Named after Alfredo 'Alfie' Costanzo, the round will honour the four-time Australian Drivers' Champion and Motorsport Australia Gold Star recipient with the 78-year-old to present the trophy to the winning driver.

 

Having won the Gold Star in consecutive years between 1980 and 1983, Costanzo is only one of two drivers to have won the award four times.

 

While he may have had a slow start to his career in Australia after moving from Italy in 1957, he contested the F5000 season in 1976 and won his first race to become a top contender.

 

"I am flattered and honoured to have a trophy named after me in this new generation of Australian open-wheel racing," Costanzo said.

 

"I have watched S5000 closely since the category was announced and I am impressed with the cars, the racing and the drivers competing.

 

"It's a wonderful category and great to see this new era of the Gold Star, which is an award that has special significance for me.

 

"I am looking forward to being at Phillip Island to see the cars in person and present the trophy to the winner."

 

The Costanzo Cup follows on from round one’s John McCormack Trophy won by Thomas Randle as the championship honours the extraordinary history of top-level Aussie open wheel racing.

 

All three races from Phillip Island will be broadcast live and free via the Seven Network on 20-21 February.

 

The VHT S5000 Australian Drivers Championship returns for round two of the 2021 season as part of the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships’ Australian All Wheels Race Fest on 18-21 February.