All-important VCAT of Gen3 cars underway

Supercars' week-long mission to ensure aerodynamic parity between the Gen3 cars is underway.

The comprehensive VCAT (Vehicle Control Aerodynamic Testing) commenced on Monday morning.

The VCAT is planned to run from Monday (November 7) to Friday (November 11) at Wellcamp Airport near Toowoomba.

A preliminary VCAT was held at the same venue in June.

That VCAT helped staff reacquaint themselves with the processes being used this week.

The Ford Mustang has since been updated to the seventh-generation model, which was revealed in October.

The new Mustang lapped Mount Panorama with the Chevrolet Camaro.

This week’s VCAT is the first time both cars have tested alongside each other in anger.

Supercars technical staff are working alongside representatives from homologation teams Triple Eight and Dick Johnson Racing.

Porsche Carrera Cup Australia driver Bayley Hall and Jason Routley are driving the two cars.

Staff aim to have the cars on the Wellcamp runway from 6:00am each day, given that is when the wind is at its most favourable conditions.

That means, staff arrivals as early as 4:00am.

Critically, the long days help staff make use of the less windy conditions.

VCAT running sees both cars tested on a runway for aerodynamic performance and drag.

The crucial hunt for parity sees downforce measured through a range of different ride heights and set-ups.

The cars are run in a straight line, with staff then gathering data before setting the aero packages for the competing models.

Following this week’s VCAT, the numbers will be crunched and the final specifications approved.

Behind the scenes, PACE Innovations is in the process of sending chassis to teams.

Brad Jones Racing received the first chassis back in August.

Nine other chassis have now been delivered to teams, with Erebus Motorsport recently revealing a complete chassis.

The Gen3 era will commence on the streets of Newcastle 500 on March 10-12, 2023.

Tickets for the Newcastle event are on sale now through Supercars.com and Ticketek.com.

The 2022 Repco Supercars Championship will conclude on the Adelaide streets in December.