Opinions are mixed in the Supercars paddock following the category’s announcement to abolish the controversial redress rule this season.
Supercars outlined its new rules of engagement to drivers and teams at Tuesday’s official tyre test as the sport aims to clarify its competitor code of conduct and penalty procedures going forward.
Following an 18-month review, the category has revealed plans to remove the redress rule and install a new system for investigating incidents.
Last year drivers were able to redress a position if contact or a small mistake was made during the overtaking manoeuvre without being issued a penalty.
The rule was thrust into the spotlight at last year’s Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 when Jamie Whincup tried to redress, sparking a three car shunt involving Scott McLaughlin and Garth Tander.
From this year incidents will be investigated by experienced motorsport administrator Michael Masi with assistance from new Driving Standards Advisor Craig Baird.
DJR Team Penske driver McLaughlin believes a move towards the old system prior to the redress rule is a step forward for the category.
“It seemed to work in the old days and we are slowly going back to that way. I don’t think it is a bad thing,” McLaughlin told Speedcafe.com.
“We as drivers were always reading off the same page but some people don’t think they are in the wrong, and then you have grey areas.”
The mindset was echoed by Prodrive boss Tim Edwards who feels the decision will reduce the ambiguity the redress rule caused.
“I think it is a very positive change for the sport,” Edwards told Speedcafe.com.
“We need to clarify a few things and try to reduce the ambiguity. The time was right to have a reset and work out how we will play the game this year.”
However, the view is not shared by everyone in the paddock with team personnel and drivers concerned that Supercars’ new stance will promote more cautious racing.
“I’m a fan of the redress and I know people don’t think it worked well for us, but I thought it encouraged good racing,” Triple Eight team manger Mark Dutton told Speedcafe.com.
“The guys and girl out there need to know that they can have a little bit of a push and if something goes a little bit wrong, that doesn’t destroy someone’s race, then they can redress it and move on.
“I think that is a fantastic way to do it and I thought we had made inroads with that last year.
“I really hope we are not throwing the baby out with the bath water and it feels a little bit like that.
“You can always improve and some changes needed to be made.”
Prodrive Racing’s Chaz Mostert admits the redress rule was unclear at times but is unsure if the new system is the best result for the product.
“It’s tricky. The redress was something the drivers tried to get their heads around last year,” Mostert told Speedcafe.com.
“Last year was very unclear and this year the rules are very different it takes it back to how it was before.
“It is going to take a bit to get our mindset ready for that.
“It might hurt the racing a little bit with drivers being a bit more cautious and not going for that gap.
“The good thing about the redress was if you made a mistake you could give the position back and avoid a penalty.
“I think they (Supercars) are still working on few things so let’s see what happens at Clipsal.”
The new rules are set to come into force for the first time at Adelaide’s Clipsal 500 from March 2-5.
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