MOTORSPORT: COTF "evolution not revolution"

Questions after Car of the Future launch
V8 Supercars Australia has launched its Car of the Future -- with a big question mark. The specification to which the series' cars will be built from 2012, the new 'formula' aims to entice new brands into V8 Supercar racing while containing costs.

Evolution rather than revolution, V8SA's man in charge of the project, Mark Skaife, and chairman Tony Cochrane, are calling it. But there's no sign of any new manufacturers rushing to get ready for the new rules from 2012. Indeed, the "engine equalisation program" that will be a key part of the proposal is still some months from finalisation.

Any newcomers will need to have, as Holden and Ford always have, a car that is rear-wheel drive, with four doors and a V8 engine -- although not necessarily of 5.0 litres.

Most of what was announced at Monday's launch of the formula had been well telegraphed in advance. Confirmation came of a move from 17-inch to 18-inch wheels, independent rear suspension, and fuel tanks being moved forward of the rear axle.

Holden and Ford executives attended the launch, of course, but the only other car manufacturers represented were Nissan and Chrysler -- and both say they were only observing.

A Nissan Maxima and a Hyundai Grandeur were mocked up as race cars in a graphic displayed -- but again no indication of any serious interest from those manufacturers. And no presence from Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi -- the Germans about which there was a great deal of speculation just a couple of weeks back.

Skaife was photographed beside a car covered in a black cloth with a large white question mark.

As many questions as there were answers, it seemed.

"We need to protect the DNA of the competition that has operated successfully for 17 years, as well as expanding horizons in a changing industry landscape," Skaife said.

"We want other manufacturers to come and play... The Red versus Blue (Holden v Ford) has served us very well. Our rules and regulations have served us very well over the past 17 years... But there is a lack of other manufacturer integration in our sport... We have to take into account the landscape changes in the automotive market," he said.

Skaife continued: "We want to open the door to genuine high-volume production, four-door sedans which will be configured as V8 rear-wheel-drive racecars under strict parity arrangements to compete equally against Falcons and Commodores.

"Any V8 engine can potentially be used where a manufacturer can modify one of its family V8 powerplants or utilise an existing category V8 Supercar engine... Who knows, this may open the door to teams fielding Nissans, Toyotas, Hyundais, Mazdas ... whatever!

"We don't need dozens of manufacturers to end up with a great championship... What we've got is very good, but if others want to come and join in then we are going to make it as easy as possible for them to join in."

Skaife commented that "cost containment" was "a vital aspect" in ensuring the future health of the series.

"We now have in place a plan to reduce the cost of a rolling chassis by around 25 per cent [to about $250,000] and further cost controls of vehicle running, repair and engine development.

"The big picture is that we already have a very successful sporting product that nonetheless must make headway in the future by remaining relevant to stakeholders, the car industry, team sponsors and our legion of fans."

Neither Holden nor Ford expect to see any new competition at the start of the 2012 season.

And Holden's motorsport manager Simon McNamara, while stating that his company is generally supportive of the Car of the Future, seriously questions whether costs will be reduced if there are new entrants.

More Power to Will
And overnight Australia's Will Power has won again in the IndyCar series. It is Power's second victory from two starts with Team Penske this season, just months after a serious back injury.

Power's countryman and teammate Ryan Briscoe was third in the latest race at St Petersburgh, Florida.

In other US racing news Marcos Ambrose was 11th -- equalling his best result this season -- in NASCAR's Sprint Cup round at Martinsville, Virginia.

Image: v8supercars.com.au

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