Can the V8 Supercar phenomenon be explained? Certainly, there’s no doubt that it is growing in popularity. Perhaps this is because the racing format is varied, while the cars play up a legendary Australian traditional rivalry between two monsters. However, it may also be because fans from all around the world truly understand the skill required to win one of these supercharged races.
Popularity
Based in Australia, the V8 Supercar phenomenon has seen an explosion of popularity over the last decade. International audiences and venues include New Zealand, Abu Dhabi, and Bahrain. During the 2010 season, events were held over 14 weekends with some events drawing crowds over 250,000 – a number that seems to be growing. Even television networks are battling for the rights to broadcast. In 2007, Channel seven won the reported AU $120 million contract!
Racing Format
Locations for races include tracks designed for the V8 Supercar and street circuits. The formats include both sprints and endurance events. Ranging in distance from 100 km to 300 km, the sprint races can be held over a two day weekend. The endurance races are also held over a weekend and may be over 1000 km in length. Some races, such as the Gold Coast 600, have a team of two drivers which can completely change the strategies involved adding to an already exciting race.
Cars
Only two cars are used in this sport: the Ford Falcon and the Holden Commodore. In fact, this may help explain the initial rise of this sport in Australia where these two makes enjoy a long standing rivalry. Adding to this is the fact that the construction of the V8 supercar frame is based on the road cars and not space age construction. Of course, the cars are modified for the sport, boasting a maximum speed of 306 km/h — at least in theory.
Level Playing Field
Another reason for the popularity lies in the level playing field enjoyed by the drivers. The cars are closely monitored to make sure that they are similar in design, function and capabilities. They are even tested to ensure comparable aerodynamics. As a result, many fans believe that it is the skill of the driver on stage and not the car. In fact, qualifying laps can have 29 drivers separated by just one second. That makes for an exciting race, indeed.
Championships
There are two levels to the primary championships. Level One, or the V8 Supercar Championship Series, is the premier level and requires a license. In years past, the marquee events have included Bathurst 1000, Clipsal 500, Sydney Telstra 500, L&H 500 and the Desert 400. Level two, or the Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series, is for those racers not at the professional level, but some level one teams will run a secondary team at this level for the additional income. There is a third series, but it has no involvement in Australia and is primarily aimed at older V8 Supercars.
Where this sport will go next, is anyone’s guess. However, one thing is for certain – the popularity will continue to grow. It may have originated in Australia, but it now calls home places such as New Zealand, Abu Dhabi, and Bahrain. There is even some talk of a championship circuit starting up in Asia. Perhaps others such as Nascar should be a little worried as the V8 Supercar may win this race.