The four-week Sydney Motorsport Park Swing came to a controversial end on Sunday when the last race was canceled due to weather conditions.
Persistent rain all day left the track soaked as the 250-kilometer race was due to begin.
The field completed five laps behind the safety car before being called back into the pit lane, where it sat for 35 minutes before the race was announced.
The decision split opinion among drivers, polesitter Nick Percat among critics of the call and hinted on social media that he was not asked about the conditions.
Motorsport Australia, which is the race director for supercars events, has moved to explain its decision.
According to race director Tim Schenken, the safety of the drivers and track managers was the most important factor.
But the schedule of the compact supercars also played a role in the decision, as the Bathurst 1000 was less than a fortnight away and the Queensland teams were unable to return to their bases due to border complications.
“Like all spectators, we were very disappointed that we couldn’t drive on Sunday, but the decision to explain the race was the right one,” said Schenken.
“There were a number of factors that influenced the decision to call the race, including the lack of visibility for drivers and track managers due to spray and the many water flows that could be seen around the track given the location.” and layout of the Sydney Motorsport Park.
“The race management has spoken to a number of drivers and has received overwhelming feedback that the conditions are not suitable for racing.
“The hard-working volunteer officials were certainly in the foreground, as the overwhelming majority of officials spent the four race weekends on the track and in the elements.
“We’re also cautious that about 75 percent of the officers involved in Sydney Motorsport Park will officiate in an expanded Repco Bathurst 1000.
“While that wasn’t the only major factor in the final decision, the supercars schedule and the teams’ limited mobility were also part of the overall consideration. Mount Panorama in case major repairs are required.”
Supercars today confirmed that ticket holders will have their money refunded for the last Sunday.
