A VISIBLE rule change is being assessed for introduction in the 2024 Repco Supercars Championship.
It has emerged that Supercars powerbrokers are considering a move away from the traditional way of sorting the pitlane order.
Typically, the previous year’s teams’ championship rankings are reflected in the order which teams fill the lane for an entire season.
It is considered a rewards system, with the position closest to pit exit strategically advantageous (and thus the prize for the teams’ championship winner).
However, Supercars is mulling a move to a live pitlane concept whereby the order would be based purely on the current teams’ championship points, as opposed to the previous season’s finishing positions.
Reportedly, multi-car teams would be split in two, and single-car teams’ tallies would be multiplied in the vicinity 1.8 times to double.
“Yes, it is something that has come up as an action item for the Commission to look into,” said a Supercars spokesperson.
“There is a ton of logistical operations involved in pit lane set-up for teams that needs to be considered before this goes any further, but we are happy to look into it.
“We’re always looking for new ways to improve the racing experience for fans and drivers.
“The Commission will be conducting a thorough review of the proposed concept in the coming months, with a final decision expected to be announced ahead of the 2024 season.”
If the system was to be applied now, the major movers and shakers would be Erebus Motorsport and Dick Johnson Racing.
Erebus currently occupy the 13th and 14th garages in pitlane but would move to the very top, given they lead the teams’ championship.
DJR’s drivers meanwhile would slide from the third and fourth garages down to 17th and 18th.
Tickford Racing and Brad Jones Racing’s second set of teammates would also be shuffled down the order, having been able to stay adjacent to their leading stablemates under the existing system.
Western Australia’s Wanneroo Raceway hosts the next stop on the calendar, on April 28-30.
