ZB COMMODORE CLEARED OF ‘BUTT TUCK’ CHARGE

ZB Commodore’s high-speed aero advantage

RUMBLINGS OVER the ZB Commodore’s apparent high-speed aero advantage have prompted Supercars to close a loophole in the rules.

By MARK FOGARTY

As revealed exclusively in the latest issue of AUTO ACTION, on sale today, body width dimensions will be tightened to include a new minimum figure in addition to the existing maximum of 1877 mm.

This “clarification” follows widespread allegations that the ZB is racing with rear quarter panels that are slightly slimmer than the homologated width, reducing air drag at high speed.

Rivals charged that the ‘butt tuck’ – nominated as “slightly less than 40 mm” – explained the ZB’s superior speed on long straights and fast corners.

As a result of the clamouring, Supercars conducted rear-width checks during the Phillip Island 500, declaring that all cars complied.

While the ZB Commodores were unequivocally cleared, the investigation exposed a grey area in the rules that officials fear could be exploited despite the underlying requirement that all cars must race at the homologated dimensions.

To eliminate what one team boss described as “the vagaries” of the width measurement, the wording of the rule will be changed to include a minimum value to eliminate all doubt.

Full details of the latest ZB-related ruckus are in the new issue of AUTO ACTION, on sale today.

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