The Ipswich 300 will follow a three-race format this year, V8 Supercars has confirmed.
As reported by Speedcafe.com last month, the August 19-21 event has grown an extra race, with two 50km races to be run on the Saturday (Races 16 and 17) before a single 200km affair (Race 18) takes place on Sunday.
The Saturday races will be split by a 15 minute break, giving teams minimal time to turn the cars around for the second encounter.
The grid for Saturday’s second race will be determined by the finishing order of the opening race, while 20 minute sessions on Saturday and Sunday morning will determine the grid for Races 16 and 18 respectively.
According to V8 Supercars operations manager Damien White, the unique format will put the emphasis firmly on teamwork.
“The refueling and tyre changes are normally done during a race, and the changes to car set-up and repairs from damage the race are usually done overnight, so this is a massive amount of pressure for the teams to deal with,” said White.
“Being 15 minutes from when service commences to pit exit closing effectively gives the teams a 13 and half minute window to carry out any work they require,” said White.
“It highlights the team element of this sport, and will showcase the skill of the engineers and mechanics.”
Last year’s Ipswich 300 was won by eventual champion James Courtney.
The V8 Supercars will be in action this weekend at Hidden Valley Raceway for the Sky City Triple Crown.
