Sydney SuperNight Undergoes a Game-Changing Overhaul

* Image source: Supercars Championship

As Supercars Championship teams gear up for next week's Sydney SuperNight, a slight tweak in format is poised to bring about dramatic strategic shifts.

The Sydney Motorsport Park showdown has a unique construct this year, splitting into a refuelling race on Saturday night and a high-pace sprint on Sunday afternoon. As we dive into the details, the Saturday race covers a thrilling 51 laps or 200km of the electrifying 3.91km Western Sydney circuit. Initially, this race was set to have two compulsory pit stops per car.

Highlights From Race 1, 2022

Regulation Revolution: Switching up Pit Stop Requirements

However, the Further Supplementary Regulations' release has stirred the pot, transforming the CPS obligation to a singular pit stop. The refuelling strategy has been pinned at 80 litres, a reduction from the 100 litres seen in Newcastle and Townsville. However, this seems proportionate given the shorter length of the race, while the two-tyre requirement for the CPS(s) holds strong.

This change gives teams the liberty to complete the race with just one pit stop. However, the strategic conundrum here is whether to seize this opportunity or stick to the original plan.

Fuel Fuss and Tyre Tribulations

When it comes to fuel range, there's no cause for concern. Sunday's 140km race does away with the need for refuelling, and the 80-litre drop is well within the 133-litre cell capacity of the Gen3 race cars, a dazzling new addition for 2023.

The real concern lies with the tyres. The middle of Dunlop's 2023 Supercars range, the soft compound, has been allocated for the Sydney Motorsport Park event. Each car will receive 32 new slick tyres for the action-packed weekend, with a mandate to return eight post-practice.

Known for its high degradation, 'Eastern Creek' poses a considerable challenge, especially recalling the Gen2 era's later years when increased downforce lessened movement and subsequently protected tyre life.

Ford Teams in the Firing Line

Ford teams, in particular, face an uphill battle after the Mustangs' performance at the recent NTI Townsville 500. In both races, the top Mustang finishers, including Race 17's champion Anton De Pasquale, stopped thrice instead of the usual two stops.

However, this was before testing a new-spec, 80mm throttle body designed to ease the rear tyres of the Fords and enhance tyre longevity.

While the updated Engine Specification Document isn't locked in yet, there's a potential for significant improvements in the Mustangs at the Sydney event.

Despite the official pre-season test held at SMP, teams only have a couple of half-hour practice sessions next weekend before plunging into qualifying and racing.

Buckle up for an exhilarating ride as track activity kicks off on Friday, July 28, for support categories.