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{{Short description|Touring car racing category in Australasia}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox motorsport championship
|logo            = Supercars Championship Logo 2021.png
|image-size      = 200px
|caption         = 
|category        = [[Touring car racing]]
|country/region  = {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Australia]]<br />{{flagicon|NZL}} [[New Zealand]]
|inaugural       = [[1997 Australian Touring Car Championship|1997]]
|folded          =
|drivers         = 25
|teams           = 11
|constructors    = {{flagicon|USA}} [[Chevrolet]]{{•}}{{flagicon|USA}} [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]]
|engines         = 
|tyres           = [[Dunlop Tyres|Dunlop]]
|champion driver = {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Chaz Mostert]]
|champion team   = [[Triple Eight Race Engineering]]
|manufacturer    = {{flagicon|USA}} [[Chevrolet]]
|website         = {{url|https://www.supercars.com}}
|current_season  = 2025 Supercars Championship}}

The '''Supercars Championship''', also known as the '''Repco Supercars Championship''' under sponsorship and historically as '''V8 Supercars''', is a [[touring car racing]] category in Australia and New Zealand, running as an International Series under [[Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile]] (FIA) regulations, governing the sport.

Supercars events take place in all Australian states and the [[Northern Territory]],<ref name="2013Cal">{{cite news | url=http://www.speedcafe.com/2012/10/15/v8-supercars-announce-2013-championship-calendar/ | title=V8 Supercars announces 2013 championship calendar | work=Speedcafe | date=15 October 2012 | access-date=22 March 2013 | archive-date=9 October 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009125306/https://www.speedcafe.com/2012/10/15/v8-supercars-announce-2013-championship-calendar/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> with the [[Australian Capital Territory]] formerly holding the [[Canberra 400]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.optus.com.au/aboutoptus/About+Optus/Media+Centre/Media+Releases/2002/Optus+provides+V8+power+coverage+for+Canberra+400 | title=Optus provides V8 power coverage for Canberra 400 | publisher=Optus | date=7 June 2002 | access-date=22 March 2013}}</ref> Usually, an international round is held in New Zealand, with events previously being held in China, Bahrain,<ref name="10Y 16">Clarke, Wensley (2007), p. 16</ref> the United Arab Emirates, and the United States.<ref name="2013Cal" /><ref name="50Y 503">Greenhalgh, Howard, Wilson (2011), p. 503</ref> The [[Melbourne SuperSprint]] championship event is also held in support of the [[Australian Grand Prix]]. Race formats vary between each event, with sprint races between {{convert|100|and|200|km|mi}} in length, street races between {{convert|125|and|250|km|mi}} in length, and two-driver [[Endurance racing (motorsport)|endurance race]]s held at [[The Bend 500]] and [[Bathurst 1000|Bathurst]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/v8-supercars-simplify-race-formats-for-2014-introduce-three-set-styles-for-every-event-on-the-calendar/story-e6frfkp9-1226719455752 | title=V8 Supercars simplify race formats for 2014, introduce three set styles for every event on the calendar | work=SPEED | publisher=News.com.au | date=15 September 2013 | access-date=22 January 2014 | archive-date=5 October 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005184115/http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/v8-supercars-simplify-race-formats-for-2014-introduce-three-set-styles-for-every-event-on-the-calendar/story-e6frfkp9-1226719455752 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2023 Calendar & Tickets |url=https://www.supercars.com/2023-calendar/ |access-date=2023-06-21 |website=Supercars |language=en}}</ref> The series is broadcast in 137 countries<ref name="V8 About">{{cite web | url=http://www.v8supercars.com.au/about | title=About the V8 Supercar Championship | publisher=V8Supercars.com.au | access-date=1 July 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130702110725/http://www.v8supercars.com.au/about | archive-date=2 July 2013}}</ref> and has an average event attendance of over 100,000.<ref name="V8TV">{{cite web | url=http://www.cams.com.au/featured-page/international-v8-supercar-championship-series | title=International V8 Supercars Championship Series | publisher=Confederation of Australian Motorsport | access-date=27 March 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140218225144/http://www.cams.com.au/featured-page/international-v8-supercar-championship-series | archive-date=18 February 2014}}</ref> With over 285,000 in attendance annually, the [[Adelaide 500|Adelaide Grand Final]] is the most attended Supercars race in [[Australia]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 19, 2023 |title=VAILO Adelaide 500 Prepares for More Grandstand Shade |url=https://www.miragenews.com/vailo-adelaide-500-prepares-for-more-grandstand-1106723/ |access-date=2023-11-03 |website=Mirage News |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Herrero |first=Daniel |date=2022-12-05 |title=Comeback Adelaide 500 beats crowd target |url=https://www.speedcafe.com/2022/12/05/comeback-adelaide-500-beats-crowd-target/ |access-date=2023-11-03 |website=Speedcafe.com |language=en-US |archive-date=27 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127000621/https://www.speedcafe.com/2022/12/05/comeback-adelaide-500-beats-crowd-target/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The vehicles used in the series are loosely based on road-going cars. Cars are custom made using a control chassis, with only certain body panels being common between the road cars and race cars. The cars are controlled for "technical parity" - ensuring that teams and drivers using any of the homologated cars have a chance to build and drive a winning car.

All cars use bespoke, race prepped variants of current engines supplied by GM and Ford (Toyota joining in 2026). A 5.4L variant of the Ford Coyote DOHC V8 engine powering the Mustang and a 5.7L variant of the GM LTR pushrod V8 engine powering the Camaro. Toyota will provide a bespoke 5.2L variant of its 2UR-GSE DOHC V8 engine for the Toyota Supra when it enters the competition in 2026.

Originally only for [[Ford Falcon (Australia)|Ford Falcon]]s and [[Holden Commodore]]s, the new generation V8 Supercar regulations, introduced in 2013, opened up the series to more manufacturers.<ref name="COTF">{{cite web | url=http://www.v8supercars.com.au/technical/car-of-the-future | title=The New Generation of V8 Supercars | last=Noonan | first=Aaron | work=V8Supercars.com.au | publisher=BigPond Sport | access-date=22 March 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130318003038/http://www.v8supercars.com.au/technical/car-of-the-future | archive-date=18 March 2013}}</ref> [[Nissan]] were the first new manufacturer to commit to the series with four [[Nissan Altima#Fifth generation (L33; 2013)|Nissan Altima L33s]]<ref name="Nissan">{{cite news | url=http://www.speedcafe.com/2012/02/09/nissan-confirms-kelly-racing-v8-supercars-entry/ | title=Nissan confirms Kelly Racing V8 Supercars entry | work=Speedcafe | date=9 February 2012 | access-date=9 February 2012 | archive-date=9 July 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230709185917/https://www.speedcafe.com/2012/02/09/nissan-confirms-kelly-racing-v8-supercars-entry/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> followed briefly by [[Erebus Motorsport]] with [[Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG (V8 Supercar)|Mercedes-Benz E63 AMGs]]<ref name="Merc">{{cite news | url=http://www.caradvice.com.au/191998/mercedes-benz-amg-racers-enter-v8-supercars/ | title=Mercedes-Benz AMG racers to enter V8 Supercars | work=CarAdvice.com.au | last=Spinks | first=Jez | date=19 September 2012 | access-date=27 March 2013}}</ref> and [[Garry Rogers Motorsport]] with [[Volvo S60 (V8 Supercar)|Volvo S60]]s.<ref name="GRMVolvo">{{cite news | url=http://motoring.ninemsn.com.au/cars/features/8675846/breaking-volvo-confirms-entry-into-v8-supercars | title=Volvo confirms entry into V8 Supercars | work=[[Auto Action]] | publisher=NineMSN | date=17 June 2013 | access-date=17 July 2013}}</ref> The series returned to a Ford and [[Holden]] duopoly in 2020 with the departure of Nissan, while Ford replaced the Falcon with the [[Ford Mustang (sixth generation)|Mustang]] in 2019.<ref name="kelly mustang">{{cite news|url=https://www.supercars.com/news/championship/kelly-racing-confirms-2020-mustang-switch/|title=Kelly Racing confirms 2020 Mustang switch|first=Stefan|last=Bartholomaeus |work=Supercars Championship|access-date=3 April 2020|date=15 October 2019}}</ref> Holden announced its final year of competition in 2022, to be replaced by the [[Chevrolet Camaro (sixth generation)#ZL1|Chevrolet Camaro ZL1]] for the 2023 season.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-08/bathurst-1000-supercars-holden-final-ford-mount-panorama/101506958 |title=Holden-Ford Supercars rivalry comes to an end at 2022 Bathurst 1000 on Mount Panorama |first=Simon |last=Smale |date=2022-10-08 |publisher=ABC News Australia }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/last-outing-bathurst-holden |title=Last outing at Bathurst for Holden |first=John |last=Lewis |date=2022-10-06 |publisher=[[Otago Daily Times]] }}</ref> Starting in 2026, [[Toyota]] will make its debut in the championship, competing with the [[Toyota GR Supra|GR Supra]].<ref name="GRSupraDebut">{{cite news|url=https://speedcafe.com/supercars-news-toyota-gr-supra-confirmed-2026-walkinshaw-andretti-united-details/|title=Toyota announces 2026 Supercars entry|website=[[Speedcafe]]|last=Bartholomaeus|first=Stefan|date=18 September 2024|access-date=17 September 2024}}</ref>

==History==
===Group 3A===
[[File:Skaife-vp94.jpg|thumb|225px|[[Mark Skaife]]'s 1994 [[Holden Commodore (VP)|Holden VP Commodore]]]]
[[File:Lowndes-vr96.jpg|thumb|225px|[[Craig Lowndes]]' 1996 [[Holden Commodore (VR)|Holden VR Commodore]]]]

The concept of a formula centred around [[V8 engine|V8-engined]] [[Ford Australia|Fords]] and [[Holden]]s for the [[Australian Touring Car Championship]] had been established as early as mid-1991. With the new regulations set to come into effect in [[1993 Australian Touring Car Championship|1993]], Ford and Holden were both keen to know the details of the new formula by the end of 1991, putting pressure on the [[Motorsport Australia|Confederation of Australian Motor Sport]] (CAMS) to provide clarity on the matter. However, CAMS was waiting to see what the [[Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile|FIA]] did with its proposed international formula for 2.5- and 2.0-litre touring cars.<ref>Greenhalgh, Howard, Wilson (2011), p. 322</ref>

The new rules for the ATCC were announced in November 1991 and indicated that the V8 cars would be significantly faster than the smaller-engined cars. In 1992, CAMS looked at closing the performance gap between the classes, only to have protests from Ford and Holden, which did not want to see their cars beaten by the smaller cars. In June 1992, the class structure was confirmed:<ref name="50Y 323">Greenhalgh, Howard, Wilson (2011), p. 323</ref>

* Class A: Australian-produced 5.0-litre V8-engined Fords and Holdens
* Class B: 2.0-litre cars complying with [[Supertouring|FIA Class II Touring Car]] regulations
* Class C: normally aspirated two-wheel drive cars complying with 1992 CAMS Group 3A Touring Car regulations:<br />This class would only be eligible in 1993.<ref>CAMS Manual of Motor Sport (1993), p. 205</ref>

Both the [[Ford Falcon EB]] and [[Holden Commodore VP]] ran American-based engines, which were restricted to 7,500 [[Revolutions per minute|rpm]] and a [[compression ratio]] of 10:1. The Holden teams had the option of using the [[Group A]]-developed 5.0-litre [[Holden V8 engine]], although this was restricted to the second-tier privateer teams from 1994 onwards, forcing the major Holden runners to use the more expensive [[Chevrolet small-block engine (first- and second-generation)|Chevrolet]] engine. The V8s were first eligible to compete in the endurance races of [[1992 Australian Touring Car season|1992]]. The distinctive aerodynamics package, consisting of large [[Diffuser (automotive)|front]] and [[spoiler (car)|rear spoilers]], was designed partly with this in mind, to give the new cars a better chance of beating the [[Nissan Skyline GT-R#Third generation (1989–1994)|Nissan Skyline GT-Rs]] in those races.<ref name="50Y 323" />

The new rules meant that cars such as the [[Turbocharger|turbocharged]] Nissan Skyline GT-R and [[Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth]] were not eligible to compete in 1993, while cars such as the [[BMW M3#E30 generation (1986–1991)|BMW M3]] were. However, the M3 received few of the liberal concessions given to the new V8s and also had an extra {{convert|100|kg|lb}} added to its minimum weight, so<ref name="50Y 324">Greenhalgh, Howard, Wilson (2011), p. 324</ref> with the Class C cars eligible for 1993 only, the German manufacturer's attention switched to the 2.0-litre class for 1994.

Cars from all three classes would contest the [[1993 Australian Touring Car Championship]], as well as non-championship Australian touring car events such as the [[Bathurst 1000]]. However, for the purposes of race classification and points allocation, cars competed in two classes:
* Over 2,000 cc
* Under 2,000 cc

Originally, the 2.0-litre class cars competed in a separate race to the V8s. This was changed for the second round of 1993 after only nine entrants were in the 2.0-litre class for the first round at [[Amaroo Park]].<ref name="50Y 324" />

With the new regulations intended to be a [[Parity (sports)|parity]] formula, protests by the Holden teams indicated that the Fords had an aerodynamic advantage after they won the opening three rounds, beating the Commodores comprehensively. After round five at [[Winton Motor Raceway|Winton]], Holden was granted a new front and rear wing package. The BMWs were also allowed new splitters and full DTM-specification rear wings.<ref>Greenhalgh, Howard, Wilson (2011), p. 325–327</ref> Disparity between the Fords and Holdens continued to be a talking point during the next few years, with various concessions given to each manufacturer to try to equalise the two cars.<ref>Greenhalgh, Howard, Wilson (2011), p. 332–353</ref>

From [[1995 Australian Touring Car Championship|1995]], the 2.0-litre cars, now contesting their own series as [[Australian Super Touring Championship|super touring cars]], became ineligible for the Australian Touring Car Championship. They did not contest the endurance races at Sandown and Bathurst, leaving these open solely to the 5.0-litre Ford and Holden models.

===V8 Supercars===
[[File:Glenn Seton 1997 EL Falcon Muscle Car Masters 2011.JPG|thumb|225px|[[Glenn Seton]]'s 1997 [[Ford Falcon EL]], pictured in 2011]]

The Australian Vee Eight Super Car Company (AVESCO) – a joint venture between the Touring Car Entrants Group of Australia (TEGA), sports promoters [[IMG (company)|IMG]] and the Australian Motor Sports Commission – was formed in November 1996 to run the series. This set the foundation for the large expansion of the series during the following years. The category also adopted the name 'V8 Supercars' at this time,<ref name="10Y 14">Clarke, Wensley (2007), p. 14</ref> though the cars themselves were much unchanged. A new television deal with [[Network Ten]] and [[Fox Sports Australia|Fox Sports]] was organised, although this had [[Bathurst 1000#A race divided|follow-on effects]] for the [[Bathurst 1000]] later in the year.<ref name="C10">Greenhalgh, Howard, Wilson (2011), p. 363</ref>

In February, [[Tony Cochrane]] and James Erskine left IMG. Together with David Coe, they formed Sports and Entertainment Limited (SEL) in April 1997.<ref>Clarke, Wensley (2007), p. 15</ref> TEGA would have a 75% share in AVESCO, with SEL owning the other 25%. TEGA was responsible for the rules and technical management of the series and the supply of cars and drivers, while SEL was responsible for capturing and maintaining broadcasting rights, sponsorship, licensing, and sanction agreements.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.speedcafe.com.au/2011/05/17/timeline-the-growth-of-v8-supercars-from-atcc/ | title=Timeline: The Growth of V8 Supercars | work=Speedcafe | date=17 May 2011 | access-date=23 March 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130625113517/http://www.speedcafe.com.au/2011/05/17/timeline-the-growth-of-v8-supercars-from-atcc/ | archive-date=25 June 2013}}</ref>

The expansion of the series began in [[1998 Australian Touring Car Championship|1998]], with the first round to be held in the Northern Territory taking place at [[Hidden Valley Raceway]]. In [[1999 Shell Championship Series|1999]], a [[Adelaide 500|new street race]] on a shortened version of the [[Adelaide Street Circuit|Adelaide Grand Prix Circuit]] became one of the first festival-style events, which would become common in later years. Australia's capital city, [[Canberra]], hosted its [[Canberra 400|first event]] on the [[Canberra Street Circuit]] in [[2000 Shell Championship Series|2000]]. In [[2001 Shell Championship Series|2001]], a championship round was held in New Zealand for the first time, at [[Pukekohe Park Raceway]].<ref>Clarke, Wensley (2007), p. 15–16</ref> In [[2002 V8 Supercar Championship Series|2002]], the V8 Supercar support event at the [[Gold Coast Indy 300|Indy 300]] on the [[Surfers Paradise Street Circuit|Gold Coast]] became a championship round, having been a non-championship event since 1994.<ref>Clarke, Wensley (2007), p. 110</ref>

Major format changes were made for 1999, with the incorporation of the endurance races into the championship. Control tyres were used for the first time, with [[Bridgestone]] selected as the supplier. The series was also renamed from the "Australian Touring Car Championship" to the "Shell Championship Series", by virtue of [[Shell Australia|Shell's]] sponsorship of the category.<ref>Greenhalgh, Howard, Wilson (2011), p. 388–389</ref> Reverse-grid races were introduced for multiple rounds in 2000<ref>Greenhalgh, Howard, Wilson (2011), p. 401</ref> before being confined to just the Canberra round for 2001. Also in 2001, compulsory [[pit stop]]s were introduced at certain rounds and the Top Ten Shootout was used at all rounds.<ref>Greenhalgh, Howard, Wilson (2011), p. 411</ref> The control tyre supplier changed from Bridgestone to [[Dunlop Tyres|Dunlop]] in 2002 and the series name was changed to the "V8 Supercar Championship Series" after Shell discontinued their sponsorship.<ref>Greenhalgh, Howard, Wilson (2011), p. 421</ref>

====Project Blueprint====
[[File:Todd Kelly Barbagello.jpg|thumb|225px|right|[[Todd Kelly]]'s 2003 [[Holden Commodore (VY)|Holden VY Commodore]]]]

Discussions about parity had returned in 2000, with {{convert|100|mm|in}} trimmed from the front spoiler of the Commodore after Holden, in particular, the [[Walkinshaw Andretti United|Holden Racing Team]], had dominated in 1998 and 1999. This was in response to the {{convert|300|mm|in}} removed from the Falcon in previous seasons, and coincided with a {{convert|10|mm|in}} trim from the Falcon's rear spoiler. The small reduction for the Holden teams was quickly addressed with both cars receiving the same front splitter shortly afterwards, but the Falcon's rear wing remained trimmed. Ford had threatened to withdraw from the series, but nothing came of this.<ref>Greenhalgh, Howard, Wilson (2011), p. 404</ref> After Holden again dominated in 2001 and 2002, a new set of regulations, dubbed "Project Blueprint", was introduced in [[2003 V8 Supercar Championship Series|2003]] to close the performance gap between the Commodore and the Falcon,<ref name="50Y 431">Greenhalgh, Howard, Wilson (2011), p. 431</ref> thus creating closer, fairer racing.<ref name="HSW V8">{{cite web | url=http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/motorsports/v8-supercars-championship-series2.htm | title=How the V8 Supercars Championship Series Works – The Making of a V8 Supercar | last=Lampton | first=Christopher | date=7 November 2011 | publisher=HowStuffWorks.com | access-date=22 March 2013}}</ref> Project Blueprint was developed by Paul Taylor and Wayne Cattach, who spent two years designing a formula which would eliminate most of the differences between the Fords and Holdens.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.speedcafe.com/2011/12/16/paul-taylor/ | title=Paul Taylor | work=Speedcafe | date=16 December 2011 | access-date=22 March 2013 | archive-date=14 May 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514010116/http://www.speedcafe.com/2011/12/16/paul-taylor/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>

Project Blueprint had the chassis pick-up points, [[wheelbase]], [[Axle track|track]], and driving position become common across both manufacturers. The Holdens were now able and required to use [[Double wishbone suspension|double-wishbone]] front suspension, similar to that of the Falcon, rather than the [[MacPherson strut]]s used previously, and a Watts link at the rear rather than a Panhard. The aerodynamic packages were comprehensively tested and revised and differences in the [[Cylinder head porting|porting]] of each of the manufacturers' engines were also removed.<ref name="50Y 431" /><ref>Clarke, Wensley (2007), p. 128</ref> The performance of the new [[Ford BA Falcon]] and [[Holden Commodore (VY)|Holden VY]] and [[Holden Commodore (VZ)|VZ Commodores]] was fairly even for the next four years, with Ford winning the championship in 2003, [[2004 V8 Supercar Championship Series|2004]], and [[2005 V8 Supercar Championship Series|2005]] and Holden winning in [[2006 V8 Supercar Championship Series|2006]].<ref>Clarke, Wensley (2007), p. 211</ref> Reverse-grid races were used at certain events in 2006 before unpopularity with the drivers, teams, and fans saw them abolished halfway through the season.<ref>Clarke, Wensley (2007), p. 182</ref>

[[File:Mark Skaife 2009 Sydney 500 Launch.jpg|thumb|left|150px|[[Mark Skaife]], five-time series champion and leader of the new generation V8 Supercar project]]

The [[Holden Commodore (VE)|Holden VE Commodore]] caused controversy when it was introduced in [[2007 V8 Supercar Championship Series|2007]]. The production model was longer, wider, and taller than the rival [[Ford Falcon (BF)|Ford BF Falcon]] and outside of the limits set by Project Blueprint. As a result, the VE race car was granted custom bodywork – namely shortened rear doors and a lowered roofline to meet the regulations.<ref>Grennhalgh, Howard, Wilson (2011), p. 473</ref> Despite this, the VE was approved for use in the series, along with the BF Falcon, after several months of preseason testing.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.bordermail.com.au/story/31062/ve-and-bf-ready-to-duke-it-out/ | title=VE and BF ready to duke it out | work=[[The Border Mail]] | publisher=[[Fairfax Media]] | date=25 January 2007 | access-date=23 March 2013}}</ref> [[Sequential gearbox]]es were introduced in [[2008 V8 Supercar Championship Series|2008]] and became compulsory by the end of the year.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/motor-sports/supercars-changing-with-times/story-e6frf3z3-1111115566495#.UVLEtxwzhyI | title=Supercars changing with times | last=Innes | first=Stuart | work=Fox Sports News | date=16 February 2008 | access-date=27 March 2013}}</ref> In [[2009 V8 Supercar Championship Series|2009]], [[E85]] (a fuel consisting of 85% [[ethanol]] and 15% [[unleaded petrol]]) was introduced in an effort to improve the environmental image of the sport. Carbon dioxide emissions decreased by up to 50%, but fuel consumption was increased by 30% to produce the same power as before.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.smh.com.au/sport/v8-supercars-to-switch-to-ethanol-20081010-4y1f.html | title=V8 Supercars to switch to ethanol | work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] | date=10 October 2008 | access-date=25 March 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130905113541/http://news.smh.com.au/sport/v8-supercars-to-switch-to-ethanol-20081010-4y1f.html | archive-date=5 September 2013}}</ref> 2009 also had the introduction of a soft compound tyre at certain events to try to improve the quality of the racing and create different strategies.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.jaxquickfit.com.au/dunlop-sp-sport-maxx-sprint-winton | title=Dunlop to introduce its new V8 Sport Maxx "Sprint" tyre at Winton | work=Jax Quickfit Tyres | date=April 2009 | access-date=25 March 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130427033027/http://www.jaxquickfit.com.au/dunlop-sp-sport-maxx-sprint-winton | archive-date=27 April 2013 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>Greenhalgh, Howard, Wilson (2011), p. 492</ref>

In 2005, AVESCO changed its name to V8 Supercars Australia (VESA).<ref name="10Y 14" /> The series continued to expand during this time, with races held outside of [[Australasia]] for the first time. The series travelled to the [[Shanghai International Circuit]] in [[China]] in 2005, originally on a five-year agreement,<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2004-07-20/china-to-host-v8-supercar-championship/2012152 | title=China to host V8 Supercar championship | work=ABC News | date=20 July 2004 | access-date=23 March 2013}}</ref> however the promoter of the race dropped their support and the series did not return thereafter.<ref>Grennhalgh, Howard, Wilson (2011), p. 453</ref> 2006 saw the series travel to the [[Middle East]], with an event held at the [[Bahrain International Circuit]] in [[Bahrain]].<ref name="10Y 16" /> Multiple new street circuits appeared on the calendar in 2008 and 2009, with new events held in [[Hamilton Street Circuit|Hamilton]] in [[New Zealand]],<ref>Grennhalgh, Howard, Wilson (2011), p. 484</ref> [[Townsville]] in [[North Queensland]] and at [[Sydney Olympic Park]].<ref>Grennhalgh, Howard, Wilson (2011), p. 495–499</ref> The series' Middle East expansion continued in 2010 with a second round held at the [[Yas Marina Circuit]] in [[Abu Dhabi]].<ref name="50Y 503" /> In November 2010, the series was granted international status by the FIA for the [[2011 International V8 Supercars Championship|2011 season]], allowing the series to race at up to six international venues each year. As a result, the series name was changed to the 'International V8 Supercars Championship'.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport-old/motor-sport-old/v8-supercars-granted-international-series-status/story-e6frepn6-1225949832162 | title=V8 Supercars granted international series status | last=Jackson | first=Ed | work=The Courier Mail | date=9 November 2010 | access-date=27 March 2013}}</ref>

2008 saw the separate boards of directors of VESA and TEGA merge into a single board that was solely responsible for the administration of the category. The new board of directors was composed of four TEGA representatives, two members from SEL and two independent directors.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.touringcartimes.com/2008/03/28/v8-supercars-board-streamlined/ | title=V8 Supercars board streamlined | work=Touring Car Times | date=28 March 2008 | access-date=23 March 2013}}</ref> In 2011, TEGA and SEL entered a sale agreement with Australian Motor Racing Partners (AMRP), which had significant financial backing from [[Archer Capital]]. This agreement saw SEL lose its 25% stake in V8 Supercars, with Archer Capital taking up a 60% share and TEGA the other 40%. A new board of directors was appointed, with two TEGA representatives and two AMRP representatives.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.speedcafe.com.au/2011/05/17/v8-supercars-confirm-new-ownership-structure/ | title=V8 Supercars confirm new ownership structure | work=Speedcafe | date=17 May 2011 | access-date=23 March 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130625120006/http://www.speedcafe.com.au/2011/05/17/v8-supercars-confirm-new-ownership-structure/ | archive-date=25 June 2013}}</ref>

In 2011, Archer Capital purchased a 65% shareholding in the series with the teams owning the other 35%.<ref>[https://autoaction.com.au/2021/07/01/supercars-buy-out-plans-revealed Supercars buy-out plans revealed] ''Auto Action'' 1 July 2021</ref> In December 2021, both Archer Capital and the teams sold their shareholdings to Race Australia Consolidated Enterprises.<ref>[https://mumbrella.com.au/race-acquires-supercars-715404 RACE acquired Supercars] ''[[Mumbrella]]'' 29 November 2021</ref>

{{Clear}}

[[File:Scott McLaughlin 2014 Sydney Motorsport Park 400.JPG|thumb|225px|right|Through the new rules manufacturers such as Volvo were able to enter cars in the series.]]

====New Generation V8 Supercar====
{{See also|2013 International V8 Supercars Championship#New Generation V8 Supercar|label 1=2013 International V8 Supercars Championship § New Generation V8 Supercar}}

In the middle of 2008, a project led by [[Mark Skaife]] was organised by V8 Supercars to investigate future directions for the sport. The project had the primary objective of cutting costs to [[Australian dollar|$]]250,000 per car through the use of control parts and to create a pathway for new manufacturers to enter the series, provided that they have a four-door saloon car in mass production. The new formula, called "Car of the Future", was scheduled to be introduced before or during the [[2012 International V8 Supercars Championship|2012 season]]. The plan was publicly unveiled in March 2010 and was shown to incorporate several key changes to the internal workings of the car. The chassis and the cooling, fuel and electronics systems would all be changed to control parts, with changes to the engine, drivetrain, rear suspension, wheels and the control brake package. The safety of the cars was also to be reviewed and improved.<ref name="COTF Unveil">{{cite news | url=http://www.speedcafe.com.au/2010/03/29/v8%E2%80%99s-car-of-the-future-details-announced/ | title=V8's Car of the Future details announced | work=Speedcafe | date=29 March 2010 | access-date=27 March 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130625110204/http://www.speedcafe.com.au/2010/03/29/v8%E2%80%99s-car-of-the-future-details-announced/ | archive-date=25 June 2013}}</ref> While the plans were well received by all of the teams, Holden Motorsport boss Simon McNamara warned potential new manufacturers to stay out of the championship just hours after the plans were released, claiming that they would "gain nothing" from entering the series.<ref>{{cite news|title=Holden warn off Nissan and Toyota in V8 Supercars powerplay |url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/motor/holden-warn-off-nissan-and-toyota-in-v8-supercars-powerplay/story-e6frey5r-1225847111813 |first=James |last=Phelps |work=The Daily Telegraph|date=29 March 2010 |access-date=30 March 2010 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

Major changes were revealed to include a switch from a [[Live axle|live rear axle]] to [[independent rear suspension]]; the use of a [[Transaxle|rear transaxle]] instead of a mid-mounted gearbox; the repositioning of the [[fuel tank]] to in front of the rear axle to improve safety; replacing the windscreen with a [[polycarbonate]] unit; and a switch from {{convert|17|in|mm}} to {{convert|18|in|mm}} wheels.<ref name="COTF Unveil" /> In 2011, it was announced that the Car of the Future would not be introduced until [[2013 International V8 Supercars Championship|2013]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://prelive.v8dailydump.com.au/news/featureArticle.tt2?NEWSITEMID=9476 | title=Car of the Future date pushed back until 2013 | work=V8 Daily Dump | date=7 January 2011 | access-date=27 March 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130719020326/http://prelive.v8dailydump.com.au/news/featureArticle.tt2?NEWSITEMID=9476 | archive-date=19 July 2013}}</ref> In February 2012, [[Nissan]] confirmed that they would enter the series under Car of the Future regulations with [[Kelly Racing]].<ref name="Nissan" /> Later in 2012, [[Australian GT Championship]] team [[Erebus Motorsport]] announced they would be running [[Mercedes-Benz]] cars in the championship, taking over [[Stone Brothers Racing]].<ref name="Merc" /><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/motor-sports/v8-supercars/stone-brothers-racing-will-be-renamed-erebus-motorsport-for-the-2013-v8-supercars-season/story-fn2ms9um-1226549496743#.UVJErVfWx3s | title=Stone Brothers Racing will be renamed Erebus Motorsport for the 2013 V8 Supercars season | last=Dale | first=William | work=Fox Sports News | date=8 January 2013 | access-date=27 March 2013}}</ref> In June 2013, [[Volvo Cars|Volvo]] announced it would enter the series in [[2014 International V8 Supercars Championship|2014]] in a collaboration with its motorsport arm, [[Polestar Racing]] and [[Garry Rogers Motorsport]].<ref name="GRMVolvo" /> In November 2013 the Car of the Future moniker was dropped in favour of the name "New Generation V8 Supercar".<ref name="2014changes">{{cite news | url=http://www.v8supercars.com.au/news/v8-supercars-releases-2014-rule-changes | title=V8 Supercars Releases 2014 Rule Changes | work=V8Supercars.com.au | date=15 November 2013 | access-date=15 November 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131118185545/http://www.v8supercars.com.au/news/v8-supercars-releases-2014-rule-changes | archive-date=18 November 2013}}</ref>

The series continued its international expansion in 2013, with the first event in [[North America]] held at the [[Circuit of the Americas]] in [[Austin, Texas]].<ref name="Texas">{{cite news | url=http://www.speedcafe.com/2013/03/20/v8-supercars-confirms-texas-event-details/ | title=V8 Supercars confirms Texas event details | last=Bartholomaeus | first=Stefan | work=Speedcafe | date=20 March 2013 | access-date=27 March 2013 | archive-date=23 March 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130323004856/http://www.speedcafe.com/2013/03/20/v8-supercars-confirms-texas-event-details/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2015, five drivers took part in a series of demonstration races at the [[Kuala Lumpur Street Circuit]] as part of the [[KL City Grand Prix]]. This was intended to be a precursor to the series holding a championship event at the circuit in 2016, in a push from CEO [[James Warburton (Australian businessman)|James Warburton]] to build series exposure in Asia.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.v8supercars.com.au/news/championship/2016-championship-calendar-released | title=2016 Championship calendar released | work=V8Supercars.com.au | date=8 September 2015 | access-date=8 September 2015}}</ref> The event was later cancelled due to legal issues affecting the circuit.<ref name="cancel">{{cite news | url=http://www.v8supercars.com.au/news/championship/kl-city-400-supercar-extravaganza-cancelled/ | title=KL City 400 Supercar Extravaganza cancelled | publisher=Supercars | date=1 June 2016 | access-date=1 June 2016}}</ref>

===Supercars Championship===
In April 2016, the series reached an agreement with [[Virgin Australia]] to rename the series to the ''Virgin Australia Supercars Championship'' on 1 July.<ref>2016 V8 Supercar Operations Manual, p. A1</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.v8supercars.com.au/news/championship/get-ready-to-fly/|title=Get ready to fly|work=V8 Supercars|date=26 April 2016|access-date=26 April 2016}}</ref>

For the 2021 season, this changed to the Repco Supercars Championship on a 5-year deal, extended to an 8-year deal at the end of 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Our History |url=https://www.supercars.com/championship/our-history/ |access-date=2023-06-19 |website=Supercars |language=en}}</ref>

==== Gen 2 Supercar ====
In December 2014, Supercars released details concerning the future of the category. New regulations, dubbed Gen2 Supercar, were introduced in [[2017 Supercars Championship|2017]] to allow the use of [[Coupé|two-door coupé]] body styles and [[Turbocharger|turbocharged]] four- or six-cylinder engines. However, no teams elected to build cars to these alternate engine specifications. Cars were still required to be based on front-engined, rear-wheel drive, four-seater production cars that were sold in Australia. The chassis and control components were carried over from the New Generation V8 Supercar regulations, while engine and aerodynamic parity was reviewed. Where [[Holden ZB Commodore]] made a debut in 2018 and later, [[Ford Mustang (sixth generation)|Ford Mustang S550]] in the 2019 debut as the only Two-door coupe Gen2 specifications and also the successor of [[Ford FG Falcon|FG X Falcon]], which been discontinued at the end of 2016.

==== Gen 3 Supercar ====
After being first announced in 2020, and after being delayed for a year due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], the Gen 3 regulations were introduced for the [[2023 Supercars Championship]]. The main aim was to create closer racing, to reduce costs and to increase road-relevance for the manufacturers.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Gen3 Supercars |url=https://www.supercars.com/championship/rules-and-regulations/gen3-supercars/ |access-date=2023-06-19 |website=Supercars |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Herrero |first=Daniel |date=2023-04-11 |title=Supercars working with teams to cut Gen3 costs |url=https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/04/11/teams-working-with-supercars-to-cut-costs-from-gen3/ |access-date=2023-06-19 |website=Speedcafe |language=en-US |archive-date=19 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619155903/https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/04/11/teams-working-with-supercars-to-cut-costs-from-gen3/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> To do this, sweeping aerodynamic changes were made to cut the generated [[downforce]].  This reduced the amount of "dirty" air created, and made the cars more challenging to drive. The regulations continued previous changes to ensure technical parity between cars, helping to keep power, downforce and drag levels identical. Engines were further aligned to road going units, to increase longevity, remove the cost of manufacturing custom parts (in particular [[Velocity stack|velocity stacks]]) and decrease the cost of a rebuild.<ref name=":0" />

==Supercar specifications==
{{Update section|date=March 2023}}
{{multiple image
| align = right
| direction = vertical
| image1 = Heimgartner 2023 Supercars Test.jpg
| width1 = 250
| image2 =  De Pasquale 2023 Supercars Test.jpg
| width2 = 250
| caption2 = Teams race either the [[Chevrolet Camaro (sixth generation)#ZL1|Chevrolet Camaro ZL1]] (top) or the [[Ford Mustang (seventh generation)|Ford Mustang GT]] (bottom).
| image3 = Jason Bright 2011 V8 Supercar Interior.JPG
| caption3 = The interior of [[Jason Bright]]'s 2011 [[Holden VE Commodore]]. The driver's seat, steering wheel, gear shifter and parts of the roll cage can be seen.
| width3 = 250
| image4 = 2014 Australian F1 Grand Prix (13124904293).jpg
| caption4 = Control wheels fitted with soft compound tyres.
| width4 = 250
}}

The current Gen 3 regulations are a complete refresh of the previous generation,<ref name=":0" /> with the cessation of volume car production in Australia being a major factor.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.supercars.com/news/tributes-flow-as-holden-brand-retired |title=Tributes flow as Holden brand retired |author=James Pavey |date=2020-02-17 |publisher=Supercars.com }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.motorsport.com/v8supercars/news/what-holden-demise-means-supercars/4697298/ |title=What Holden's demise really means for Supercars |author=Andrew van Leeuwen |date=2020-02-27 |publisher=Motorsport.com }}</ref> The current cars are the [[Ford Mustang (seventh generation)|Ford Mustang GT]], [[Chevrolet Camaro (sixth generation)#ZL1|Chevrolet Camaro ZL1]], and beginning in 2026 the [[Toyota GR Supra]].

The full list of regulations, Sporting and Technical, can be found on the Supercars website in the operations manual. [https://www.supercars.com/championship/rules-and-regulations/operations-manual/]

=== Parity ===
Supercars is a "parity formula" which attempts to ensure that competitors using any of the available car models compete on an equal basis. In this aspect, it is similar in philosophy to the [[NASCAR Cup Series]]. The category's current rules, and the charter between organisers and teams state that "..to the extent that it is possible, Competition will take place between the different makes and models of Cars as equalised by the technical parity mechanisms enshrined in the Rules.".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Herrero |first=Daniel |date=2024-02-24 |title=Revealed: Supercars' parity contract with the teams |url=https://speedcafe.com/revealed-supercars-parity-contract-with-the-teams/ |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=Speedcafe.com |language=en-AU}}</ref>

However, the rules go on to state that "The Category is not about equalisation of the abilities of participating Drivers and/or Teams (such equalisation could be, and is in some categories, defined as sporting parity). It is up to individual Drivers and/or Teams to Compete to the best of their abilities under the principle of technical parity."

Parity is intended to extend to aerodynamics, engine performance, and handling characteristics.

In practice, achieving technical parity has proven difficult and contentious, with a number of changes for the 2023 and 2024 season to aerodynamics and engines.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Herrero |first=Daniel |date=2024-02-22 |title=Whincup not 'comfortable' with Supercars engine parity situation |url=https://speedcafe.com/whincup-not-comfortable-with-supercars-engine-parity-situation/ |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=Speedcafe.com |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-31 |title='Wasted a whole year': Is the Supercars parity problem finally solved? |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/supercars/wasted-a-whole-year-is-the-supercars-parity-problem-finally-solved/news-story/f8faf4131b45642a5dea9986c55d9a03 |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=Fox Sports |language=en}}</ref>

===Bodyshell===
The body of each car is based on its corresponding production car in [[Right Hand Drive]] and with homologation requirements. The bodies of both models are aerodynamically balanced through these homologations requirements, along with general balancing upon entering<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |url=https://dscxx9mer61ho.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2023-Div-A-2023-FINAL-Issued-10.02.2023.pdf |title=Regulation A1.4 |access-date=19 June 2023 |archive-date=19 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619155902/https://dscxx9mer61ho.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2023-Div-A-2023-FINAL-Issued-10.02.2023.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>  Composite and Exotic materials are generally not permitted. The tail lamps are carried over from the road car, while the windscreen is replaced by a polycarbonate unit. The cars also carry cameras for broadcasting.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://dscxx9mer61ho.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022-Div-C-Final-Issued-10.02.2023.pdf |title=Division C |access-date=19 June 2023 |archive-date=19 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619155903/https://dscxx9mer61ho.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022-Div-C-Final-Issued-10.02.2023.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The bodies are built around a chassis provided by official accredited builders, including certain race teams. Currently, [[Triple Eight Race Engineering]] homologate the [[Chevrolet Camaro]] and [[Dick Johnson Racing]] homologate the [[Ford Mustang]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Homologation teams talk Gen3 efforts |url=https://www.supercars.com/news/championship/homologation-teams-talk-gen3-efforts/ |access-date=2023-06-19 |website=Supercars |language=en}}</ref> The new for [[2026 Supercars Championship|2026]] [[Toyota GR Supra]] will be homologated by [[Walkinshaw Andretti United]].<ref name="GRSupraDebut"/>

Many safety features are utilised to protect the driver in the event of a crash. The fuel tank is positioned in front of the rear axle to prevent it from being damaged or ruptured in a rear end impact. The driver is seated towards the centre of the car and extra reinforcement is used on the roll cage on the driver's side to lessen the risk of injury in a side-on collision. The cars also feature a collapsible steering column and a fire extinguisher system.<ref name="COTF" />

===Aerodynamics===
All cars have an aerodynamics package consisting of a front spoiler and [[Diffuser (automotive)|splitter]], and a [[Wing (automotive)|rear wing]]. The aerodynamics package for each manufacturer is homologated after a series of tests which ensure that the different body styles produce near-identical [[downforce]] and [[Aerodynamic drag|drag]] numbers.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

By modern racing vehicle standards, Supercars have relatively low amounts of downforce. This is intended to make it easier to follow other cars, and make the handling more similar to road cars.  The Gen 3  cars were originally reported to produce about 140&nbsp;kg of downforce at 200&nbsp;km/h, similar to a road-registerable [[Porsche 911 GT3|Porsche 911 GT3 RS]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-01-24 |title=All the technical details on the Gen3 Supercars Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro |url=https://www.whichcar.com.au/features/here-s-all-the-technical-details-on-the-gen3-supercars-ford-mustang-and-chevrolet-camaro |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=WhichCar |language=en}}</ref>  Revisions in 2024 are stated to produce about 20% more downforce.<ref name="moreaero-2024">{{Cite web |last=Herrero |first=Daniel |date=2024-02-16 |title=VIDEO: Lower top speed tipped for 2024-spec Supercars |url=https://speedcafe.com/video-lower-top-speed-tipped-for-2024-spec-supercars/ |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=Speedcafe.com |language=en-AU}}</ref>

===Weight===
The minimum weight of each car is {{Convert|1335|kg|lb|abbr=out}} including the driver and excluding the fuel, with a minimum load of 725&nbsp;kg over the front axle. The minimum weight for the driver is 95&nbsp;kg and includes the driver dressed in a full racing suit the seat and seat mountings and any ballast needed to meet the minimum weight.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Minimum weights for Gen3 confirmed |url=https://www.supercars.com/news/championship/minimum-weights-for-gen3-confirmed/ |access-date=2023-06-19 |website=Supercars |language=en}}</ref><ref>Regulation C4.2 https://dscxx9mer61ho.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022-Div-C-Final-Issued-10.02.2023.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619155903/https://dscxx9mer61ho.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022-Div-C-Final-Issued-10.02.2023.pdf |date=19 June 2023 }}</ref>  Some other components also have a minimum weight, such as the engine and the front uprights.

===Engine and drivetrain===
All cars must be [[front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout|front-engine, rear-wheel-drive]], and powered by a [[V8 engine]] designated by Supercars for use in the respected model of car, and balanced in power and weight.<ref>Regulation C.8 https://dscxx9mer61ho.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022-Div-C-Final-Issued-10.02.2023.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619155903/https://dscxx9mer61ho.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022-Div-C-Final-Issued-10.02.2023.pdf |date=19 June 2023 }}</ref> Currently, the GM engine (for use in the Camaro) is a 5.7L V8 with a single camshaft and two valves per cylinder. The Ford engine (for use in the Mustang) is a 5.4L V8 with four camshafts and 4 valves per cylinder. These engines were designed to be cheaper and have a higher longevity compared to previous engines, along with being more road-relevant.<ref name=":0" /> The Toyota engine (for use in the GR Supra) introduced in 2026 is a 5.2L V8 with [[Overhead camshaft engine#Dual overhead camshaft|DOHC]] with 4 valves per cylinder.<ref name="GRSupraDebut"/>

As of the Gen3 Supercars, all engines for a given car model are built by a single engine builder - Herrod Performance Engines for the Mustang and KRE Race Engines for the Camaro.<ref name="engine-delivery">{{Cite web |title=First engine allocations complete for Supercars teams {{!}} Supercars |url=https://www.supercars.com/news/first-engine-allocations-complete-for-supercars-teams |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=www.supercars.com |language=en}}</ref> Each engine is tested on a [[dynamometer]] before delivery to ensure the power and torque characteristics are to specification, and engine allocation is randomised to preclude more powerful engines being allocated to a specific team.<ref name="engine-delivery"/> Engines are sealed upon delivery, and modifications are prohibited. Engine servicing is only permitted under strict conditions and after minimum distances completed with the engine. Teams are only permitted two new engines per car, per year.<ref name="2023-operations-manual-division-d">{{Cite web |title=2023 Supercars Championship Operations Manual, Division D (Sporting Regulations) |url=https://assets.ctfassets.net/xd502h20t7lh/3H42SlyV499tyTzr6Nagtv/d26be653eeb1c9acd18a9c63f123714a/2023-Div-D-Final-Issued-10.02.2023.pdf |access-date=18 December 2024 |website=Supercars Championship }}</ref>

Power is transferred from the engine to the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential transaxle with an integrated [[Locking differential#Spool|spool differential]].<ref name="tech">{{cite web |title=Next Gen V8 Supercars |url=http://www.v8supercars.com.au/championship/rules-and-cars/next-gen-v8-supercars |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302225544/http://www.v8supercars.com.au/championship/rules-and-cars/next-gen-v8-supercars |archive-date=2 March 2016 |access-date=25 February 2016 |work=V8Supercars.com.au |publisher=BigPond Sport}}</ref> The individual [[gear ratio]]s and the [[final drive ratio]] are fixed with drop gears at the front of the transaxle allowing the teams to alter the overall transmission ratio for different circuits.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.v8scglobal.com/features/qa-with-albins-the-v8-supercar-transmission/ | title=Q&A with Albins -The V8 Supercar Transmission | work=V8SC Global | date=26 February 2013 | access-date=31 March 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621055043/http://www.v8scglobal.com/features/qa-with-albins-the-v8-supercar-transmission/ | archive-date=21 June 2013 | url-status=usurped }}</ref> The cars use a [[Clutch#Multiple plate clutch|triple plate clutch.]]<ref name="tech" /> The cars run on E75 fuel with a fuel tank capacity of about 130 Litres.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-08 |title=Supercars won't dump fuel drop |url=https://www.motorsport.com/v8supercars/news/supercars-wont-dump-fuel-drop/10409120/ |access-date=2023-06-19 |website=www.motorsport.com |language=en}}</ref>

An [[electronic control unit]] (ECU), provided by MoTeC, is used to monitor and optimise various aspects of the engine's performance. Numerous sensors in the car collect information which is then transmitted to the team, allowing them to monitor things such as tyre wear and fuel consumption and find potential problems with the car. The ECU is also used by officials during the scrutineering process.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.v8scglobal.com/inside-v8-supercars/the-v8-supercar/ | title=The V8 Supercar | publisher=V8SC Global | access-date=31 March 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121124054351/http://www.v8scglobal.com/inside-v8-supercars/the-v8-supercar/ | archive-date=24 November 2012 | url-status=usurped }}</ref> During the race it can also serve functions such as to automatically limit a car's speed.

===Suspension===
All cars are required to use a double wishbone setup for the front suspension and independent rear suspension. Both the front and rear suspension systems feature adjustable [[shock absorber]]s and an [[anti-roll bar]] which, as of the introduction of the Gen 3 regulations, can not be adjusted from inside the car.<ref>Regulation C.7 https://dscxx9mer61ho.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022-Div-C-Final-Issued-10.02.2023.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619155903/https://dscxx9mer61ho.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022-Div-C-Final-Issued-10.02.2023.pdf |date=19 June 2023 }}</ref>

===Brakes===
The cars use [[disc brake]]s supplied by [[Brembo#Brands|AP Racing]] on the front and rear, with the master cylinders provided by AP Racing or former control brake supplier Alcon. The front discs have a diameter of {{convert|395|mm|in}} and a six-piston caliper, while the rear discs are {{convert|355|mm|in}} diameter and have a four-piston caliper.<ref name="tech" /><ref>2016 V8 Supercar Operations Manual, p. C54–C55</ref>

===Wheels and tyres===
The cars use {{convert|18|in|mm|adj=on}} control wheels, produced by Rimstock and supplied by Racer Industries, and control tyres from Dunlop. Supercars are provided with Soft, Supersoft, and Hard slick tyres as well as grooved wet tyres for each event, The requirement to use varying compounds and how many tyres need to be changed per race are dependent on the event.<ref>[https://dscxx9mer61ho.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2023-Div-D-Final-Issued-10.02.2023.pdf Supercars operations manual 2023 division “D” – sporting rules] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619155906/https://dscxx9mer61ho.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2023-Div-D-Final-Issued-10.02.2023.pdf |date=19 June 2023 }}, Retrieved 2024-01-25</ref>

=== Performance ===
The highest speed recorded in a Supercar of any generation is 300.5&nbsp;km/h on the (downhill) Conrod Straight on the [[Mount Panorama Circuit]], by [[Shane van Gisbergen]] in qualifying for the 2023 Bathurst 1000.<ref>{{Cite web |title=300km/h barrier cracked in Bathurst qualifying {{!}} Supercars |url=https://www.supercars.com/news/300km-h-barrier-hit-during-in-bathurst-qualifying |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=www.supercars.com |language=en}}</ref> 2024-spec cars are expected to be about 10&nbsp;km/h slower.<ref name="moreaero-2024"/>

Supercar lap times are similar to the [[Porsche 911 GT3|992 GT3 Cup]] cars running in the [[Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Championship]]. At the [[2023 Bathurst 1000]], the fastest Supercars qualifying lap recorded was 2:04.664 by [[Brodie Kostecki]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2024 Repco Supercars Championship {{!}} Results {{!}} 2023 Repco Bathurst 1000 {{!}} Q6 {{!}} Supercars |url=https://www.supercars.com/results/2023/2023-bathurst-1000/Q6 |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=www.supercars.com |language=en}}</ref> On the same race weekend, the fastest qualifying lap recorded by the Carrera Cup cars was 2:04.6672.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Results - Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia |url=https://www.carreracup.com.au/results/ |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia {{!}} Season 2024 |language=en-AU}}</ref>

While Gen 3 Supercars and [[NASCAR Cup Series]] cars have never raced on the same circuit, their relative performance against Carrera Cup cars gives some indication of how they might compare on the same track. At [[Circuit of the Americas]], the Cup series lap record is more than three seconds per lap slower than Carrera Cup, whereas the Supercars virtually match the Carrera Cup car performance at circuits where they both race. NASCAR Cup Series cars are designed to race on [[superspeedway]]s and short-track oval courses as well as road circuits. [[Cam Waters]], after driving a Cup series car in preparation for his first NASCAR race, said that the latest-generation NASCAR cars "...feel fairly similar in some ways to the Supercars back home..Fairly heavy, the gearboxes are similar, the brakes are similar, a bit more power ''(in the Cup Series car)''".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Waters compares NASCAR to Supercar {{!}} Supercars |url=https://www.supercars.com/news/cam-waters-compares-nascar-v8-supercar |access-date=2024-06-12 |website=www.supercars.com |language=en}}</ref>

Compared to other modern circuit racing vehicles, V8 Supercars are quite powerful, but have relatively little downforce and mechanical grip, making them challenging to drive.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zljL9d76U4 |title=Why V8 Supercars are THE HARDEST to Drive |date=2023-04-22 |last=Driver61 |access-date=2024-06-10 |via=YouTube}}</ref> The spool differential, which is very uncommon in modern racing vehicles, also requires a specific driving style unique to the series and makes it hard for drivers used to other categories to adapt quickly.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leeuwen |first=Andrew van |date=2024-05-16 |title=Is this the urgent technical change Supercars needs? |url=https://speedcafe.com/is-this-the-urgent-technical-change-supercars-needs/ |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=Speedcafe.com |language=en-AU}}</ref>

===Cost===
The Gen 3 Supercar regulations were intended to reduce the cost of building a car (without engine) from around [[Australian dollar|$]]450,000 to $250,000. In practice, this did not occur, with teams reporting that rather than reduced costs, building and running costs increased by approximately 30% from Gen2 to Gen3 as of 2023. The increased costs were partly attributed to time pressures getting the cars ready while dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020-21, and the broader impact on materials costs of that period.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Herrero |first=Daniel |date=2023-04-11 |title=Supercars working with teams to cut Gen3 costs |url=https://speedcafe.com/teams-working-with-supercars-to-cut-costs-from-gen3/ |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=Speedcafe.com |language=en-AU}}</ref>

The costs of competing in the championship are considerably higher than the purchase price of a car. There is no budget cap, though caps have been proposed. One estimate puts the season cost for teams at "1.2 to 3 million (Australian) dollars per car" per season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=van Leeuwen |first=Anthony |date=28 August 2020 |title=Skaife calls for Supercars cost cap |url=https://au.motorsport.com/v8supercars/news/skaife-supercars-cost-cap/4864061/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519111843/https://au.motorsport.com/v8supercars/news/skaife-supercars-cost-cap/4864061/ |archive-date=19 May 2022 |access-date=2022-05-19 |website=Motorsport.com }}</ref>

==Series structure==
[[File:2011 V8s top 4.JPG|thumb|200px|[[Jamie Whincup]] (second from left), the most successful driver in the category's history, celebrates winning the [[2011 International V8 Supercars Championship|2011 series]].]]

===Teams and drivers===
In order to compete in the Supercars Championship, drivers are required to hold a [[Motorsport Australia Superlicence]], earned by success in other high-level Australian circuit racing series (with special eligibility processes for overseas drivers).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Superlicence Returns With New Structure |url=https://motorsport.org.au/media/news/detail/2024/01/31/superlicence-returns-with-new-structure |access-date=21 October 2024 |website=Motorsport Australia}}</ref>

Each car entered is required to have a Teams Racing Charter (TRC), formerly known as a Racing Entitlements Contract (REC). A TRC is a contract between Supercars and a team which outlines the team's entitlements and obligations.<ref>2016 V8 Supercar Operations Manual, p. A6–A10</ref> TRCs may be leased by their owners to another party for a maximum of two years, after which the owner must either use it themselves or sell it.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.speedcafe.com/2012/04/05/charlie-schwekolt-closes-in-on-2013-v8-plans/ | title=Charlie Schwerkolt closes in on 2013 V8 plans | work=Speedcafe | last=Rowley | first=Grant | date=5 April 2012 | access-date=19 June 2014 | archive-date=15 March 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315021304/http://www.speedcafe.com/2012/04/05/charlie-schwekolt-closes-in-on-2013-v8-plans/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> A racing number is tied to each TRC, with teams able to apply for a TRC number to be changed. The defending series champion is entitled to use the number 1, with the original TRC number of that car reserved and not able to be used by another team without the agreement of its owner.<ref>2016 V8 Supercar Operations Manual, p. E8</ref>

The TRCs were originally issued in 1999. Known as TEGA franchise agreements, they were divided into three categories – Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. Twelve Level 1 franchises were issued to those teams that had competed in the series full-time since its inception in 1997:<ref name=GreatRace19>{{cite book|last=Normoyle|first=Steve|title=The Great Race 19|year=1999|publisher=Chevron Publishing|location=Hornsby|issn=1031-6124}}</ref>

{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|
*[[Dick Johnson Racing]]
*[[Garry Rogers Motorsport]]
*[[Gibson Motorsport]]
*[[Glenn Seton Racing]]
*[[John Faulkner Racing]]
*[[Walkinshaw Andretti United|Holden Racing Team]]
*[[Lansvale Racing Team]]
*[[Larkham Motor Sport]]
*[[Longhurst Racing]]
*[[Perkins Engineering]]
*[[Romano Racing]]
*[[Stone Brothers Racing]]}}

A thirteenth was later issued to [[Bob Forbes Racing]].<ref>{{cite AustLII|FCA|749|2005|litigants=Gibson Motor Sport Merchandise Pty Ltd v Robert James Forbes |courtname=auto |date=29 June 2005}}.</ref> A Level 1 franchise required a team to race at least one car at all events, and at various times allowed a team to enter up to four cars. Other teams received Level 2 and Level 3 franchises based on their level of participation.<ref name=GreatRace19/> The structure was changed a number of times before the present system of 28 RECs was arrived at in 2011. Supercars bought a number of RECs as they became available in order to achieve a long-held desire to reduce the field to 28 cars.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.speedcafe.com/2009/11/04/the-push-for-28-entries-remains/ | title=The push for 28 entries remains | work=Speedcafe | date=4 November 2009 | access-date=19 June 2014 | archive-date=31 July 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731015257/http://www.speedcafe.com/2009/11/04/the-push-for-28-entries-remains/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>

At the end of 2013, [[Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport]], [[Tony D'Alberto Racing]] and [[Triple F Racing]] each returned a REC to Supercars.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.speedcafe.com/2014/02/05/v8-supercars-confirms-25-cars/|title=V8 Supercars confirms 25 car grid for 2014|work=Speedcafe|date=5 February 2014|access-date=19 June 2014|archive-date=5 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140605193509/http://www.speedcafe.com/2014/02/05/v8-supercars-confirms-25-cars/|url-status=dead}}</ref> These were put up for sale in 2014, but no bids were received.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.speedcafe.com/2014/06/23/v8-supercars-open-rec-tender/|title=V8 Supercars to open REC tender|work=speedcafe|date=23 June 2014|access-date=25 December 2021|archive-date=25 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225200436/https://www.speedcafe.com/2014/06/23/v8-supercars-open-rec-tender/|url-status=dead}}</ref> One was reclaimed by Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport in 2015 after a legal fight.<ref>[http://www.v8supercars.com.au/news/championship/ldm-to-run-two-cars-in-2015 LDM to run two cars in 2015] V8 Supercars 5 December 2014</ref> At the end of 2014, a further REC was returned by [[James Rosenberg Racing]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.speedcafe.com/2014/12/03/rosenberg-dumps-license-in-walkinshaw-shock/|title=Rosenberg dumps license in Walkinshaw shock|work=Speedcafe|date=3 December 2014|access-date=10 April 2015|archive-date=16 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150416033423/http://www.speedcafe.com/2014/12/03/rosenberg-dumps-license-in-walkinshaw-shock/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In April 2015, Supercars launched a tender for one REC for the 2016 season, with Triple Eight the successful bidder.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.speedcafe.com/2015/04/10/v8-supercars-launches-tender-for-26th-rec/|title=V8 Supercars launches tender for 26th REC|work=Speedcafe|date=10 April 2015|access-date=10 April 2015|archive-date=12 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150412114130/http://www.speedcafe.com/2015/04/10/v8-supercars-launches-tender-for-26th-rec/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Teams consist of one to four cars, with most one-car teams forming a technical alliance with a larger team.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.v8supercars.com.au/news/analysis-the-rise-and-rise-of-tekno-autosports | title=The Rise and Rise of Tekno Autosports | work=V8Supercars.com.au | publisher=V8 Supercars Australia | quote=Jonathan Webb ran as a satellite entry from within the famous Queensland outfit... | date=4 March 2013 | access-date=20 April 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501175232/http://www.v8supercars.com.au/news/analysis-the-rise-and-rise-of-tekno-autosports | archive-date=1 May 2013}}</ref> Only the REC holders are allowed to compete at each event, although "wildcard" entries are accepted for the endurance races, with a maximum of six extra cars on top of the regular 28.<ref>2016 V8 Supercar Operations Manual, p. A23</ref> Both Supercars and [[Dunlop V8 Supercar Series|Development Series]] teams have entered wildcard entries in previous years.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.speedcafe.com/2013/09/05/triple-eight-uncovers-xbox-one-forza5-v8supercar-bathurst/|title=Triple Eight Unveils Wildcard Drivers/Sponsor|work=Speedcafe|date=5 September 2013|access-date=19 June 2014|archive-date=16 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140216040515/http://www.speedcafe.com/2013/09/05/triple-eight-uncovers-xbox-one-forza5-v8supercar-bathurst/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.speedcafe.com/2010/09/09/first-pics-mwm%E2%80%99s-fujitsu-wildcard-entry/|title=First Pics: MWM's Fujitsu Wildcard Entry|work=Speedcafe|date=9 September 2010|access-date=19 June 2014|archive-date=25 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025141119/http://www.speedcafe.com/2010/09/09/first-pics-mwm%e2%80%99s-fujitsu-wildcard-entry/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2014, the first wildcard entry for a sprint race was issued when [[Dick Johnson Racing]] entered a third car for [[Marcos Ambrose]] at the [[2014 Sydney NRMA 500|Sydney 500]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.speedcafe.com/2014/10/25/ambrose-make-early-v8-return-sydney-500/|title=Ambrose to make early V8 return at Sydney 500|work=Speedcafe|date=25 October 2014|access-date=25 October 2014|archive-date=25 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025055729/http://www.speedcafe.com/2014/10/25/ambrose-make-early-v8-return-sydney-500/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Most drivers in the series are full-time professionals paid by their teams.<ref name="roland-salary">{{Cite web |last=Dane |first=Roland |date=2023-09-13 |title=Roland's View: Sometimes you've got to just put the record straight! |url=https://speedcafe.com/rolands-view-peter-adderton-pay-drivers/ |access-date=2024-12-16 |website=Speedcafe.com |language=en-AU}}</ref>  Exact salaries are not disclosed, but former team owner [[Roland Dane]] stated in 2024 "...the two top Supercar drivers are earning more than all their European based counterparts racing in [[Group GT3|GT3]].".<ref name="roland-salary" /> [[Pay driver]]s are not unknown, but reportedly make up a small minority of the Supercar field.

Teams are required to employ a co-driver for each car during the two endurance races due to the increased race distance and the need for driver substitutions during the race.<ref>2016 V8 Supercar Operations Manual, p. D10–D18</ref> Teams were able to pair their full-time drivers in one car until a rule change in 2010 that required each full-time driver to remain in his own car and be joined by a co-driver not competing full-time in the series.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.speedcafe.com/2009/12/11/v8-drivers-forced-to-split-for-enduros/|title=V8 Drivers Forced to Split for Enduros|work=Speedcafe|date=11 December 2009|access-date=19 June 2014|archive-date=15 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315091518/http://www.speedcafe.com/2009/12/11/v8-drivers-forced-to-split-for-enduros/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Drivers Championship title is awarded to the driver who accumulates the most points over the course of the season. If there is a points tie for the series win, the champion will be decided based on the number of races won by each driver (if there is still a tie, it is based on second-place finishes and so on). Teams also compete for the Teams Championship, with the champion team being decided in the same manner as the Drivers Championship. For Teams Championship points scoring purposes, teams with four cars are separated into a pair of two-car teams, while teams with three cars are split into a two-car team and a single-car team.<ref>2016 V8 Supercar Operations Manual, p. D42</ref> The Teams Championship dictates the pit lane order for the following season.

The defending champion driver has the right to carry the number 1 the following year. However, [[Shane van Gisbergen]] and [[Scott McLaughlin (racing driver)|Scott McLaughlin]] elected to retain their existing numbers in 2017, 2019, 2020, 2022 & 2023.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/supercars/supercars-shane-van-gisbergen-to-use-no-97-not-no-1-during-2017-season/news-story/abdeea1483ab93dcfcdd4be834c1ad22&sa=U&ved=0ahUKEwjJ_LiGw7PSAhWJTLwKHbI8AEkQFggiMAI&usg=AFQjCNFsmKotavCyC5D2ZLRhSDLP_thDbw|title=Shane van Gisbergen to use No 97, not No 1, during 2017 season|work=[[Fox Sports Australia]]|date=13 January 2017}}{{Dead link|date=December 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/11/27/mclaughlin-elects-to-stay-with-famous-17-for-2019/|title=McLaughlin elects to stay with famous #17 for 2019|date=27 November 2018|work=Speedcafe|access-date=19 December 2018|archive-date=9 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230709172458/https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/11/27/mclaughlin-elects-to-stay-with-famous-17-for-2019/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Development series===
{{Main|Dunlop Super2 Series}}

A second-tier series, the Dunlop Super2 Series, is run as a support category to the main series at certain events.<ref name="V8 About" /> Initially for privateers who did not have the funding of the professional teams in the late 1990s, the series now serves the dual purpose of developing young drivers before they compete in the main series and a means for main series teams to give their endurance co-drivers more racing experience prior to the endurance races. Teams in the Dunlop Super2 Series compete with cars previously used in the main series. From the 2021 Season until the end of the 2024 season the Dunlop Super2 Series would compete as a class alongside the Super3 Series V8 Supercars class racing together on track at the same time. In the year 2025 season the Super3 Series would be axed due to low grid numbers in the 2024 season reverting back to a single class of the Dunlop Series.

{{Main|Super3 Series}}

A third V8 Supercar-based series, the [[V8 Touring Car National Series|Kumho Tyres V8 Touring Car Series]], had been run since 2008 until the end of 2024, but had no involvement with the Supercars Championship or Dunlop Super2 Series, instead running on the programme of the [[Shannons Nationals Motor Racing Championships]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://thenationals.com.au/index.php?page=kumho-tyres-v8-touring-cars | title=Kumho Tyres V8 Touring Cars | publisher=Shannons National Motor Racing Championships | access-date=1 July 2013 | archive-date=18 July 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130718201848/http://thenationals.com.au/index.php?page=kumho-tyres-v8-touring-cars | url-status=dead }}</ref> However, since 2016, several rounds have been run as support categories at Supercars events. It would officially become the third-tier series of V8 Supercars starting in 2019 before the category known as the Super3 Series would join as a class alongside Super2 Series Class V8 Supercars starting in the 2021 season. In the 2023 Season the V8 Touring Car Series would be revived to create an unofficial standalone fourth-tier level V8 Supercars category using V8 Supercars sold to teams that are no longer racing in the Super3 Series of the Dunlop Super2 & Super3 Series, however it would only last for that year's season. The Super3 Series would officially be axed in 2025 and become defunct due to low grid numbers with only as many as two or three cars appearing at rounds in the 2024 Dunlop Super2 & Super3 Series season.

== Qualifying ==
In 2023, there are two distinct formats for determining grid positions in races: Format 1 and Format 2. Format 1 uses a single qualifying session where all drivers participate simultaneously to establish their grid positions. Format 2, on the other hand, divides qualifying into three separate sessions. During Q1, the five slowest cars are assigned the last five grid positions, and the faster cars progress to Q2. In Q2, this process is repeated to determine the next ten grid positions. Finally, Q3 decides the top 10 grid positions. This can be done through a standard qualifying session or a 'top-ten shoot-out', where each driver has a single opportunity to set their lap time.<ref>{{Cite web |title=DIV-D - SPORTING RULES |url=https://assets.ctfassets.net/xd502h20t7lh/1iKo5dl3BlqoowwOQWe38X/108da1d75a5a0d8c808cf069c0189058/2024_Div_D_-_FINAL_Issued_1st_February.pdf#page=27 |access-date=30 March 2024 |website=supercars.com/rules-and-regulations |page=27 (Section D6.2 - Specific Prescriptions - VCS Qualifying) |publication-date=1 February 2024}}</ref>

The selection between these qualifying formats is influenced by a variety of factors, including the layout of the track, the length of each race, and strategic considerations unique to each event. This approach allows the championship to adapt to a wide range of racing conditions and maintains a dynamic and engaging competition for participants and spectators alike, however, it is not uncommon for both Qualifying Format 1 and Format 2 to be utilised over the course of the same race weekend, especially during events that feature multiple races.

==Race formats==
In 2023, there were three racing formats: SuperSprint, two-race rounds and endurance.<ref name="2023formats">{{Cite web |last=Pavey |first=James |date=10 February 2023 |title=2023 Supercars race weekend formats confirmed |url=https://www.supercars.com/news/championship/2023-supercars-race-weekend-formats-confirmed/ |website=Supercars}}</ref>

In previous years, formats included SuperSprint events, International SuperSprint events, SuperStreet events and [[Enduro Cup]] events.<ref name="2014 formats">{{cite news | url=http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/v8-supercars-simplify-race-formats-for-2014-introduce-three-set-styles-for-every-event-on-the-calendar/story-e6frfkp9-1226719455752 | title=V8 Supercars simplify race formats for 2014, introduce three set styles for every event on the calendar | work=SPEED | publisher=News.com.au | date=15 September 2013 | access-date=21 February 2014 | archive-date=5 October 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005184115/http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/v8-supercars-simplify-race-formats-for-2014-introduce-three-set-styles-for-every-event-on-the-calendar/story-e6frfkp9-1226719455752 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

===SuperSprint===
[[File:V8 Supercar start 2011.jpg|thumb|200px|right|The start of a race at [[Queensland Raceway]] in [[2011 International V8 Supercars Championship|2011]].]]

In 2023, the SuperSprint format was used for the [[Melbourne SuperSprint]] (previously known as the Melbourne 400), the [[Perth SuperSprint]], the [[Tasmania SuperSprint]], the [[Sydney SuperNight]], the [[Darwin Triple Crown]] and [[The Bend SuperSprint]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Supercars |title=Calendar |url=https://www.supercars.com/calendar/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307234614/https://www.supercars.com/calendar/ |archive-date=7 March 2023 |access-date=11 March 2023 |website=Supercars}}</ref>

The format was previously used for the [[Phillip Island SuperSprint]], [[Winton SuperSprint]] and the [[Ipswich SuperSprint]].<ref name="OM Formats">{{cite web | url=https://d3spxwpngnho1k.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2018-Div-D-FIA-Approved-200218.pdf | title=Supercars Operations Manual 2018 - Division "D" - Sporting Rules | publisher=Supercars | date=23 February 2018 | access-date=25 March 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180325171522/https://d3spxwpngnho1k.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2018-Div-D-FIA-Approved-200218.pdf | archive-date=25 March 2018 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

The SuperSprint format generally involves three (at the Melbourne Supersprint four) races, each with separate qualifying sessions, on the Saturday and the Sunday. Some races use the same qualifying format for each race while other use format 1 and 2 on different days.<ref name="2023formats" />

In previous years, the Phillip Island and Sydney Motorsport Park events featured a single one-hour practice session on Saturday, while all other SuperSprint events have two one-hour practice sessions on the Friday with a fifteen-minute practice session on Saturday. The Winton and Ipswich events featured an extra thirty-minute session on Friday for endurance co-drivers. The SuperSprint format featured a fifteen-minute qualifying session held on Saturday to decide the grid for the race on the same day. A single twenty-minute session was held on Sunday morning to decide the grid for the Sunday race. The Darwin event also featured a top ten shootout (a session where the fastest ten qualifiers complete one flying lap each to determine the top ten on the grid) following the Sunday qualifying session. A single {{convert|120|or|150|km|mi}} race was held on Saturday with a single {{convert|250|or|300|km|mi}} race was held on Sunday.<ref name="OM Formats" />

====International SuperSprint====
The International SuperSprint format was used at the [[Auckland 500|Auckland SuperSprint]].<ref name="OM Formats" />

Three thirty-minute practice sessions are held on Friday, while Saturday and Sunday both consist of two ten-minute qualifying sessions which set the grid for the pair of {{convert|200|km|mi}} races held on each day.<ref name="OM Formats" />

=== Two-race Weekends ===
The two-race round format, previously known as the SuperStreet format, covers those races not branded as a SuperSprint or an endurance race. In 2023 the format will be used in the [[Newcastle 500]], the [[Townsville 500]], the [[Gold Coast 500]] and the [[Adelaide 500]].<ref name="2023formats" />

This format generally involves two races on the Saturday and Sunday of the race weekend, 250&nbsp;km in length. Unlike the SuperSprint, refuelling is allowed.

In previous years, two thirty-minute practice sessions took place on Friday at each SuperStreet event, while a thirty-minute practice session is held on Saturday at Adelaide. The Adelaide event features a fifteen-minute qualifying session on Friday to determine the grid for the Saturday race, while the other events have a single fifteen-minute session on Saturday. All four events feature a twenty-minute session followed by a top ten shootout both on Saturday and Sunday. The Adelaide 500, Newcastle 500, Townsville 500 and Gold Coast 500 feature a single {{convert|250|km|mi}} race on each of Saturday and Sunday.

===Endurance races===
{{main|Enduro Cup}}

In 2023, there are two endurance races, the [[Bathurst 1000]] and the [[Sandown 500]].<ref name="2023formats" /> In previous years, the Gold Coast race was run as an endurance race and the driver who won the most points over the three races was awarded the [[Enduro Cup]].<ref name="Enduro">{{cite news | url=http://www.v8supercars.com.au/news/v8-supercars-announces-prestigious-endurance-cup | title=V8 Supercars Announces Prestigious Endurance Cup | work=V8Supercars.com.au | publisher=V8 Supercars Australia | date=20 February 2013 | access-date=29 March 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305132459/http://www.v8supercars.com.au/news/v8-supercars-announces-prestigious-endurance-cup | archive-date=5 March 2014}}</ref>

This format is a single [[Endurance racing (motorsport)|endurance race]] over either 500 or 1000&nbsp;km with refuelling allowed and multiple drivers required. The Bathurst race takes around six hours to complete with the Sandown race taking around half that.

In previous years, the Sandown 500 and the Gold Coast 600 both featured three thirty-minute practice sessions held on Friday, with Sandown having an extra session on Saturday. Practice for the Bathurst 1000 consists of six one-hour sessions held across Thursday, Friday and Saturday.<ref name="OM Formats" /> Qualifying for the Sandown 500 involves a twenty-minute session followed by a pair of {{convert|60|km|mi}} "qualifying races" held on Saturday.<ref name="2013 formats">{{cite news | url=http://www.speedcafe.com/2012/12/07/radical-changes-to-v8-supercars-race-formats/ | title=Radical changes to V8 Supercars race formats | work=Speedcafe | date=7 December 2012 | access-date=29 March 2013 | archive-date=9 January 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130109200129/http://www.speedcafe.com/2012/12/07/radical-changes-to-v8-supercars-race-formats/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> The grid for the first race is based on the qualifying session; the grid for the second race is based on the results of the first. The results of the second race determine the grid for the main race on Sunday. Co-drivers must compete in the first of the qualifying races while the main driver must compete in the second.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.v8supercars.com.au/news/10-fast-facts-wilson-security-sandown-500 | title=10 Fast Facts: Wilson Security Sandown 500 | work=V8Supercars.com.au | date=9 September 2013 | access-date=12 September 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130914045022/http://www.v8supercars.com.au/news/10-fast-facts-wilson-security-sandown-500 | archive-date=14 September 2013}}</ref> The Bathurst 1000 features a single forty-minute qualifying session on Friday afternoon followed by a top ten shootout on Saturday. The Gold Coast 600 had two twenty-minute qualifying sessions, one each on Saturday and Sunday, with the Sunday session followed by a top ten shootout. The Sandown 500 and Bathurst 1000 both have a twenty-minute warm-up session on Sunday morning.<ref name="OM Formats" />

The Sandown 500 and the Bathurst 1000 feature single races held on Sunday, at {{convert|500|km|mi}} and {{convert|1000|km|mi}} in length respectively. The Gold Coast 600 consisted of two {{convert|300|km|mi}} races with one held on Saturday and one on Sunday.<ref name="OM Formats" />

===Points systems===
Between the founding of the championship and the current season, many different points scoring systems have been used. In the first few years, the same basic system as Formula 1 was used. Since the 1980s, separate point systems have been developed, some of which were based on the length of the race or which took into account whether there was only one long-distance race or several short races in a championship round. This should give the races a better weighting.

==== 2008–2024 ====
Points are awarded as follows at all championship events. Various different points scales are applied to events having one, two, three or four races, ensuring that a driver will be awarded 300 points for winning all races at any event.<ref>2016 V8 Supercar Operations Manual, p. D67–D68</ref> Points are awarded to all cars that have covered 75% of the race distance, provided they are running at the completion of the final lap and with a final lap time within 200% of the race winner's fastest lap. At the endurance events, both drivers earn the total points awarded to the finishing position of the car.<ref>2016 V8 Supercar Operations Manual, p. D41–D42</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:85%; text-align:center"
|- style="background:#f9f9f9"
! rowspan="2" | Points Scale
! colspan="30" | Position
|-
! 1st
! 2nd
! 3rd
! 4th
! 5th
! 6th
! 7th
! 8th
! 9th
! 10th
! 11th
! 12th
! 13th
! 14th
! 15th
! 16th
! 17th
! 18th
! 19th
! 20th
! 21st
! 22nd
! 23rd
! 24th
! 25th
! 26th
! 27th
! 28th
! 29th
! 30th
|-
! Endurance-race 1000&nbsp;km
| style="background:#ffffbf;" | 300
| style="background:#dfdfdf;" | 276
| style="background:#ffdf9f;" | 258
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 240
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 222
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 204
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 192
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 180
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 168
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 156
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 144
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 138
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 132
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 126
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 120
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 114
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 108
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 102
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 96
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 90
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 84
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 78
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 72
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 66
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 60
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 54
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 48
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 42
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 36
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 30
|-
! Endurance-race 500&nbsp;km (2019)
| style="background:#ffffbf;" | 250
| style="background:#dfdfdf;" | 230
| style="background:#ffdf9f;" | 215
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 200
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 185
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 170
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 160
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 150
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 140
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 130
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 120
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 115
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 110
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 105
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 100
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 95
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 90
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 85
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 80
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 75
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 70
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 65
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 60
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 55
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 50
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 45
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 40
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 35
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 30
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 25
|-
! Endurance-race 500&nbsp;km (2008–2012)
| style="background:#ffffbf;" | 200
| style="background:#dfdfdf;" | 184
| style="background:#ffdf9f;" | 172
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 160
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 148
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 136
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 128
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 120
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 112
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 104
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 96
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 92
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 88
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 84
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 80
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 76
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 72
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 68
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 64
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 60
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 56
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 52
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 48
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 44
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 40
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 36
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 32
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 28
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 24
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 20
|-
! Two-race
| style="background:#ffffbf;" | 150
| style="background:#dfdfdf;" | 138
| style="background:#ffdf9f;" | 129
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 120
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 111
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 102
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 96
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 90
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 84
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 78
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 72
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 69
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 66
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 63
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 60
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 57
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 54
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 51
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 48
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 45
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 42
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 39
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 36
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 33
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 30
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 27
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 24
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 21
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 18
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 15
|-
! Three-race
| style="background:#ffffbf;" | 100
| style="background:#dfdfdf;" | 92
| style="background:#ffdf9f;" | 86
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 80
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 74
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 68
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 64
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 60
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 56
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 52
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 48
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 46
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 44
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 42
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 40
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 38
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 36
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 34
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 32
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 30
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 28
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 26
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 24
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 22
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 20
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 18
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 16
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 14
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 12
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 10
|-
! Four-race
| style="background:#ffffbf;" | 75
| style="background:#dfdfdf;" | 69
| style="background:#ffdf9f;" | 64
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 60
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 55
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 51
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 48
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 45
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 42
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 39
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 36
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 34
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 33
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 31
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 30
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 28
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 27
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 25
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 24
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 22
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 21
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 19
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 18
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 16
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 15
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 13
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 12
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 10
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 9
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 7
|-
! Sprint races (2009–2019)
| style="background:#ffffbf;" | 50
| style="background:#dfdfdf;" | 46
| style="background:#ffdf9f;" | 43
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 40
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 37
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 34
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 32
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 30
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 28
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 26
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 24
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 23
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 22
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 21
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 20
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 19
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 18
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 17
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 16
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 15
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 14
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 13
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 12
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 11
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 10
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 9
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 8
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 7
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 6
| style="background:#dfffdf;" | 5
|-
|}

==== 2025 - ====
Starting from the year 2025, a finals system was introduced to the championship. In this system, drivers compete throughout the sprint cup and enduro cup to earn points to qualify for entry into the finals. Ten drivers are awarded entry into the finals, with the finals occurring as knockout events across the races of the last three rounds of the season.{{multiple image
| width             = 200
| align             = right
| direction         = vertical
| image1            = Bathurst 1000 2005 3.jpg
| caption1          = Cars on track during the [[2005 Bathurst 1000]].
| image2            = Whincup leads 2014 Sydney NRMA 500.JPG
| caption2          = The field on lap one at the [[2014 Sydney NRMA 500]]
}}

===Bathurst 1000===
{{main|Bathurst 1000}}

The [[Bathurst 1000]], also known as the "Great Race" and held in some form since [[1960 Armstrong 500|1960]], is the most famous race on the Supercars calendar,<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.craiglowndes.com.au/News/091012.htm | title=Frustrating Day at Bathurst | work=CraigLowndes.com.au | quote=...for much of Australia's most famous motor race. | access-date=29 March 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130409115356/http://craiglowndes.com.au/News/091012.htm | archive-date=9 April 2013 | url-status=dead }}</ref> as well as the longest both in terms of race distance and race time. The race is run over 161 laps of the [[Mount Panorama Circuit]], {{convert|1000|km|mi}} in total, taking between six and seven hours to complete. The event has historically attracted crowds of nearly 200,000 people.<ref name="V8TV"/> The [[Peter Brock Trophy]], named after nine-time [[Bathurst 1000]] winner [[Peter Brock]], is awarded to the winners of the race. The trophy was introduced in [[2006 Bathurst 1000|2006]] following Brock's death in a crash at the [[Targa West]] rally one month prior to the race.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.smh.com.au/news/Sport/Peter-Brock-Trophy-to-last-a-lifetime/2006/10/06/1159641505059.html | title=Peter Brock Trophy to last a lifetime | work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] | date=6 October 2006 | access-date=29 March 2013}}</ref>

===Adelaide 500===
{{main|Adelaide 500}}

The [[Adelaide 500]], also known as the "Clipsal 500" and "Superloop 500" under former sponsorship names, is the premier car race in [[South Australia]]. It is the largest [[V8 Supercars]] race in the country by crowd numbers.<ref name= "Record crowds of 270,000+">{{cite web | url=https://www.supercars.com/news/championship/strong-growth-for-supercars-in-2017/ | title= Record Adelaide 500 crowd numbers of 270,000+ | publisher= www.supercars.com | access-date=23 March 2022 }}</ref> Beginning in 1999, the race is held in the eastern streets of the [[Adelaide]] CBD, on a reduced version of the [[Adelaide Street Circuit]] previously used by the [[Australian Grand Prix|Grand Prix]]. There was no race in 2021 after the contract was not renewed by Liberal premier [[Steven Marshall]],<ref name="ADL500 closed">{{cite news | url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-29/adelaide-500-race-cancelled-after-22-years-due-to-covid-19/12828758 | title=Adelaide 500 Cancelled | newspaper=ABC News | date=29 October 2020 | publisher= Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) | access-date=22 March 2022 }}</ref> before it was revived in 2022 with a new contract under by subsequent Labor premier [[Peter Malinauskas]], who had pledged its return during the [[2022 South Australian state election]].<ref name="Supercars 2022: Adelaide 500 set to return.">{{cite web | url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/motorsport/v8-supercars/supercars-2022-all-the-news-ahead-of-the-second-round-at-symmons-plains/news-story/71bcb2b96b7a2433fce20b0319a21fc4 | title= Supercars 2022: Supercars want Adelaide 500 finale to become 'on par with Bathurst' in its return | publisher= Herald Sun | access-date=22 March 2022}}</ref> Held over four days, the event consists of two 250 kilometre races for the [[V8 Supercars]], and additionary practise and qualifying races. The event has several categories of races throughout the four days, including [[Super2 Series]], [[Formula 5000]], [[SuperUtes Series]], [[Touring Car Masters]], [[Australian GT]], and the [[Australian Carrera Cup]] as well as others. The race is accompanied by live music performances, of which the likes of [[Kiss (band)|Kiss]], [[Keith Urban]] and [[Robbie Williams]] have previously performed, as well as food, activities, and an [[RAAF]] [[McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet|F/A 18A Hornet]] display each day in the skies above the city.

===Sandown 500===
{{main|Sandown 500}}

The [[Sandown 500]] was first held as a six-hour race in [[1964 Sandown 6 Hour International|1964]]<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/motor-sports/v8-supercars/v8-supercars-stars-tell-speed-how-to-win-this-weekends-dick-smith-sandown-500/story-fn2ms9um-1226473877148#.UVeUTxwzhyI | title=V8 Supercars stars tell SPEED how to win this weekend's Dick Smith Sandown 500 | work=The Daily Telegraph | last=Kelly | first=Rick | date=14 September 2012 | access-date=31 March 2013}}</ref> and has been labelled as the traditional "Bathurst warm-up" race.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.speedcafe.com/2012/09/08/crimsafe-endurance-countdown-episode-6-return-of-sandown-500/ | title=Crimsafe Endurance Countdown, Episode 6, Return of Sandown 500 | work=Speedcafe | date=8 September 2012 | access-date=31 March 2013 | archive-date=8 November 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108054820/https://www.speedcafe.com/2012/09/08/crimsafe-endurance-countdown-episode-6-return-of-sandown-500/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> Like the [[Bathurst 1000]], the [[Sandown 500]] is run over 161 laps. Due to the shorter track length of [[Sandown Raceway]], the race is only {{convert|500|km|mi}} and runs for between three and four hours. The [[Sandown 500]] was not held for Supercars from 1999 to 2002 and from 2008 to 2011. During these years, the {{convert|500|km|mi}} endurance races took place at [[Queensland Raceway]] (1999–2002)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://v8supercar-racing.com/queensland-raceway.shtml | title=Queensland Raceway | publisher=V8 Supercar Racing | access-date=31 March 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140801135129/http://v8supercar-racing.com/queensland-raceway.shtml | archive-date=1 August 2014}}</ref> and the [[Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit]] (2008–2011).<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.carsguide.com.au/blogs-and-stuff/craig-lowndes/sandown_500_back_where_it_belongs/ | title=Sandown 500 back where it belongs | last=Lowndes | first=Craig | work=CarsGuide.com.au | quote=Over the past four years the 500&nbsp;km race has been staged at Phillip Island... | date=11 September 2012 | access-date=31 March 2013 }}{{Dead link|date=June 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

==Media coverage==
[[File:Neil Crompton 2020 Supercars launch.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Long-time series commentator [[Neil Crompton]] at the 2020 season launch.]]

===Television===
The series is currently broadcast on [[Fox Sports Australia|Fox Sports]] and the [[Seven Network]].<ref name="SupercarsTV">{{cite news | url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/motor-sports/v8-supercars/v8-supercars-signs-241m-media-rights-deal-with-fox-sports-foxtel-and-ten-network-from-2015/story-fn2ms9um-1226785594801 | title=V8 Supercars signs $241m media rights deal with FOX SPORTS, Foxtel and Seven Network from 2015 | work=[[Fox Sports Australia|Fox Sports]] | date=18 December 2013 | access-date=18 December 2013}}</ref> Fox Sports shows all practice and qualifying sessions live along with the races. Seven shows only seven events live which are Adelaide, Melbourne, Townsville, Sandown, Bathurst, Gold Coast and Newcastle with the rest shown as a highlights package after the races have finished. The coverage is produced by Supercars Media, a specialist production company for Supercars Australia.<ref name="SupercarsTV" /> Supercars Media provides the commentary for each race, with former champion and Bathurst winner [[Mark Skaife]] as lead commentator, along with [[Neil Crompton]] as expert commentator. Both Fox Sports and Seven use their own commentary team for pre- and post-race coverage.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.v8supercars.com.au/news/championship/v8-supercars-commentary-team-revealed | title=V8 Supercars commentary team revealed | work=V8Supercars.com.au | date=6 February 2015 | access-date=19 September 2015}}</ref> Supercars Media records the series in [[1080i]] [[high-definition television|high-definition]], with many cars carrying four or more onboard-cameras, though HD coverage is available only to subscribers of [[Foxtel HD]].<ref>{{cite news | last = Bartholomaeus | first = Stefan | url = http://www.speedcafe.com/2015/03/03/jury-out-on-v8-tv-deal-after-solid-start/ | title = Jury out on V8 Supercars TV deal after solid start | work = Speedcafe | date = 3 March 2015 | access-date = 28 March 2015 | archive-date = 3 April 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150403052744/http://www.speedcafe.com/2015/03/03/jury-out-on-v8-tv-deal-after-solid-start/ | url-status = dead }}</ref>

Prior to the 1984 Australian Touring Car Championship season (ATCC), the series did not have a common TV home, splitting between ABC and Channel 7, as the track owners controlled the TV rights for their specific round.

In 1984, CAMS intervened and prevented the track owners from obtaining their own TV rights and instead negotiated a contract with the ABC. The only race that was not shown in 1984 on the ABC was the Calder Park round, as Channel 7 already had a long term deal with Calder Park.

In 1985, the coverage moved full time to Channel 7. Due to reasons unknown, the first round was missed in certain regions and was shown as highlights at the second round. This was how it was until 1996 except for events were the ATCC was a support act (Australian GP F1 - Channel 9 and Indy Cars - Channel 9 / 10 on the Gold Coast) or non championship race (ie: ATCC Endurance Championship - Sandown 400/500 - ABC). Most races were same day delayed coverage to avoid the emptiness between ATCC and support races.

In [[1996 Australian Touring Car season|1996]], the season was brought forward and the time between events was shortened to avoid conflicting with that years Olympic Games in Atlanta (Channel 7 being the rights holder for the Olympics).

Meaning final round was in June instead of its traditional slot of August / September.

Due to the Olympics, Channel 10 broadcast the Sandown 500 for 1996.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQ4vyuJ7M7g |title=1996 Sandown 500 - Full Race |date=2016-12-09 |last=Motorsport AU |access-date=2025-05-10 |via=YouTube}}</ref> This was considered a practice run for Channel 10.

The Bathurst 500 / 1000 was shown exclusively on Channel 7 from 1963 until 1996, and then from 1997 was packaged as part of the AVESCO TV Contract.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dale |first=Will |date=2020-09-26 |title=THE HISTORY OF THE BATHURST 1000’S TV BROADCASTERS |url=https://www.v8sleuth.com.au/the-history-of-the-bathurst-1000s-tv-broadcasters/ |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=V8 Sleuth |language=en-US}}</ref>

The V8 Supercars were broadcast on Network Ten and Fox Sports from 1997 as part of the AVESCO TV Contract.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Battle of Bathurst: V8s Vs Super Touring – The Race Torque |url=https://www.theracetorque.com/2024/04/the-battle-of-bathurst-v8s-vs-super-touring/ |access-date=2025-05-10 |language=en-AU}}</ref>

This contract allowed simulcasting of the Channel 10 coverage on Fox Sports.

Select support events for the V8 Supercars were shown live, others were shown in Channel 10's Trackside series,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sunday 13 July 2003 — BRISBANE – Television.AU |url=https://televisionau.com/classic-tv-guides/tv130703 |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=televisionau.com}}</ref> which was broadcast either the following weekend or fortnight after the event.

In 2000, select races ([[2000 FAI 1000|FAI 1000]]) were produced and broadcast in widescreen (16:9).<ref>{{Cite web |title=05 Oct 2009 - TEN Network introducing `split screen' coverage of V8 Superc... - Archived Website |url=http://www.fastlane.com.au/Motor%20Sport/V8_Ten_Qld.htm |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=Trove |language=en |archive-date=5 October 2009 |archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20091005103206/http://www.fastlane.com.au/Motor%20Sport/V8_Ten_Qld.htm |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=bxPbgsyWgNn-2o0M&t=1194&v=3GJaJXVxoCw&feature=youtu.be |title=Last Laps - 2000 Bathurst 1000 {{!}} 2024 Repco Supercars Championship |date=2024-09-24 |last=Supercars |access-date=2025-05-10 |via=YouTube}}</ref> However, the public was not able to see this feed until it was rebroadcast on Foxtel on their Bathurst channel<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-10-01 |title=TV guide: FOX SPORTS Bathurst Channel returns for 2018 on Foxtel channel 506 |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/supercars/bathurst-1000/tv-guide-fox-sports-bathurst-channel-returns-for-2018-on-foxtel-channel-506/news-story/41f27b34a727fd289f3d63f6404c86bd |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=Fox Sports |language=en}}</ref> and when it was released to [https://cmsmotorsport.com.au/shop/supercars-bathurst-2000-fai-1000/ DVD] in the 2020s.

In 2001, as [[Digital terrestrial television in Australia|Digital TV]] arrived in Australia, every race was produced and broadcast in native widescreen (16:9) on Channel 10 Digital.

For analogue TV viewers, they received a letterbox feed (excluding Round 1, which provided analogue viewers with their own feed, which was too demanding, so opted for a letterbox simulcast instead from Round 2 on-wards), while international and Fox Sports users were shown a 4:3 feed. For every Split screen (ie: going for an interview, showing pit stops, pit reporters, going onboard, etc while showing track cameras), the feeds shown were within the 4:3 frame but were in their native 16:9 widescreen format, giving analogue and international viewers a glimpse of what they were missing out on.

For 2001 Clipsal 500 and Bathurst 1000, an interactive feed was available,<ref>{{Cite web |title=23 Aug 2004 - Digital Broadcasting Australia - Archived Website |url=http://www.dba.org.au/index.asp?sectionID=74&newsID=304&display=news |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=Trove |language=en |archive-date=23 August 2004 |archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20040823075516/http://www.dba.org.au/index.asp?sectionID=74&newsID=304&display=news |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref> with the following being broadcast at the 2001 Clipsal 500:

* Digital 1 - Normal Ten Telecast (simulcast) 
* Digital 2 - Multiview Channel (Bill McDonald hosting, views in cars, iso cameras, pit interviews, aerials etc)
* Digital 3 - Leaderboards

And the following were broadcast at the 2001 Bathurst 1000:<ref>{{Cite web |title=DBA Information Bulletin October 2001 |url=http://www.dba.org.au/templates/files/DBA_Info_Bulletin_Oct2001.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011108075841/http://www.dba.org.au/templates/files/DBA_Info_Bulletin_Oct2001.pdf |archive-date=2001-11-08 |access-date=2001-11-10}}</ref>

* Digital 1 - Main telecast in 16:9 widescreen (simulcast) 
* Digital 2 - Alternate race view (onboards, helicopter camera, behind the leaders, leader cam (when other battles were being shown on Digital 1)
* Digital 3 - Top of the mountain camera 
* Digital 4 - Leader board

Due to low viewership, this was never repeated after season 2001.

From 2002, the V8 Supercars Greatest Hits Volume 2 (to Volume 4) DVDs and from the 2003 season, the V8 Supercars and Bathurst 1000 highlight DVDs, produced by Sony Music Video, were released in native widescreen (16:9).

At the 2002 Bathurst 1000, a ticker was used to show live positions. It was moved from beside the lap counter to the bottom of the screen in 2003.

In 2003, Bigpond became the exclusive Streaming provider for Bigpond Broadband Customers only.<ref>{{Cite web| title=Telstra Annual Review 2003 | url=https://www.telstra.com.au/content/dam/tcom/about-us/investors/doc/tel_plaintext_ar03.docx | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250510105823/https://www.telstra.com.au/content/dam/tcom/about-us/investors/doc/tel_plaintext_ar03.docx | archive-date=2025-05-10}}</ref>

This included live practice, qualifying and top ten shootouts, ad free racing (delayed) as well as live onboard and telemetry from your selected driver.<ref>https://www.fordforums.com/threads/bigpond-join-v8-supercars-as-second-platform-sponsor.44405/{{Dead link|date=June 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

This also included exclusive interviews and highlight packages.

This ended in 2007 when Supercars Australia started to produce the coverage.<ref name="Cushnan">{{Cite web |last=Cushnan |first=David |date=2013-01-18 |title=V8 Supercars signs new domestic broadcast deal |url=https://www.sportspro.com/news/v8_supercars_finally_confirms_new_domestic_broadcast_deal/ |access-date=2025-04-25 |website=SportsPro |language=en-GB}}</ref>

In 2004, [[Foxtel Digital]] was launched and by 2005 was showing races in widescreen.

At the [[Bathurst 1000]] in [[2004 Bob Jane T-Marts 1000|2004]], Sky Cam, which hovered above the pit lane, was introduced. The camera ran on a wire from the Pedestrian Overpass to Turn 1 and had 360 degree tilt and pan.

The camera would be used in other events after its successful run at Bathurst.

This initial contract with Channel 10 and Fox Sports ended at the conclusion of the 2006 season.

Channel 7 regained the rights from 2007 to 2012, then extended to 2014 (due to a lack of competitive tenders at the end of 2012 forcing Supercars Australia to default to Channel 7 for two more seasons).<ref name="Seven">{{cite news |last=Washbrook |first=Cyril |date=15 January 2013 |title=Seven extends V8 Supercars television deal |url=http://www.mediaspy.org/2013/01/15/seven-extends-v8-supercars-television-deal/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130401204058/http://www.mediaspy.org/2013/01/15/seven-extends-v8-supercars-television-deal/ |archive-date=1 April 2013 |access-date=23 March 2013 |work=Media Spy}}</ref> During 2013 and 2014, Channel 7's deal did not cover their production costs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Emmet |first=James |date=2013-12-18 |title=V8 Supercars turns it round with $241m deal |url=https://www.sportspro.com/news/v8_supercars_turns_it_round_with_record_241m_deal/ |access-date=2025-04-25 |website=SportsPro |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hayes |first=Alex |date=2013-12-17 |title=Seven loses V8 Supercars broadcast rights to Ten and Fox Sports |url=https://mumbrella.com.au/seven-loses-v8-supercars-broadcast-rights-ten-fox-sports-197201 |access-date=2025-04-25 |website=Mumbrella |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2007, Supercars Australia started to produce the coverage, rather than relying on the broadcasters.<ref name="Cushnan"/>

While Chanel 7 had the rights, Network Ten and Fox Sports continued to broadcast the series once a year for the [[Melbourne 400]] championship races, which are a support category at the Formula One Rolex Australian Grand Prix, which was broadcast by Ten and Fox Sports. All support category races were tied up with the Formula One Australian Grand Prix broadcast rights as a package.

Then the rights were returned to Network Ten and Fox Sports from 2015 to 2020.<ref name="C10" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=V8 Supercars signs six-year, $241m deal with Foxtel, Fox Sports, Ten Network |url=https://www.drive.com.au/news/v8-supercars-signs-six-year-241m-deal-with-foxtel-fox-sports-ten-network/ |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=Drive |language=en}}</ref>

The deal included Channel 10 showing six events live and showing one hour highlight packages for the rest of the season.

Fox Sports would show all sessions live, ad free (during sessions only) and in HD.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 April 2025 |title=V8 Supercars negotiate a deal with racing legend Roger Penske that sees USA return in 2015 |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/motorsport/supercars/v8-supercars-negotiate-a-deal-with-racing-legend-roger-penske-that-sees-usa-return-in-2015/news-story/3ecc7f6c8c389cf7470bdfa43a02c8c6 |website=herald sun}}</ref>

In 2020, [[Seven Network]] and [[Foxtel]] signed a five-year deal worth $200 million to televise the Repco Supercars Championship from 2021 to 2025. Seven Network broadcast six rounds live and showed highlights for the rest of the season. Foxtel's deal remains the same, it showed all races live and ad free on Fox Sports.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chapman |first=Simon |date=2020-09-24 |title=Supercars signs $200 million TV deal with Foxtel, Seven |url=https://speedcafe.com/supercars-signs-200-million-tv-deal-with-foxtel-seven/ |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=Speedcafe.com |language=en-AU}}</ref>

In 2025, the calendar changing to a NASCAR playoffs style series, meant the contract that Fox Sports and Channel 7 are currently under prevents Channel 7 from showing Friday Races live (Eastern Creek, Townsville and Adelaide having Friday races), even though Channel 7 has the rights to showing these events live.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bartholomaeus |first=Stefan |date=2025-04-25 |title=First Supercars Grand Final race won’t be on free-to-air TV |url=https://speedcafe.com/first-supercars-grand-final-race-not-on-free-to-air-tv/ |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=Speedcafe.com |language=en-AU}}</ref>

The rights for the series beyond 2025 have yet to be announced.

Ten's television series ''[[RPM (TV series)|RPM]]'', which has aired from 1997 to 2008, in 2011 and from 2015 - 2020, has covered Supercars, alongside other motorsports. From 2007 to 2014, Seven broadcast a weekly 25-minute show titled ''[[V8Xtra]]'' on non-racing weekends. The dedicated Supercars program covered news and feature items relating to the series. Since 2015, Fox Sports has broadcast a similar show, ''[[Inside Supercars]]'', a weekly one-hour long program featuring a panel led by Rust and Mark Skaife.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.v8supercars.com.au/news/championship/inside-supercars-debuts-this-evening | title=Inside Supercars debuts this evening | work=V8Supercars.com.au | date=3 March 2015 | access-date=19 September 2015}}</ref> In the same year, Fox Sports also launched an observational show ''[[Supercars Life]]'', featuring behind the scenes footage from race weekends and features on drivers' lives away from the track. In 2018, ''Inside Supercars'' was superseded by a new show on Fox Sports, ''[[Supercars Trackside]]''. Instead of being filmed in a studio midweek, the show is filmed on the Thursday before and the Sunday after each race meeting at the circuit.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/03/01/fox-sports-enhances-supercars-tv-experience/|title=Fox Sports enhances Supercars TV experience|last=Howard|first=Tom|date=1 March 2018|work=Speedcafe|access-date=4 March 2018|archive-date=5 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305052653/https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/03/01/fox-sports-enhances-supercars-tv-experience/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The television broadcast of the Bathurst 1000 has won a [[Logie Award]] for the Most Outstanding Sports Coverage seven times ('''Note:''' year won is for the prior years coverage and are shown in '''Bold'''): '''1979''', '''1985''', 1998 (nominated), '''2000''', 2001 (nominated), 2002 (nominated), '''2006''', 2007 (nominated), '''2008''', 2009 (nominated), '''2010''', 2012 (nominated), 2015 (nominated), 2017 (nominated), and most recently won in '''2018''' for the [[2017 Bathurst 1000]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.supercars.com/news/championship/bathurst-coverage-takes-out-logie-award/|title=Bathurst coverage takes out Logie Award|last=Bartholomaeus|first=Stefan|date=1 July 2018|publisher=Supercars.com|access-date=1 July 2018}}</ref>

Foxtel broadcast the [[2018 Bathurst 1000]] in [[4K resolution]], the first such broadcast in Australian sport.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/19/bathurst-to-be-broadcast-in-4k-and-ad-break-free/|title=Bathurst to be broadcast in 4K and ad-break free|last=Howard|first=Tom|date=19 September 2018|work=Speedcafe|access-date=10 October 2018|archive-date=21 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821141127/https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/19/bathurst-to-be-broadcast-in-4k-and-ad-break-free/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Current TV broadcasters====
Supercars races are broadcast on the following channels:
{|class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%"
|-
! Country
! TV network
! Free/pay
! Coverage
! Notes
|-
| rowspan="2"| '''[[Australia]]'''
| '''[[Seven Network]]'''
| align="center"| '''Free'''
| align="center"| '''Live/Highlights'''
| '''Seven events shown live with all others shown in highlight packages.'''
|-
| [[Fox Sports (Australia)|'''Fox Sports''']]
| align="center"| '''Pay'''
| rowspan="2" align="center" | '''Live'''
| rowspan="2" | '''Includes live coverage of practice, qualifying sessions and top ten shootouts.'''
|-
| '''[[New Zealand]]'''
|[[Sky Sport (New Zealand)|'''Sky Sport''']]
| align="center" | '''Pay'''
|-
| [[Asia]]
| [[SPOTV]]
| align="center" | Pay
| align="center" | Live/Delayed
| Only races are shown.
|-
| [[Catalonia]]
| Esport3 (TVC)
| align="center"| Free
| align="center"| Live/Delayed
| Live online (in English), Delayed on TV (in Catalan)
|-
| [[Germany]]
| [[Sport1 (Germany)|Sportdigital1+]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=World RX, FIM Speedway GP, Australia Supercars Championship LIVE auf SPORT1 |url=https://www.sport1.de/news/motorsport/wrx/2020/02/world-rx-fim-speedway-gp-australia-supercars-championship-live-auf-sport1 |access-date=2022-08-21 |website=SPORT1 |date=5 March 2020 |language=de}}</ref>
| align="center"| Pay
| align="center"| Live/Delayed
| Only races shown.
|-
| [[Indonesia]] 
| [[BTV (Indonesian TV channel)|BTV]] 
| align="center"| Free
| align="center"| Delayed
| Only races shown
|-
|[[Ireland]]
| rowspan="2" |[[TNT Sports (United Kingdom)|TNT Sports]]
| align="center" rowspan="2" |Pay
| align="center" rowspan="2" |Live
| rowspan="2" |Only races shown.
|-
| [[United Kingdom]]
|-
| [[Netherlands]]
| [[Ziggo Sport]]
| align="center"| Pay
| align="center"| Live/Delayed
|
|-
| [[Norway]]
|[[V Sport (Norway)|V Sport]]
| align="center" | Pay
| align="center" | Live
|
|-
|[[United States]]
| Speed Sport 1
| align="center"| Free
| rowspan="1" align="center" | Live and on Demand
| rowspan="1" | Includes live coverage of races 
|-
|Worldwide outside Australia and New Zealand
| [[YouTube]] via SuperView
| align="center"| Pay
| rowspan="1" align="center" | Live and on Demand
| rowspan="1" | Includes live coverage of practice, qualifying sessions, and supporting races.
|}

===Other media===
The series has its own live streaming [[pay-per-view]] service, Superview. The service, which started in 2013, currently shows all races as well as qualifying sessions.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=SuperView |url=https://www.supercars.com/superview/ |access-date=2023-06-21 |website=Supercars |language=en}}</ref> In 2021 the service was brought to [[YouTube]] which shows complete broadcasts including support races. The service is not available in New Zealand and Australia due to their current broadcasting rights with [[Sky Sport (New Zealand)|Sky Sport]] and [[Fox Sports Australia|Fox Sports]].<ref name=":2" />

The series has its own website, which contains information about the series, drivers, teams and events and news articles, and a radio show, V8 Insiders.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Home Page |url=https://www.supercars.com/ |access-date=2023-06-21 |website=Supercars |language=en}}</ref> News is also featured on motorsport websites such as [[Speedcafe]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Supercars Archives |url=https://www.speedcafe.com/category/news/supercars/ |access-date=2023-06-21 |website=Speedcafe |language=en-US}}</ref> and V8Sleuth.<ref>{{Cite web |title=V8 Sleuth |url=https://www.v8sleuth.com.au/ |access-date=2023-06-21 |language=en-US}}</ref> A media deal with [[News Corp Australia]] has been in place since 2009.

===Video games===
{{main|Supercars Championship in video games}}

Supercars have made several licensed appearances in [[video games]], including in [[Codemasters]]' [[TOCA Touring Car series|''V8 Supercars'' series]] in the 2000s and [[Turn 10 Studios]]' ''[[Forza (series)|Forza]]'' series in the 2010s. From 2011 to 2014, an online championship, sanctioned by Supercars, was contested on [[iRacing]].<ref>{{cite news |last=B |first=Kevin |date=1 August 2011 |title=V8 Supercars to Sanction iRacing.com Series|url=http://www.iracing.com/v8-supercars-to-sanction-iracing-com-series/ |newspaper=iRacing.com |access-date=2 August 2016 }}</ref> In 2017, Supercars launched an [[eSports]] competition using ''[[Forza Motorsport 6]]'' and ''[[Forza Motorsport 7]]'', which expanded to six rounds in 2018.<ref name="esports17">{{cite news|url=http://www.speedcafe.com/2017/09/08/supercars-announces-new-e-sports-event/|title=Supercars announces new e-Sports event|last=Howard|first=Tom|date=8 September 2017|work=[[Speedcafe]]|access-date=10 September 2017|archive-date=10 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910130207/http://www.speedcafe.com/2017/09/08/supercars-announces-new-e-sports-event/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/08/31/supercars-to-launch-new-esports-series/|title=Supercars to launch new eSports series|last=Howard|first=Tom|date=31 August 2018|work=Speedcafe|access-date=6 September 2018|archive-date=6 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906230952/https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/08/31/supercars-to-launch-new-esports-series/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Supercars Eseries moved to the iRacing platform in 2019 with championship teams including [[Triple Eight Race Engineering]] and [[Walkinshaw Andretti United]] entering teams into the series alongside eSports teams.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hodson |first1=Joshua |title=Supercars Unveil 2019 Esports Competition |url=https://ministryofsport.com.au/supercars-unveil-2019-esports-competition/ |access-date=6 September 2019 |work=Ministry of Sport |date=18 April 2019 |archive-date=6 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190906134834/https://ministryofsport.com.au/supercars-unveil-2019-esports-competition/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Supercars Eseries grid taking shape |url=https://www.supercars.com/news/eseries/supercars-eseries-grid-taking-shape/ |access-date=6 September 2019 |work=Supercars |date=3 September 2019 }}</ref> An additional Eseries was held in mid 2020 with all championship drivers competing during the hiatus caused by the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bartholomaeus |first1=Stefan |title=Drivers prepare for All Stars Eseries |url=https://www.supercars.com/news/championship/drivers-prepare-for-all-stars-eseries/ |access-date=23 March 2020 |work=Supercars |date=23 March 2020 }}</ref>

== Records ==
*'''Bold''' denotes drivers, teams and manufacturers who drive in the [[{{CURRENTYEAR}} Supercars Championship]].
*''Italics'' denotes drivers who co-drive in the [[{{CURRENTYEAR}} Supercars Championship]].
* Figures accurate as of 26 November 2023 (after Race 28 of the [[2023 Supercars Championship]]).
* Records include the Australian Touring Car Championship (1960–1998), the Shell Championship Series (1999–2001), the V8 Supercar Championship Series (2002–2010), International V8 Supercars Championship (2011–2016) and the Supercars Championship (2016–present).
=== Driver records ===
{{main|List of Australian Touring Car and V8 Supercar driver records}}

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size: 85%; display: inline-table;"
|+Championships
|-
!
!scope="col"| Driver<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.v8dailydump.com.au/v8-championship/championship-history/most-championships/ |title=Most Championships Won |publisher=V8 Daily Dump |access-date=1 July 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160328033739/http://www.v8dailydump.com.au/v8-championship/championship-history/most-championships/ |archive-date=28 March 2016}}</ref>
!scope="col"| Titles
|-
!scope="row"| 1
| {{flagicon|VIC}} ''[[Jamie Whincup]]''
| align="center"| 7
|-
!scope="rowgroup" rowspan="3"| 2
| {{flagicon|NSW}} [[Ian Geoghegan]]
|align="center" rowspan="3"| 5
|-
| {{flagicon|QLD}} [[Dick Johnson (racing driver)|Dick Johnson]]
|-
| {{flagicon|NSW}} [[Mark Skaife]]
|-
!scope="rowgroup" rowspan="3"| 5
| {{flagicon|VIC}} [[Bob Jane]]
|align="center" rowspan="3"| 4
|-
| {{flagicon|Canada}} [[Allan Moffat]]
|-
| {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Jim Richards (racing driver)|Jim Richards]]
|-
!scope="rowgroup" rowspan="4"| 8
| {{flagicon|VIC}} [[Peter Brock]]
|align="center" rowspan="4"| 3
|-
| {{flagicon|VIC}} ''[[Craig Lowndes]]''
|-
| {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Scott McLaughlin (racing driver)|Scott McLaughlin]]
|-
| {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Shane van Gisbergen]]
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size: 85%; display: inline-table;"
|+ Race wins
|-
!
!scope="col"| Driver<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.v8supercars.com.au/news/winning-record-in-sight-for-lowndes |title=Winning Record in Sight For Lowndes |work=V8Supercars |date=3 March 2013 |access-date=1 July 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501175303/http://www.v8supercars.com.au/news/winning-record-in-sight-for-lowndes |archive-date=1 May 2013}}</ref><ref name="Townsville Supercars: Whincup breaks through for 105th win">{{cite news |url=https://twitter.com/Fox_Motorsport/status/899141320635109376 |title=Jamie Whincup breaks all-time win record |date=20 August 2017 |work=Fox Motorsport |access-date=20 August 2017}}</ref>
!scope="col"| Wins
|-
!scope="row"| 1
| {{flagicon|VIC}} ''[[Jamie Whincup]]''
| align="center"| 124
|-
!scope="row"| 2
| {{flagicon|VIC}} ''[[Craig Lowndes]]''
| align="center"| 110
|-
!scope="row"| 3
| {{flagicon|NSW}} [[Mark Skaife]]
| align="center"| 90
|-
!scope="row"| 4
| {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Shane van Gisbergen]]
| align="center"| 80
|-
!scope="row"| 5
|{{flagicon|AU-WA}} ''[[Garth Tander]]''
| align="center"| 57
|-
!scope="row"| 6
| {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Scott McLaughlin (racing driver)|Scott McLaughlin]]
| align="center"| 56
|-
!scope="row"| 7
| {{flagicon|VIC}} [[Peter Brock]]
| align="center"| 48
|-
!scope="row"| 8
| {{flagicon|NSW}} [[Glenn Seton]]
| align="center"| 40
|-
!scope="row"| 9
| {{flagicon|NSW}} ''[[Mark Winterbottom]]''
| align="center"| 39
|-
!scope="row"| 10
| {{flagicon|CAN}} [[Allan Moffat]]
| align="center"| 36
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size: 85%; display: inline-table;"
|+ Race starts
|-
!
!scope="col"| Driver
!scope="col"| Starts
|-
!scope="row"| 1
| {{flagicon|VIC}} ''[[Craig Lowndes]]''
| align="center"| 675
|-
!scope="row"| 2
| {{flagicon|AU-WA}} ''[[Garth Tander]]''
| align="center"| 643
|-
!scope="row"| 3
| {{flagicon|NSW}} ''[[Mark Winterbottom]]''
| align="center"| 611
|-
!scope="row"| 4
| {{flagicon|AU-SA}} [[Russell Ingall]]
| align="center"| 589
|-
!scope="row"| 5
| {{flagicon|VIC}} [[Rick Kelly]]
| align="center"| 580
|-
!scope="row"| 6
| {{flagicon|VIC}} [[Jason Bright]]
| align="center"| 578
|-
!scope="row"| 7
| {{flagicon|VIC}} ''[[Jamie Whincup]]''
| align="center"| 555
|-
!scope="row"| 8
| {{flagicon|VIC}} '''[[James Courtney]]'''
| align="center"| 542
|-
!scope="row"| 9
| {{flagicon|NSW}} [[Todd Kelly]]
| align="center"| 540
|-
!scope="row"| 10
| {{flagicon|VIC}} '''[[Will Davison]]'''
| align="center"| 533
|}
=== Teams and Manufacturers ===
* Figures accurate as of 30 November 2025 (after Race 34 of the [[2025 Supercars Championship]]).
* Records include the Australian Touring Car Championship (1960–1998), the Shell Championship Series (1999–2001), the V8 Supercar Championship Series (2002–2010), International V8 Supercars Championship (2011–2016) and the Supercars Championship (2016–present).
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size: 85%; display: inline-table;"
|+Race wins
|-
!
!scope="col"| Team
!scope="col"| Wins
|-
!scope="row"| 1
| '''[[Triple Eight Race Engineering]]'''
| align="center"| 252
|-
!scope="row"| 2
| '''[[Walkinshaw Andretti United]]'''
| align="center"| 191
|-
!scope="row"| 3
| '''[[Dick Johnson Racing]]'''
| align="center"| 148
|-
!scope="row"| 4
| '''[[Tickford Racing]]'''
| align="center"| 78
|-
!scope="row"| 5
| [[HSV Dealer Team]]
| align="center"| 50
|-
!scope="row"| 6
| [[Gibson Motorsport]]
| align="center"| 47
|-
!scope="rowgroup" rowspan="2"| 7
| [[Holden Dealer Team]]/[[Advantage Racing]]
| align="center"| 42
|-
| [[Glenn Seton Racing]]
| align="center"| 42
|-
!scope="row"| 9
| [[Stone Brothers Racing]]
| align="center"| 40
|-
!scope="row"| 10
| [[Allan Moffat Racing]]
| align="center"| 33
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size: 85%; display: inline-table;"
|+Race wins
|-
!
!scope="col"| Manufacturer
!scope="col"| Wins
|-
!scope="col"| 1
| [[Holden]]
| align="center"| 617
|-
!scope="col"| 2
| '''[[Ford Australia|Ford]]'''
| align="center"| 446
|-
!scope="col"| 3
| '''[[Chevrolet]]'''
| align="center"| 64
|-
!scope="col"| 4
| [[Nissan Motor Company|Nissan]]
| align="center"| 31
|-
!scope="col"| 5
| [[BMW]]
| align="center"| 17
|-
!scope="col"| 6
| [[Volvo Cars|Volvo]]
| align="center"| 11
|-
!scope="col"| 7
| [[Mazda]]
| align="center"| 8
|-
!scope="col"| 8
| [[Jaguar Cars|Jaguar]]
| align="center"| 4
|-
! rowspan="2"| 9
| [[Porsche]]
| align="center"| 2
|-
| [[Mercedes-Benz]]
| align="center"| 2
|}

==See also==
{{Portal|Sports}}
* [[Australian Touring Car Championship]]
* [[List of Australian Touring Car and V8 Supercar champions]]
* [[List of Australian Touring Car Championship races]]
* [[List of Australian Touring Car and V8 Supercar driver records]]
* [[Supercars Hall of Fame]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

===Works cited===
* {{cite book | title=V8 Supercars: The First Decade | last1=Clarke | first1=Andrew | last2=Wensley | first2=Scott | publisher=Publishing 101 | year=2007 | isbn=978-0-9803909-0-2 | location=[[Carnegie, Victoria]]}}
* {{cite book | title=The official history: Australian Touring Car Championship – 50 Years | last1=Greenhalgh | first1=David | last2=Howard | first2=Graham | last3=Wilson | first3=Stewart | publisher=Chevron Publishing Group | year=2011 | isbn=978-0-9805912-2-4 | location=[[St Leonards, New South Wales]]}}
* {{cite web | title=2016 V8 Supercar Operations Manual | url=http://www.v8supercars.com.au/championship/rules-and-cars/operations-manual | publisher=V8 Supercars | date=23 February 2016 | access-date=2 February 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160504103741/http://www.v8supercars.com.au/championship/rules-and-cars/operations-manual/ | archive-date=4 May 2016 | url-status=dead}}

==External links==
{{Commons category-inline|Supercars Championship}}
*[https://www.supercars.com Supercars Australia website]

{{Supercars Championship Teams}}
{{Supercars Championship circuits}}
{{Australian Touring Car Racing}}
{{Sports leagues of Australia}}
{{Class of Auto racing}}

[[Category:Auto racing series in Australia]]
[[Category:Motorsport categories in Australia]]
[[Category:Professional sports leagues in Australia]]
[[Category:Recurring sporting events established in 1997]]
[[Category:Sports leagues established in 1997]]
[[Category:Supercars Championship| ]]
[[Category:Touring car racing series]]
[[Category:1997 establishments in Australia]]