Australian V8 Supercars

[rabbit]

Are you guys getting as big a kick out of watching these things on SPEED as I am?
http://www.v8supercar.com.au/v8data/2002/EVNT_105/PHOTOS/PHITP_4315.JPG
That is some great racing. The cars are visibly fast, i.e. they don't look like Winston Cuppers on a road course, and sound awesome. If NASCAR were to add some road courses (and quit running twice a year at the same cookie-cutter tracks) and run cars like these, I'd be a fan. I wonder how these cars would compare to the Trans-Am cars head-to-head.

[SteveH]

Good question on the TransAm comparison. Wish I knew. I love watching these races. Lots of action, rubbin' included. Also, they must start about 50 at each event. And they all look to be very well sponsored. KMart (of Australia) is a sponsor.

If TransAm had a larger and deeper field I'm sure we would see equivalent racing here.

[JoeBob]

Pardon my ignorance here, but what do these puppies look like under the sheetmetal? Are they more like Touring cars (true "stock cars" stripped down to nothing and built back up as race cars) or Stock Cars (tube frame cars with bodywork that makes them resemble street cars.)

Trans Am puts on a fun show, although they really don't have an "identity" anymore. I thought last years "American Muscle Against The World" tag line was really cheesy marketing, when we all know that the Jaguars could have been rebodied to Mustangs in no time at all.

I'm amazed we haven't seen more out of touring cars in the US. There's really a lot of potential for that type of series.

[rabbit]

http://www.v8supercar.com.au/technical/cars/v8ss/ford.htm

http://www.v8supercar.com.au/technical/cars/v8ss/holden.htm

http://www.v8supercar.com.au/technical/default.htm

[Turn7]

is there a link to simular information on T/A cars?

http://www.v8supercar.com.au/downloads/operationsman/2002opman/downloads/opman082002/Div%20C%20FINAL.4.pdf

[JoeBob]

Here's the info on the Trans Am cars:
http://trans-amseries.com/carfacts.html

[Turn7]

ok...
so the T/A comes in at about 2700 lbs and the aussie 2900.

Both allow injectors as long as the air is passed through a throttle body with a butterfly.

T/A stock block 311 c.i. vs. aussie 5 liter (302/305 c.i.)

Other stuff as well but, I bet they would be fairly close in performance.

[chop456]

I watched one on Saturday afternoon. I think it was from Northamptonwiggumshirenottinghurst or something like that. Anyway, it WAS a great race. Even got to see old Max Wilson punt someone then get re-punted a couple laps later.

Good stuff.

[cart7]

I've been watching too. Great racing. Right on, this is apparently a well sponsored series down-under. The cars look like an absolute blast to drive.:D

[RacinM3]

I would guess that based upon the T/A car's purpose-built tube frame chassis and the tire allowances that a T/A car would smoke an Australian V8 Supercar. It looks as if the V8 Supercars begin life as a normal production body and have a cage welded in for stiffening (oh, and protection too). I don't think that would hold up against the tube framed T/A car.

But that's just a guess.

[Kiwifan]

As someone who has seen these puppies race in anger they are awesome. Yeah they do race at Surfers with the Champcrs and they put on a fantastic show but to be fair the Surfers track doesn't suit them that well. Just a bit too tight in places but it's great for the fans!

If you haven't done so already, follow rabbits link, it tells all. :D

I guess one of the reasons the V8s have such a following is they are so like the cars we drive. I have a 2002 Fairmont which apart from the rollcage, racing package and paint job looks just like the V8s. The cars off the showroom come as straight sixes, V6s and V8s with the Tickford update available and I believe Holden are putting out a mini Supercar (with half rollcage, increased braking, aluminium floor plan) but I wonder if it will be street legal. :D

Another couple of links for ya.

Holden HSV (http://www.hsv.com.au/VY/1024/gts.html)

Tickford (http://www.fordperformancevehicles.com.au/index.asp?link_id=2.163)

If you get the chance when Downunder, catch them if you can. ;)

Rusty.