Rumors of a late start to the 2022 Supercars season are making the rounds in the paddock amid ongoing uncertainty about the new Gen3 rules.
Supercars will launch its new lower-cost formula next season and work on the first prototypes, which will run between the category officials and homologation teams Triple Eight (GM) and Dick Johnson Racing (Ford).
However, uncertainty about many important aspects of the switch, including the basics like engine specification / supply and chassis supply, has made other teams concerned that time is running out for an efficient and inexpensive change before the next season.
While delaying the introduction of the rules until 2023 has long been considered as a possible solution, it is likely to be the absolute last resort for supercars.
The series has already pushed back the rules once and was firmly convinced that the new cars would be on the track next season.
The latest suggestion from the paddock is that the start of 2022 may be postponed to give the teams more time for their off-season new builds.
This could avoid a hasty, expensive transition while delivering on the promise to get the new cars out in 2022.
Kelly Grove Racing driver David Reynolds and Team 18 co-driver Michael Caruso discussed the matter on the latest podcast. Below the Bonnet podcast, the two agreed that the switch makes sense.
“Apparently they won’t start the season until April [or] May, “said Reynolds.
“I don’t know, it’s just the chatter in the pit lane.
“It’s a smart idea. However, there will be a lot going on and there will be so many races in such a short time. It will be in full swing.”
Caruso added, “They won’t have cars on the track. If they want this Gen3 thing to start, it’s the only real way it can happen.
“It wouldn’t surprise anyone if they postponed the season. That could even help with events.”
“People have told me Gen3 won’t happen, but maybe that depends on if they think the season has to start [in February]. “
Supercars season traditionally starts in early March, though it has crept into mid-to-late February in recent years as the series tried to create consistent three-week gaps between events.
Unlike model updates, as part of the Gen3 switch, all teams will have to build new cars from scratch due to the new lower chassis.
The first prototype of a chassis was only recently presented, which led to skepticism among the teams that the tests should be carried out as planned by the middle of the year.
Gen3 is a crucial step for the Aussie series as it aims to secure its future in post-Australian auto manufacturing and the four-door sedan era.
The Camaro and Mustang are the first two confirmed body styles with the new chassis specially designed for two-door models.
While the V8 performance will stay here, there are already considerations for a hybrid component to the powertrain – although this won’t be the case next season.
The engine specification has yet to be officially confirmed as well, although the push is still to adopt Ford and Chevrolet box-style units rather than sticking to the tuned versions of the current push rod engines.
