Commission hands down key rules

A number of rulings have been passed on to teams relative to the coming Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 and the 2014 season.

While variation to the drop gear ratio had been considered for Bathurst, the V8 Supercars Commission has decided there will be no immediate change, but could reverse that decision during the event.

A change would mean a potential top speed of 310km an hour for the V8 Supercars at the Mountain, and was put forward because cars were on the rev limiter for longer at the end of the straight than in previous years at Sandown Raceway.

Applying that to Bathurst, there is the potential for torque reversal, which can cause damage to the driveline, including the transaxle.

The V8 Supercars Technical Advisory Panel assessed this risk and while no change is being made at this stage, an assessment on the time spent on the rev limiter will be made after practice and Albins will carry sufficient stock if a change is, in fact, required.

Technical staff will review the data from all cars, as well as taking onboard feedback from drivers.

As announced prior to the commencement of the PIRTEK Enduro Cup, V8 Supercars this year is employing a mandatory minimum number of pit stops to increase parity across the field.

For the 1000km race around Mount Panorama, teams will be required to complete a minimum number of seven pit stops.

Following the release of the V8 Supercars calendar on Monday, teams have been advised they will be permitted to run four test days in the 2014 season, which includes the open Sydney.com V8 Supercars Test Day at Sydney Motorsport Park, to be held February 15.

And in preparation for the second running of the PIRTEK Enduro Cup, in 2014 additional drivers will be permitted during practice at Winton Motor Raceway, Queensland Raceway and Sydney Motorsport Park.

Sydney Motorsport Park hosts the final SuperSprint event before the enduros, while Winton, though in April next year, traditionally holds additional driver sessions.