HOLDEN AERO CONFLICT
Holden Aero Conflict – Photo: InSyde Media
TRIPLE EIGHT has rejected the belief of other Holden teams that insider aerodynamic knowledge has vaulted it back to the front of the Supercars grid.
The beleaguered super team has also dismissed veiled allegations that it sandbagged at the Tailem Bend event in August to ensure a new aero package was approved by Supercars ahead of the Bathurst 1000.
Such is the feeling among Holden teams about the supposed ‘secret’ aero map for the ZB Commodore that Triple Eight possesses, Auto Action understands at least one is threatening to take the grievance to Holden.
They are also hoping that a new round of VCAT aero testing at the end of the season for all cars will free up more critical set-up information.
While every Holden team approached by AA expressed concern – and in some cases, anger – none was willing to speak on the record, considering the political sensitivity of starting an intra-Holden team public stoush.
The new aero package – a front undertray extension, a gurney flap across the boot lip and the removal of the HMSL bulge on the leading edge of the hatch – delivered more downforce, and therefore more cornering grip, and was used by all Holden Commodore ZBs at Pukekohe.
Triple Eight, which is the official Holden homologation team and races as RBHRT, qualified on pole for both Pukekohe 200 km races, with Shane van Gisbergen winning the Saturday race and finishing second on the Sunday to secure his second Jason Richards Trophy.
It was a dramatic turnaround for RBHRT in a season where it has not always been the leading Holden team – something frequently blamed on the mandatory shift from trapezoidal to linear springs and its struggles to find compensating mechanical grip.
At Tailem Bend, where the Ford Mustangs dominated, van Gisbergen was sixth and third Commodore home on the Saturday, while teammate Jamie Whincup was fifth and second Commodore home on the Sunday – although he would have been top Holden in fourth if not for running off the track.
Rival Holden teams are concerned the ZB ‘aero map’ delivers Triple Eight a knowledge advantage, providing crucial guidance about such critical set-up areas as ride heights.
As there was no testing beforehand and limited practice time at Pukekohe, rivals believe RBHRT were able to roll their cars out for first practice closer to the ideal set-up than any other Holden team could hope to achieve.
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