The Repco Supercars Championship, formerly the V8 Supercars Championship, is the event of the year for motorsport enthusiasts in Australia and across the world. But for someone watching a race for the very first time, understanding the rules of the race can get confusing really fast. If you’re one of those who have never watched a race before and are frantically searching for motorsport news to understand what’s going on, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
This blog will take you through the ins and outs of the Supercars Championship, from its format and history to the rules and what you can expect from a typical racing weekend. So buckle up your seatbelts, and let’s dive into the action!
The Repco Supercars Championship: What is it?
The Repco Supercars Championship is a nail-biting, fiercely competitive touring car racing series that highlights the best of Australian touring car racing. Multiple races are held during the championship season at different tracks throughout the nation. A points-based system is used to determine the champion, with teams and drivers accruing points all season long.
A race weekend often includes many races, allowing drivers to demonstrate their prowess on various circuit types. While the schedule may differ from one event to the next, a typical setup consists of practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and several races spread out across a weekend.
History and Evolution:
The Supercars Championship has a rich history that dates back to 1960 when the Australian Touring Car Championship (ATCC) was established. The championship has changed its name several times over the years, evolved and gained popularity, eventually becoming the premier motorsport category in Australia.
In recent years, the championship has seen significant changes, including new regulations and rebranding to the Repco Supercars Championship. These modifications were made to boost on-track action, increase competition, and provide viewers with an even more thrilling experience.
How It Differs from Other Racing Series:
There are various ways in which the Repco Supercars Championship differs from other racing leagues. The kind of cars used is one significant distinction.
Supercars are specially designed for racing, based on production cars modified to meet strict performance and safety regulations. These high-performance machines produce incredible speed and deliver heart-pounding action on the track.
Another distinguishing feature is the close racing and wheel-to-wheel battles the Supercars Championship is known for. The drivers exhibit exceptional skill and bravery as they navigate tight corners and fight for position, thrilling fans with intense overtakes and nail-biting finishes.
Rules and Regulations:
The Supercars Championship has a thorough set of rules and regulations to ensure fair competition and safety. These encompass various aspects, including technical specifications, proper sporting conduct, and sanctions for breaking the rules. To uphold the greatest levels of fairness and safety, the rules are regularly reviewed and modified.
Among the most significant guidelines are:
- The vehicles must be based on production cars.
- A V8 engine must power the vehicles.
- The vehicles must be at least 1,400 kilograms in weight.
- The vehicles need to be roll-caged.
- Drivers are required to don a helmet and flame-resistant clothes.
- Closed circuits must be used for the races.
A Typical Supercars Race Weekend:
A typical Supercars race weekend is an action-packed extravaganza that entertains both on and off the track. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect:
- Practice Sessions: The weekend kicks off with practice sessions, where drivers fine-tune their cars and familiarise themselves with the track.
- Qualifying Rounds: Next up are the qualifying rounds, where drivers battle against the clock to secure the best possible starting position for the races. Excitement builds as they push their cars to the limit, aiming for a spot at the front of the grid.
- Support Races and Fan Activities: In between the main Supercars races, there are often support races featuring other categories, showcasing a diverse range of motorsport talent. Additionally, fans can enjoy various activities such as autograph sessions, driver meets and greets, and interactive exhibits.
- Main Races: The highlight of the weekend is undoubtedly the main Supercars races. The roaring engines, the smell of burning rubber, and the electric atmosphere create an unforgettable experience. Fans cheer on their favourite drivers as they battle for supremacy, showcasing their skills and strategy on the track.
- Podium Celebrations: As the checkered flag waves, the top drivers take their places on the podium. Champagne sprays and jubilant celebrations mark the end of a thrilling race weekend.
The Repco Supercars Championship 2023
The Repco Supercars Championship 2023 kicked off in Newcastle on the 11th of March, with drivers racing through 12 rounds to make it to the top. Currently, four rounds out of twelve have been played, with the full line-up being:
| Round | Event | Circuit | Location | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newcastle 500 | Newcastle Street Circuit | Newcastle, New South Wales | 11-12 March |
| 2 | Melbourne SuperSprint | Albert Park Circuit | Albert Park, Melbourne, Victoria | 30 March – 2 April |
| 3 | Perth SuperSprint | Wanneroo Raceway | Neerabup, Western Australia | 29-30 April |
| 4 | Tasmania SuperSprint | Symmons Plains Raceway | Launceston, Tasmania | 20-21 May |
| 5 | Darwin Triple Crown | Hidden Valley Raceway | Darwin, Northern Territory | 17-18 June |
| 6 | Townsville 500 | Reid Park Street Circuit | Townsville, Queensland | 8-9 July |
| 7 | Sydney SuperNight | Sydney Motorsport Park | Eastern Creek, New South Wales | 29-30 July |
| 8 | The Bend SuperSprint | The Bend Motorsport Park | Tailem Bend, South Australia | 19-20 August |
| 9 | Sandown 500 | Sandown Raceway | Springvale, Melbourne, Australia | 17 September |
| 10 | Bathurst 1000 | Mount Panorama Circuit | Bathurst, New South Wales | 8 October |
| 11 | Gold Coast 500 | Surfers Paradise Street Circuit | Surfers Paradise, Queensland | 28-29 October |
| 12 | Adelaide 500 | Adelaide Street Circuit | Adelaide, South Australia | 25-26 November |
The most current round of the series, the betr Darwin Triple Crown was as thrilling an event as can be. Officially dubbed The Indigenous Round, the Darwin Triple Crown saw drivers race each other for the coveted pole position in the three-part qualifying format, followed by the three 35-lap races. In a surprising turn of events, Jack Le Brocq of Matt Stone Racing saw the second win of his career. Stay tuned for more betr Darwin Triple Crown 2023 news and Supercars news!
