Prompted by the results of the recent Darwin Triple Crown, where the Chevrolet Camaro maintained its undefeated start to the Gen3 era with three additional victories, an official parity assessment has been initiated.
Importantly, the parity threshold was exceeded in the third of these races, marking a breach in five of the last eight competitions.
Supercars quickly reported that a review process had started following an initial dialogue with the two homologation teams – Triple Eight Race Engineering (GM) and Dick Johnson Racing (Ford).
According to F1 Flow.com, the subsequent round of discussions began today, with the expectation that Supercars and the homologation teams will plan the next actions.
Adjustments could potentially be implemented as early as the Townsville 500, but the specifics of those modifications are still uncertain.
Throughout the majority of the season, the engines were believed to be the main factor causing disparity. Supercars experimented with varying engine maps and shift recovery deltas in an attempt to align the Ford V8 with the Chevrolet equivalent.
There was noticeable progress made in this area in Darwin, and a long-term solution is expected to rely on the introduction of torque sensors and a possible transient dyno programme.
Concurrently, upon departing Darwin, Ford teams were of the belief that aero was also exacerbating the poor rear tyre lifespan, which seems to be the primary shortcoming for the Gen3 Mustangs.
Aero was emphasized prior to the season, as Ford pressed Supercars to conduct extra last-minute aero testing, which eventually resulted in minor adjustments to the Camaros.
Although everyone was initially satisfied with the outcome, it hasn’t sufficed to permanently dispel worries that the Camaro may have superior aero balance compared to the Mustang.
As recently as 2019, Supercars implemented in-season aero adjustments. They utilized CFD modelling to help level the field between the Gen2 Mustang and the Holden ZB Commodore.
In that instance, the Mustang enjoyed an aero benefit. This led to modifications to its rear wing, making it less effective, while the Holdens were equipped with a gurney flap on the lower part of their rear wings.
Supercars conventionally eschews wind tunnel testing, opting instead for CFD and their own Vehicle Control Aerodynamic Testing process, which is founded on real-world straight-line testing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Supercars Parity Review
What event triggered the official parity review in Supercars?
The official parity review in Supercars was triggered by the results of the recent Darwin Triple Crown, where the Chevrolet Camaro maintained its undefeated streak in the Gen3 era with three additional victories.
What is the parity threshold and when was it breached?
The parity threshold is a measure of performance disparity among competing vehicles in a race. It was breached in the third of the recent three races at the Darwin Triple Crown, marking the fifth breach in the last eight races.
What teams are part of the initial parity review discussions?
The two homologation teams involved in the initial parity review discussions are Triple Eight Race Engineering (GM) and Dick Johnson Racing (Ford).
What changes are expected as a result of the parity review?
While the specific changes are still uncertain, it’s expected that adjustments could potentially be implemented as early as the Townsville 500. The changes are likely to address the perceived disparity caused by engine and aerodynamic factors.
What was the main source of disparity for much of the season?
For much of the season, the engines were believed to be the main source of disparity. Supercars trialed different engine maps and shift recovery deltas to align the performance of the Ford V8 with the Chevrolet Camaro.
What aerodynamic changes have been made in the past by Supercars?
In 2019, Supercars used CFD modelling to help equalize the aerodynamic performances of the Gen2 Mustang and the Holden ZB Commodore. The Mustang’s rear wing was altered to be less effective, while the Holdens were given a gurney flap on the bottom element of their rear wings.
More about Supercars Parity Review
- Supercars Official Website
- Darwin Triple Crown Overview
- Triple Eight Race Engineering
- Dick Johnson Racing
- CFD Modelling in Motorsport
- Introduction to Aerodynamics in Motorsports
- Understanding Engine Maps
6 comments
Can’t believe we’re talkin bout this already. But seriously tho, that rear tyre life on the Mustangs is a joke!
Always thought the engines were causing the gap. Let’s see what they do with this review… Fingers crossed for some good competition!
Wonder what tweaks they’re planning for Townsville 500? The suspense is killin me haha.
Guess it’s about time they look into it. no fan wants a one-horse race, right? parity is what keeps things interestin!
Totally saw this comin… the Camaro’s been way too dominant! Time for some changes, ey?
No surprises here! Been sayin’ it since the season began, the Camaro’s got a leg up on aero balance. Hopefully, we’ll see some real action post-review.