Zane Goddard was buoyed by how close the two Gen3 prototypes “already are” after testing earlier this week.
The former Matt Stone Racing driver was present at Queensland Raceway this week as Supercars conducted tests of the two prototypes.
Goddard, who is a free agent, was given the rare opportunity to test drive both Ford and Chevrolet Gen3 prototypes.
The two days of testing marked the first major outing for the prototypes since they were unveiled at the Repco Bathurst 1000 six weeks ago.
Private pre-launch testing focused on basic reliability, with previous engine testing done in mule cars.
This week’s tests focused on mileage, ergonomics and helped drivers get a feel for the new cars and how they compare to current Gen2 cars.
Before the test days, the Gen3 prototypes were equipped with new components, especially additional stabilizers.
The Gen3 cars have seen a significant reduction in downforce compared to their Gen2 predecessors.
After testing both cars, Goddard found that the reduced downforce made the overall package more challenging, something Will Davison also noted.
“Less downforce makes it harder for the driver,” Goddard told Supercars.com.
“That’s another positive aspect when it comes to racing. There will be closer races and more overtaking manoeuvres.
“My first taste of both Gen3 cars shows that things are going in the right direction.
“It’s pretty cool to see how close they are.
“Obviously something still needs to be done, but it’s a promising start.”
The Gen3 regulations dictate that the race cars must be more similar to their street car counterparts.
The aggressive styling of the Gen3 cars has resulted in limited visibility compared to previous cars.
Both Gen3 prototypes differ significantly in design in an effort to align visually with the road cars.
Goddard noted subtle balance differences between the two cars, as well as narrower visibility compared to current cars.
The Mustang has been found to favor oversteer and the Camaro favors understeer — but the balance will be adjustable, according to Goddard.
Regardless, Goddard was enthralled by the feeling that the prototypes felt like real race cars, and said the supercars’ unique “spectacle” would not only be retained, but enhanced.
“It’s a bit different than the current car. It still has some of the DNA from the car we’re driving now,” he said.
“I think that’s really important; it’s quite a spectacle to see a supercar nose to tail and bouncing off curbs.
“It was a great experience, thanks to Supercars for letting me jump between the two cars.”
It remains to tinker; Working on what will become the control oil tank saw test, which will be conducted using cameras fitted to the engine bays of both cars to visually monitor oil spills.
For Goddard, driving both cars gave him a unique opportunity to witness what the race package will ultimately look like when it makes its debut in 2023.
“It’s an experience I’ve really enjoyed. I’ve never done that before, testing brand new cars,” he said.
“The entire course of the day was different from a normal test.
“Usually we tweak little things to make a car faster on a track.
“Here we’re tweaking driver’s things here and there; the way the gas pedal works, the way it brakes.
“It’s not about fixing understeer here, fixing oversteer there. It’s about how the gas releases, how the brake pedal feels.”
Testing continues next week at Queensland Raceway.