SOUTHLAKE, Texas – Sportscar Vintage Racing Ass’n officials announced Friday that Geoff and Matt Brabham would race 1971 Brabham BT35 Formula B cars at Circuit Of The Americas on Nov. 5-8.
Car owner Ron Hornig will race alongside them, as he has with Geoff Brabham since 2015. The Nov. 5-8 races are part of SVRA’s U.S. Vintage National Championships held annually at Circuit of the Americas since 2014.
“Anytime you have an entry list that includes a Le Mans 24 champion like Geoff and his son Matt, one of the most talented young drivers anywhere, you have struck gold,” said Tony Parella, SVRA President and CEO and majority owner of the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli. “I know those cars will be at the front, and there will be some pretty intense but friendly father and son competition.”
Since 2015, when Hornig and Geoff Brabham teamed up, Geoff Brabham has been the dominant force among the small-bore open-wheel racers. Hornig says he can account for Geoff Brabham winning 26 of 32 races. He expects Matt Brabham to give his father all he can handle.
“These are fast cars, and it will be full-on racing,” said Matt Brabham. “I’m super excited to race Dad, and I know neither one of us want to finish behind the other.”
The field for Formula B at COTA will be stout with 15 or more entries. There will be at least 12 Brabham cars competing.
“Geoff and Matt are pumped-up to race each other. I just hope I get my cars back in one piece,” joked Hornig.
Hornig and the Brabhams agree this is a one-off opportunity for Matt Brabham to race against his father and run a serious race in a Brabham car. It is also special to the family for Matt Brabham to race one of his legendary grandfather’s cars. Three-time Formula One champion Sir Jack Brabham designed and built the BT35s. Sir Jack Brabham is Geoff Brabham’s father and Matt Brabham’s grandfather.