SUPERCARS FLEXY WING CRACKDOWN

Supercars acts to limit ‘soft’ endplates

DRAG-REDUCING flexible or ‘soft’ endplates have become the target of a crackdown by new Supercars head of motorsport Adrian Burgess and his technical team.

By BRUCE NEWTON

Wing deflection, as it is known, existed in something of a legislative grey area previously and was understood to be a common practice.

Essentially, flexible endplates allow the rear wing to flatten at high speed, reducing drag and increasing top speed on straights.

The ‘soft’ supports then spring back into their original position as the car slows, exerting more downforce and therefore providing more grip for cornering.

“In the VSD (Vehicle Specification Document) there is a number given for wing deflection,” Burgess told Auto Action. “Wing deflection is something in the past the teams would exploit if you don’t control it.

“Formula 1 is the classic one. They have had front wings deflecting and rear wings deflecting all their life and it got to a point where it’s out of control, and the FIA took measures to control what they do.

“We’ve taken those measures in the last VCAT (aerodynamic testing) process and this year to introduce a rule to govern the amount of deflection they build into their aerodynamic devices.”

According to Burgess, the move was one of a myriad checks and tests conducted by Supercars to ensure technical parity across the three cars contesting the championship.

“It also saves the teams from themselves in some areas,” he said. “They can go and spend a lot of money disappearing down a rabbit hole.

“Then the next team has to spend the same money disappearing down the same rabbit hole. Our job is to keep technical parity in check, make sure we have equitable racing and make sure the teams can stay in business.”

For more of the latest Supercars news pick up the current issue of Auto Action. Also make sure you follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or our weekly email newsletter for all the latest updates between issues.