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Autosport
Autosport
Sport
Andrew van Leeuwen

Supercars confirms additional aero test amid Gen3 parity disputes

The Aussie series is embroiled in a parity storm just over a fortnight out from the start of the new season in Newcastle.

The homologation of the new Gen3 cars has proven problematic, with Ford concerned over the parity in terms of both engine and aero performance.

As expected the latter will now be addressed with a re-run of the VCAT homologation process, which involves measuring aero performance by doing straight-line runs on an airfield.

The official VCAT took place last November, with Supercars satisfied with the outcome, but Ford not.

"Supercars can confirm additional straight line evaluations will be conducted next week to validate the current specifications of the new Gen3 Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang ahead of their debut in Newcastle on March 10," said Supercars CEO Shane Howard.

"These final tests have been jointly developed between the respective manufacturers, their homologation teams and Supercars, as an agreed pathway to ensure best practice finalisation of the specification of both vehicles.

"The results of these evaluations will help us to provide the best racing product for all our stakeholders and importantly our passionate fans.

"We have been extremely pleased with the way the teams have utilised the flexible testing regime that has been rolled out over recent weeks, with over 10,000km of shakedown and test laps completed in the Camaros and Mustangs.

"As we approach the biggest change our sport has ever undertaken, it is imperative that we continue to validate the new Supercars relative performance as parity is a cornerstone of the continued success of our sport.

The tests will be strictly controlled to ensure all parties are treated fairly and equitably, in a transparent and collaborative manner, consistent with the accredited homologation process to ensure that we provide the best racing product possible.

"We take our responsibility to our fans, teams, and all stakeholders very seriously and therefore believe that this validation testing will only strengthen our process moving forward."

Parity was a talking point at the all-in pre-season test at Sydney Motorsport Park today where Camaros made up nine of the top 10 spots.

That prompted allegations of sandbagging from some Chevrolet teams aimed at their Ford counterparts.

Supercars has decided to ban newly designed front bar mounts used on the Camaro

Supercars bans flexi Camaro mounts

Flexible mounts for the front bar on the new Chevrolet Camaro Supercar have been effectively banned by the series.

Autosport understands the Chevrolet teams were supplied with front bars, designed by homologation team Triple Eight, that featured slide-operated mounts for their Gen3 builds.

The idea of the flexible mounts was to dampen the mounts during impact with a kerb, therefore limiting the risk of damage.

However the system wasn't universally well-received by the other Chevrolet teams, with its additional cost a factor, according to one source.

It is also understood to have raised eyebrows on the Ford side given the Mustang features standard fixed mounts on its front bar.

As it stands the shock absorbing mounts on the existing bars have been locked out, while the system isn't expected to feature on subsequent bars delivered to teams.

Triple Eight team manager Mark Dutton confirmed to Autosport that the mounts had been disallowed by the series, while also reiterating that the performance advantage was in lifespan, not downforce.

"The design brief for these was to make everything last better," said Dutton.

"So to increase the life of the front splitter, because it's not generating much downforce, they've got skids on them now, and then if you had a system to allow it to cop and impact, that would have been good.

"Unfortunately, both manufacturers weren't able to do it. We were able to do it in time, the Mustang wasn't. So that we don't get an advantage, we've had to de-tune the car in that area."

"As I said, it's not aero, it's just to make the parts last longer."

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