TRIPLE Eight Race Engineering will appeal the controversial disqualification of its Camaros from the opening race of the Newcastle 500.
A Motorsport Australia spokesperson has confirmed to V8 Sleuth that a notice of intention to appeal has been lodged.
Shane van Gisbergen had led home Broc Feeney in a one-two yesterday, marking what had seemed a perfect start to its Gen3 era.
However, the result was called into question last night when it became apparent that Tickford Racing and Walkinshaw Andretti United had lodged protests against Triple Eight’s use of a secondary driver cooling system.
The stewards have this morning determined a technical breach warranting the disqualification of both cars.
Triple Eight has now responded via a statement.
“Triple Eight is disappointed in the decision handed down by Motorsport Australia resulting in the disqualification of both Red Bull Ampol Racing cars from Race 1 of the Newcastle 500, and we have lodged notices of our intention to appeal for both cars,” the statement read.
“The team sought permission from the Supercars head of motorsport (Adrian Burgess) prior to Race 1 of the Supercars Championship, which was granted, and we acted upon this permission.
“This was not a performance enhancement method, but a driver safety tool.
“Our team ethos is to race hard and fair every time we hit the track, and our full focus is on today’s race in Newcastle.”
