According to Supercars, the two-day event format was well received
According to Supercars, the two-day event format was well received by the teams.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, in which there were few or no support classes at some events, the category shifted towards a compressed format in 2020.
The lion’s share of the laps in 2021 have adopted the two-day format, with the exception of feature events like Mount Panorama 500, Townsville 500, Sydney SuperNight, Bathurst 1000, and Gold Coast 500.
Most of the drivers Speedcafe.com talked about enjoyed the compressed two day format, which reduced downtime between sessions.
On Saturday there is practice, qualification and the first race of the weekend, followed by qualifying and two races on Sunday.
According to Shane Howard, Supercars Chief Operating Officer, the crews also enjoyed the compressed format.
“I think the two-day events work well,” said Howard.
“It helps the team to get in a little later. In a condensed two-day program, there is actually more supercars action in a two-day program than there is to split between the three.
“I think it works well for the fans too.”
While at most SuperSprint events the Supercars promotion is limited to Saturday and Sunday, some support courses are held on Friday.
This is something that supercars may continue to do at future events.
At the upcoming Supercars event in Bend Motorsport Park, the GT World Challenge Australia with Powered by AWS, the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia, the ECB SuperUtes Series and Group N will hit the track one day before Supercars.
“These things can happen if you can do your support on Friday,” said Howard.
“I think that’s going to happen in The Bend. I know Winton is watching this.
“It’s great that way because you can get your training session out of the way and then get interested in qualifying and the race over the two days of racing.
“Only in the two days of racing are there many advantages.”
A notable omission from the 2020 and 2021 calendar was that of the Pirtek Enduro Cup.
Like last year, there is only one long-distance event this season in the form of the Repco Bathurst 1000.
Howard said the status quo is not “frozen” and a return of the Enduro Cup is being considered.
“I think it’s one step at a time,” he said.
“As always, we will propose opportunities and ideas and they will be considered by the Commission and the Board.
“It just depends on what is happening. I’m not saying this is frozen. Any such opportunity would be considered.
“They always look to 2022,” he added.
“Obviously there are events that we have contracted for and we are working with governments etc to position them, lock them down and then work with the teams on the number of events and then strike the right balance.
“We are a national sport. It takes a while. Usually we get to version 15, 16. It’s work in progress, the 2022 calendar. “