New safety car rule for Bathurst 1000
Supercars has tweaked its safety car regulations for next month's Bathurst 1000, with lapped cars able to get a lap back during cautions.
The Aussie category traditionally stacks cars in track position order behind the leader during safety car periods.
That means at times, particularly in longer races like the Bathurst 1000, lapped cars end up between cars fighting for race position on restarts.
Supercars will look to avoid that scenario this year by letting lapped cars pass the safety car during the restart procedure, putting them on the lead lap but not at the back of the field.
That will not only avoid having lapped cars in the lead battle, but also potentially keep more cars on the lead lap for the crucial final few stints.
Rule 10.2.9 now reads: In preparation for the end of the SC [safety car] deployment, the SC will:
10.2.9.1 Set the prescribed speed as instructed by the RD [Race Director] on the RMC [Race Management Channel]; then
10.2.9.2 Extinguish all the flashing lights as instructed by the RD on the RMC; then
10.2.9.3 Cars one (1) or more laps behind the leader as per Rule D10.2.2.6 will be instructed via RMC and via the timing screen to pass the line of cars including the SC when between T18 and T19.7.
a) Lapped cars that have not crossed the P3 timing line prior to the SC crossing the S2 timing line will not be eligible to pass the SC.
b) After passing the SC, pitlane will be closed to the lapped cars until they cross the control line on the racetrack.
c) If the RD considers track conditions are unsuitable, the lapped cars will not be permitted to pass the SC.
d) Decisions made in respect of this unlapping procedure are not subject to protest.
10.2.9.4 When the last lapped Car has passed the SC, the SC will accelerate away from the field as instructed by the RD on the RMC; and
10.2.9.5 Enter the pitlane at the end of that lap.
The 2020 Bathurst 1000 will take place between October 15-18.
Previous article
O'Keeffe beats Bathurst quarantine deadline
Next article
Why 2020 isn't McLaughlin's greatest title
About this article
| Series | Supercars |
| Author | Andrew van Leeuwen |
Supershots Bathurst
Sam Brabham drives BT-19 at Mount Panorama
Todd Kelly builds André's Bathurst 1000 engine
Can DJR still be a Supercars powerhouse after Penske?
Roger Penske's whirlwind Australian Supercars sojourn is over. After six seasons, three drivers' titles, three teams' championships and a Bathurst 1000 crown, The Captain has sold his controlling stake in Dick Johnson Racing back to the squad and walked away from the category.
Can Whincup be Triple Eight's ruthless leader?
Supercars' most successful team of the past 15 years is set for a radical shakeup next year when Jamie Whincup retires from driving and takes over the reins at Triple Eight. But does he have what it takes to be the new Roland Dane?
How a lifetime Supercars deal broke down in one year
David Reynolds inked what was effectively a lifetime deal with Erebus in 2019 – only to walk out a year later. What went wrong?
Why Supercars now needs a new "human salt harvester"
Scott McLaughlin has been a controversial figure in Supercars over the past few years but, as he heads off to a fresh challenge in IndyCar, the Australian tin-top series needs to find someone else to fill his drama-filled boots as the category enters a new era...
Why 2020 isn't McLaughlin's greatest title
Scott McLaughlin was quick to describe his third Supercars title as his best yet. But even though it didn't match the dramatic backstory of his 2018 triumph, there's a good reason for him wanting to control the narrative this time around.
Why a Bathurst finale is risky business for Supercars
The Bathurst Grand Final may provide Supercars its greatest spectacle yet – but there's a risk it will force the series to face a hard truth.
Why Scott McLaughlin must become an IndyCar driver
Scott McLaughlin, two-time and current Supercars champion, should have been making his NTT IndyCar Series debut for Team Penske at the GP of Indianapolis, but the Covid-19 pandemic forced a rescheduling that has put the brakes on his career switch. But David Malsher-Lopez explains why the New Zealander deserves this opportunity as soon as possible.
Tickford's 10-year wait for James Courtney
When the Supercars season resumes James Courtney will be a Tickford Racing driver – but it's not the first time the star driver has flirted with the famous Ford squad.
