MOTORSPORT: Gen3 Supercars delayed until 2023

The transformation of Supercars racing into a Chevrolet Camaro versus Ford Mustang battle will not happen until 2023.

The arrival of the all-new Gen3 racers has been postponed until the first race of the 2023 Repco Supercars Championship on the streets of Newcastle following an earlier delay to the middle of next season.

There has been months of speculation about a longer delay in the Gen3 program, which could also be threatened by an imminent change of Supercars ownership, so the official confirmation comes as no surprise.

But Supercars says the Camaro and Mustang, which are being built by Red Bull Ampol Racing and Shell V-Power Racing, will still appear as planned for a cameo appearance at the Repco Bathurst 1000 in the first week of December this year.

Supercars is blaming the new delay on difficulties in completing the cars and having them properly tested for racing.

“Factors outside the control of Supercars, including the ongoing challenges with international supply chains and domestic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, are among the major contributing factors,” Supercars said in a statement.

“Lockdowns in various states, which have forced Supercars to condense its racing program over the final three months of 2021, have also limited the Gen3 testing program as originally planned.

“Supercars has arrived at this decision following consultation with key stakeholders including Repco, Ford, General Motors and Supercars’ broadcast partners.”

The Gen3 versions of the Mustang and Camaro will also appear at a number of race meetings through 2022, for testing work and exhibition laps.

Supercars also says the behind-the-scenes development of the Gen3 racers will continue to be covered by Mark Larkham through the category’s broadcast partners and digital channels.