Manual stick shift system confirmed for Gen3
The General Motors Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang will run using a purely manual sequential gear shift system when they debut in 2023.
The Gen3 Steering Committee confirmed the Camaro and Mustang will continue to use the manual gear change mechanism used on the six-speed sequential transaxle.
The Gen3 ruleset will make its debut in the 2023 Repco Supercars Championship.
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The prototype Camaro and Mustang have been testing in earnest at Queensland Raceway in recent weeks.
Both prototypes passed the 1000km mileage milestone, with several drivers completing major track time.
The cars made their public debut in Bathurst late last year.
There, Anton De Pasquale and Shane van Gisbergen were handed the honour of turning the prototypes' first laps of Mount Panorama.
A key component of Gen3 was what gear system the cars would use.
With the manual stick system a hit with drivers and fans, the Gen3 Steering Committee unanimously agreed it was the best option to retain the existing system.
"Following the early rounds of testing in the prototypes, and unanimous support from the Gen3 Steering Committee, I can confirm the Camaro and Mustang will race using the current fully manual gear shift for 2023 and beyond," Supercars CEO Shane Howard said.
"We strongly considered the overwhelming feedback from our fans, teams and drivers that the gear change mechanism and the commensurate skill required to down change properly cannot be lost in Supercars unique heat of battle on-track.
"We have always celebrated the difficulty that comes with driving a Supercar. The shifting of gears has become part of the artform required to succeed in our category.
"We’re very happy with the decision of the Gen3 Steering Committee and can now move forward with further Gen3 development."
The Gen3 prototypes will continue testing at Winton later this month ahead of their first appearance in Sydney.
The Beaurepaires Sydney SuperNight will open the 2022 Repco Supercars Championship.
Tickets for the event are on sale now.
