The Australian V8 Supercar series is one that is gaining popularity rather quickly throughout the world.  For people who are new to watching this fast paced, exciting racing sport, and are considering going to one of the races, it might help to understand some of the rules.  The sport is a bit different from other styles of racing, and some of the rules make for a much closer and intense race.  That’s why so many fans love to come out and watch their favourite drivers compete for the lead.

Australian V8 Supercar Race Rules

At the start of the race a red light will be shown.  No less than 3 seconds and no more than 5 seconds after it is shown, the light will be extinguished, indicating the start of the race.  Sometimes you might see a green light, but it is not mandatory to show one.  This light will be shown at the beginning of each race.  Two complete days of world class racing must be provided at every non-endurance Championship event.  Start positions are determined by the Qualifying results.

Australian V8 Supercar Car Rules

The rules for the cars are what really make the race interesting.  The cars must be production models of family cars.  The current two styles of cars being raced are the Holden VE Commodore and the Ford FG Falcon.  The rules are strict that the cars must be similar in weight, aerodynamics, and speed.  This makes the races very close, with the top 20 cars all finishing the qualifying round within just one second of each other.

Australian V8 Supercar Pit Rules

When the driver pulls in for a pit stop, only 6 people are allowed over the control line.  These people must include a car controller, air jack operator, two wheel change persons, a fuel person, and a fire extinguisher person.  At any point during the race, a drive through penalty will apply if any part of the car crosses the yellow line.  Additionally, the speed limit in Pit Lane is 40km/h at all times.  If the speed limit is broken, the driver may be referred to the Stewards and the Race Director may apply a Pit Lane Penalty.

Australian V8 Supercar Practice & Qualifying Rules

There are three parts of practice, listed as A, B, & C.  They are divided into 35, 50, and 50 minute sessions, respectively.  Drivers must qualify before each Saturday and Sunday race.  The Sunday morning races will be preceded by a 20 minute qualifying session, while the Saturday races will be preceded by two knockout qualifying sessions and a top ten shootout.

Australian V8 Team Numbers

Teams are only allowed to have a maximum of seven performance related personnel per car at every sprint event.  Third party contractors and suppliers are only required to be listed if they contribute to the performance of the car but may be excluded if they supply services to the entire V8 Supercar Series field. Included in the seven must be the team manager, mechanic, engineer, wheel man, data analyst, and engine builder.

Now that you have a bit of an understanding about what kinds of cars are allowed and what some of the rules of the race are, you are ready to go watch a race for yourself.  If you’re attending the Bahrain International Circuit for the Desert 400, any seat is a good seat, so just come ready for some action from the V8 Supercar Series.