V8 Supercars Action Plan Announced
V8 Supercars csar Tony Cochrane has released a 14-point plan of action that includes control suspensions and increased engine life which will be rushed into the Championship.
In what is being seen as the most significant developments since Cochrane hatched the series 12 years ago, the action list has been signed off by all of the teams in a comprehensive bid to spark drastic cost reductions.
Among the 14-point list which will be acted upon as soon as possible are the removal of “go fast” non-engine data and telemetry and a control valve train which is expected to increase engine life to 8000km.
It is claimed that some of the engines, in their current form, are squeezing out a maximum life expectancy of merely 2000km.
There were three points pertaining to cost reduction raised by Cochrane at the team meeting which did not get off the ground because they did not attract enough of a show of hands from team owners.
“The 14 points were approved unanimously by the teams and to be honest I can’t even remember what the three items were that didn’t get enough support,” he said.
The 14 points are:
- Remove ‘go fast’ (non engine) data and telemetry.
- Control valve train - increase target life of engine to 8000km.
- Control wheel.
- Control dampers.
- Cap the number of brake discs and pads per season or event.
- Control engine airbox.
- Control radiator duct and cooling system. A common radiator core would be ideal but if this isn’t feasible teams should have to homologate a cooling package for the season.
- Control rear axle housing.
- Control suspension - each team’s complete front hub assembly should be homologated for a two year period. Suspension (wishbones, track rods, push rods etc) should be homologated each year for a complete season.
- Increase the number of composite parts (i.e. current front and rear quarters/fibreglass bonnets).
- Final drive ratio - reduce the number of options to 3.15 and 3.5 only.
- Define centre of gravity of cars (possibly for next generation car).
- Investigate group purchasing and manufacturing (consumables and parts).
- Control fuel system.
And the door may still be left open for Campbell Little to reconsider his resignation as the Category Technical Director.
Little will continue to work at V8 Supercars on this 14-point project for Cochrane over the next 10 weeks during which time the Executive Chairman will look at restructuring the technical department.
“I have absolutely no baggage with Campbell Little,” Cochrane said.
Source: www.v8supercars.com.au
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