions, nor for any actions taken based on the information presented.

1980 Australian Drivers' Championship

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Season Overview

The Championship

Victorious Campaign

Season Structure

Race Calendar

Championship Rounds

Class Structure

Formulae Permitted

Championship Classes

Points System

Awarding Championship Points

Championship Results

Final Standings

Notable Non-Eligible Drivers

International Competitors

Further Reading

Historical Context

External Resources

Visual Archive

Teacher's Corner

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1980 Australian Drivers' Championship

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Season Overview ℹ️

🏆 The Championship

🥇 Victorious Campaign

🗓️ Season Structure

Race Calendar 🗓️

🏁 Championship Rounds

Class Structure ⚙️

🏎️ Formulae Permitted

⚖️ Championship Classes

Points System 📊

🔢 Awarding Championship Points

Championship Results 🏆

📜 Final Standings

Notable Non-Eligible Drivers ℹ️

⭐ International Competitors

Further Reading 📚

📖 Historical Context

External Resources 🔗

🌐 Visual Archive

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Season Overview

The Championship

Victorious Campaign

Season Structure

Race Calendar

Championship Rounds

Class Structure

Formulae Permitted

Championship Classes

Points System

Awarding Championship Points

Championship Results

Final Standings

Notable Non-Eligible Drivers

International Competitors

Further Reading

Historical Context

External Resources

Visual Archive

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice