Driver, fuel rule changes set to spice up Bend 500, Bathurst 1000

Supercars has confirmed a pair of key regulation updates that will deliver greater strategic freedom and excitement to this year’s Enduro Cup races.

This year's longest races will take place at the Airtouch 500 at The Bend on September 12-14, and the Repco Bathurst 1000 on October 9-12.

Confirmed Wednesday, upon the release of the supplementary regulations for the AirTouch 500 at The Bend, Supercars has deleted Rule D8.9.3, which stated: "At Endurance Events, the Primary Driver must start the race."

Rule D8.9.3 was introduced ahead of last year’s enduros, mandating that primary drivers must start the races. Per D8.9.3, the primary driver — either the full-time driver or nominated primary driver in a wildcard entry — must be behind the wheel when the lights go out to start the race.

Previously, either driver in a pairing could start the race, with co-drivers starting the race in recent years with an eye on the primary drivers double- or triple-stinting home.

The latest change gives teams full control over which driver starts the race, with the previously mandated requirement for primary drivers to take the start now removed.

This means teams can once again decide whether their primary or co-driver takes the green flag.

Also confirmed Wednesday are updates to Rule C9.4.1 regarding fuel tank capacities for this year’s Enduro Cup events, with a new limit of 121 litres introduced for both The Bend and Mount Panorama.

It marks a change from the 133-litre capacity used at most sprint events, as well as a minor change from the previous Enduro Cup capacity of 118 litres. Fuel towers return for the enduros, with new-for-2025 churns used for Repco Sprint Cup rounds.

Shorter stints will result in more strategic pit windows and decision-making, while also ensuring co-drivers are forced to complete their laps over more than two stints.

Announced earlier this year, minimum driving time and average weight rules had been amended for the enduros. The minimum driving time was been increased from one-third to 37%, meaning drivers must complete a minimum of 60 laps at Bathurst, and 38 at The Bend.

Supercars Chief Motorsport Officer Tim Edwards said: “Strategy is what makes endurance racing so exciting.

“These updates have been introduced to strike the right balance for great racing at two critical events on the calendar.

“By adjusting the fuel capacity, we’re encouraging teams to be creative in how they structure their stints. It adds complexity to strategy, opens up opportunities to pass through pit stops, and keeps the racing alive right to the final stint.”

Supercars return to racing in the final round of the Sprint Cup this weekend at the Century Batteries Ipswich Super 440 before the championship heads to South Australia for the Airtouch 500 at The Bend, followed by Australia’s Great Race, the Repco Bathurst 1000.

Tickets for all Supercars events are available through Supercars.com.