Motorsport Australia abolishes Superlicence system

Motorsport Australia (MA) has announced the Superlicence system has been abolished, effective January 1 next year.

MA, while under the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport banner, introduced the system to Supercars for 2017.

Drivers needed to qualify for a Superlicence to race in Supercars from 2017.

However, in a statement, MA said the Superlicence was abolished after discussions about the relevance of the system.

MA also cited recent changes to power-to-weight requirements and age limits imposed on drivers seeking to obtain a circuit licence, which didn't exist with the advent of the Superlicence.

The MA statement reads:

The Motorsport Australia Board has today resolved to abolish the Superlicence endorsement, effective 1 January 2024.

Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca said the decision was made following discussions about the relevance of the Superlicence in the current motorsport environment and the requirements that now exist for circuit racing.

"The Board today considered and discussed a recommendation put forward by the Australian Motor Racing Commission (AMRC). Following those deliberations, the Board resolved to no longer require Supercars drivers to hold a Superlicence from the start of next year," Arocca said.

"This decision follows recent changes to the power-to-weight requirements and age limits imposed on those seeking to obtain a Circuit licence. Those requirements did not exist when the Superlicence was introduced, therefore the Board is comfortable that these restrictions effectively ensure that only qualified drivers of the right age will be able to apply for and receive an International Circuit Licence, in line with FIA requirements.

"The Superlicence was always a free endorsement for Australian drivers on their existing licence, so this will not require Supercars drivers to make any changes in 2024 and beyond as current drivers will already hold an International Circuit Licence and can simply renew as normal. New drivers can apply for an International Circuit Licence via the Motorsport Australia website or by contacting our membership team."

The current criteria ensures the highest safety and driving standards in the category.

Supercars made recent changes to its requirement criteria to allow drivers to be eligible for a Superlicence.

Drivers who finish in the top three of either Carrera Cup or Super3, or need three Super2 appearances, can qualify for a Superlicence.

Previously, drivers were required to have made six appearances in Super2, or be an FIA Gold rated driver or better, to be automatically eligible.

A Supercars statement released after MA's announcement reads:

Supercars will review the decision made by Motorsport Australia in consultation with the Commission and Board.

The current Superlicence criteria is used to effectively uphold safety standards and maintain the competitiveness and integrity of the championship.

The 2023 Repco Supercars Championship will resume at the Beaurepaires Sydney SuperNight on July 28-30. Tickets are on sale now.