The Sandown 500 weekend witnessed a revival of discussions surrounding parity in the Supercars series, with Camaros emerging as a dominant force on the track. While concerns loomed over a potential Camaro domination, the race day revealed some intriguing twists.
During practice, the Chevrolets, particularly the Camaros, displayed remarkable speed, sparking fears of a complete domination. However, the actual race day told a different story. Although the top five positions were still occupied by Camaros, it was noteworthy that two of the fastest Fords, the #26 Grove Mustang and the #6 Tickford Mustang, were unfortunately eliminated from contention due to a bizarre incident.
The Grove Mustang suffered the misfortune of shedding a wheel at Dandenong Road, with the rogue wheel colliding with the Tickford car and causing extensive damage to its rear wing. This incident played a significant role in the Camaro dominance on race day.
Now, the spotlight turns toward Ford, which is reportedly pushing for further aerodynamic adjustments ahead of the prestigious Bathurst 1000 race. The primary focus is on the front bar, as Ford aims to rebalance the Mustang’s aerodynamics towards the rear.
However, it appears that both Supercars and its homologation teams, Triple Eight (representing GM) and Dick Johnson Racing (representing Ford), have their sights set on the future. In an exclusive scoop, F1 Flow.com has learned that plans are already underway for wind tunnel testing, most likely to be conducted in the United States, for both the Camaro and the Mustang.
Wind tunnel testing has been on the radar for some time now, with teams recognizing it as the logical next step in achieving aerodynamic parity. The expectation is that these tests will take place during the off-season, providing teams with valuable insights into optimizing their cars for future competitions.
When contacted for comment, Supercars remained tight-lipped about the matter, leaving fans and experts eager to learn more about this intriguing development.
The transition to a comprehensive control package beneath the bodywork, while retaining two different engines, has placed a heightened emphasis on achieving absolute aero parity in Supercars—a quest like never before. Previously, the Vehicle Controlled Aerodynamic Testing (VCAT) process sufficed when teams had more freedom in adjusting components such as front suspension. However, with those liberties now removed, achieving perfect balance in aero performance between the Camaro and the Mustang has become paramount.
Hence, the decision to explore a costly wind tunnel program is seen as a significant step toward definitively settling the aero parity debate within the Supercars series. It’s a move that could reshape the landscape of motorsport and usher in a new era of competitiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about aero parity
What was the highlight of the Sandown 500 weekend in Supercars?
The highlight of the Sandown 500 weekend was the resurgence of discussions about parity in the Supercars series. It was noted that the Camaros appeared to be the dominant force on the track during practice sessions, raising concerns of a potential Camaro domination.
Did the fears of a complete Camaro whitewash come true?
No, the fears of a complete Camaro whitewash did not materialize. While the Chevrolets, especially the Camaros, showed impressive speed during practice, the actual race day saw a mix of cars in the top positions. Six Mustangs managed to secure spots in the Top 10 Shootout, providing some balance to the competition.
What unfortunate incident affected the fastest Fords in the race?
The #26 Grove Mustang and the #6 Tickford Mustang, which were among the fastest Fords in the race, were both taken out of contention due to a freak incident. The Grove car lost a wheel at Dandenong Road, and this rogue wheel collided with the Tickford car, causing significant damage to its rear wing.
What is Ford’s focus for aerodynamic adjustments ahead of the Bathurst 1000?
Ford is primarily concentrating on making aerodynamic tweaks to the Mustang, with a specific focus on the front bar. The goal is to shift the car’s aerodynamic balance toward the rear to improve its performance in upcoming races, including the prestigious Bathurst 1000.
What are the future plans for aerodynamic testing in Supercars?
Plans for wind tunnel testing are already in progress for both the Camaro and the Mustang. These tests are expected to take place, most likely in the United States, during the off-season. Wind tunnel testing has been identified as the next logical step to achieve aerodynamic parity in the series.
Why is achieving aero parity so important in Supercars?
The transition to a comprehensive control package beneath the bodywork, while retaining different engines, has heightened the importance of achieving absolute aerodynamic parity between the Camaro and the Mustang. This emphasis on aero parity has arisen due to the removal of previous freedoms teams had in adjusting components like front suspension. The aim is to ensure that both makes of cars are perfectly balanced in terms of aero performance.
How is this focus on aero parity expected to affect Supercars racing?
The pursuit of aero parity through wind tunnel testing is a significant development that could reshape the landscape of Supercars racing. It is expected to put an end to the ongoing discussion about parity, at least in terms of aerodynamics. This move is likely to lead to more competitive and exciting races in the future, as teams strive for an even playing field in terms of aerodynamic performance.
