Supercars
Australia and New Zealand
Main article: V8 Supercars
Formerly the Australian Touring Car Championship, the current formula was devised in 1993 (based on Group A regulations) and branded as 'V8 Supercars' in 1997. The series features grids of twenty-eight cars (although in endurance races e.g. the Bathurst 1000 there can be wildcard entries, which add to the grid) with 650+ hp (480 kW). The cars are Ford Falcons, Holden Commodores and other medium-large sedan makes. The weight limit for a V8 Supercar is 1,350 kg (2,980 lb). The race cars themselves are derived from production body panels and space-frame chassis. Both Holden and Ford financially and technically support their favoured teams and take an active role in promotion of the series.
As the series has grown, major international motorsport organisations have become involved. Several teams now benefit from the involvement of Tom Walkinshaw Racing, Triple Eight Race Engineering and Prodrive. In addition to regular appearances in New Zealand (currently using the Pukekohe Park Raceway), the series ventured to China at the Shanghai International Circuit in 2005, since 2006 has raced at the Bahrain International Circuit and since 2010 has raced at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. In 2013, the series will add a race in the U.S. at the Circuit of the Americas near Austin, Texas. The growth of the series has seen motorsport equal Rugby League as Australia's third most watched sport.[citation needed]
From 2013, Nissan will [3] provide a third manufacturer, working with Kelly Racing. Mercedes-Benz will also join the series in 2013 with Stone Brothers Racing, in conjunction with Erebus Racing.[4][5]
The series incorporates the world famous Bathurst 1000 race as a championship round. Because of the longer distance, regulations require two drivers per car for this race. This also applies to the Sandown 500 & the Gold Coast 600, the latter where each driver has an international co-driver.
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