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Supercars has opted to drop the double reverse grid format which it introduced for Round 1 of this year’s ECB SuperUtes Series in Adelaide.
The weekend saw the qualifying order reversed to set the grid for Race 1, as well as the usual reversal of Race 1 results to set the Race 2 grid.
Both of those races saw Lap 1 rollovers, although the latter had the faster drivers starting near the front again having had less than a lap of green flag running to try and make up positions in the former.
Category manager Kurt Sakzewski had told Speedcafe.com that the format was a response to a general request from Adelaide 500 promoters for more entertainment from the series and was under review, despite initially being part of the sporting regulations for the season.
A report on Supercars’ official website has now confirmed that it has been dropped, with the 2018 format of a reverse grid for Race 2 only to return for the rest of the season.
“We feel the category is going to be better served to have the first race of the weekend in a traditional fastest-at-the-front type of format,” said Sakzewski in that report.
“That gives all the drivers the opportunity to get out, get a feel for the track, get a feel for the racing starts.
“Then as we did last year, we’ll have a reverse-grid race in Race 2 of the weekend and by that stage everyone has familiarised themselves with the racing procedures, starts and all of those elements.”
The increase in series points for qualifying which was introduced in conjunction with the Race 1 reverse will also be pared back.
SuperUtes Round 2 will be its first at Barbagallo Wanneroo Raceway when it supports the Pirtek Perth SuperNight on May 2-4.
