NAMING RIGHTS SPONSOR FOR GEN3 CATEGORY V8
Naming Rights Sponsor for Gen3 category V8
A naming rights sponsor with a history in developing successful race engines will have its branding emblazoned on the cam covers of Supercars category V8.
By BRUCE NEWTON
As outlined in the new issue of Auto Action, the concept of the Supercars category engine is to be a cost-effective low-maintenance solution for existing teams looking to reduce budgets or new teams to enter the category.
It could also serve a team that secures a new manufacturer for the category that doesn’t want to go to the expense of a bespoke engine development program, or simply doesn’t have an engine of its own to employ.
But the category V8 engine is not intended to be a mandatory control powerplant that all teams would have to use.
For instance, a factory-backed team such as DJR Team Penske could continue to develop its own Ford engines, although it might have to shift away from the current pushrod to the DOHC Coyote under Gen3.
It does appear extremely unlikely – in contradiction to earlier expectations – the Coyote could be the basis for the category engine. That follows comments from Ford’s global motorsport boss Mark Rushbrook in a Wheels magazine interview.
“We think it would be confusing for the sport, for the fans, if there was a Ford or Ford-based engine in another brand’s body,” Rushbrook was quoted as saying.
In other Gen3 plans revealed since the last issue of AA deadline, Supercars has tendered for a new control fuel system. As part of the new spec, the fuel tank capacity would rise from 111 litres to 130 litres.
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