The Pirtek Pit Stop Challenge will return for a second season with an expanded format and prize pool.

The qualifying rounds will now span eight races, starting with the two longer races at this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix event and also including the 120km race at The Bend.

Total prize money has increased with the winning team to receive $20,000 and the top three after the qualifying rounds to get $5,500, $3,500, and $2,000 respectively.

As was the case in 2017, points will be awarded in each race which mandates a pit stop where at least two tyres must be changed.

The fastest crew in each applicable race receives 26 points, the second-fastest 25, and so on down to one point for the slowest crew.

The top four after The Bend SuperSprint will progress to the finals which will take place in pit lane on the Friday night of the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 as part of the Fox Sports telecast.

Last year’s final was an all-DJR Team Penske affair, guaranteeing the team the Golden Rattle Gun trophy which will again be put up for the winners.

“Our drivers push themselves to be the fastest on the track and this competition shows fans that our crews work just as hard to be the fastest in pit lane,” said Supercars General Manager – Commercial, Jamie Black.

“This is an extremely popular challenge with teams and fans which we are taking to another level this year with the fantastic support from Pirtek.”

Pirtek CEO Stephen Dutton said, “Our sponsorship of the Pirtek Pit Stop Challenge is another exciting element in our relationship with the Supercars stable.

“The teams get the chance to showcase their skills in what has now become one of the most critical parts of the race.

“Winning a round relies so much on these guys getting it right and these guys rely so much on the product they use to work when it counts.

“They use a lot of our Pirtek hose assemblies and equipment in this crucial moment so we are proud to showcase our gear and at the same time recognise the skill of these technicians.

“We are looking forward to a great competition and may the fastest crew win.”

Pirtek Pit Stop Challenge 2018 Schedule