More composite parts to be introduced?

The V8 Supercars organisation is currently considering to introduce the usage of more composite panels in the Falcons and Commodores. The reason for this is to reduce costs and construction times, but also to simplify repairs after a crash.

While V8 Supercars Australia hierarchy refused to admit knowledge of such a panel, a composite Commodore rear quarter was sighted in the V8 Supercar paddock at Albert Park. It is believed the rear quarter was being secretly shown to V8 team engineers in an effort to gather their feedback.

Nothing is yet to be confirmed regarding the work on composite materials. But V8 Supercars Australia Board member Larry Perkins said that more composite parts could be a good thing.

“I know there has been various submissions based on other panels being made out of composites “It will be an easy decision for the company to make; it will either be more cost effective for the company or it won’t. If things have been added to the list then I think that’s great,” Perkins confirmed.

“We are always trying to keep our minds open on a new way of doing things.”

“Again it will be based on the parts; if it stacks up to be a more efficient way without impacting on the business then we will do it. That will go for any part. We don’t want to have our head in the sand over any issue whether that is composite parts or whatever.”

V8 Supercars Australia CEO, Wayne Cattach, also said he knew nothing of the composite rear quarter at Albert Park, but admitted that the Board would look at the rules of the category once in takes control of the sport’s technical regulations.

“We are about to appoint a new category Technical Director,” he said.

“We are reshaping the organisation following the amalgamation of TEGA (with the V8 Supercars Australia Board), which is not quite there. When that happens then the technical management of the sport will come under the mantra of V8 Supercars Australia.

“From that point on the V8 Supercars Australia Board will make all of the technical decisions.

“The flow of information will come from the TAP (Technical Advisory Panel, which will consist of six team engineers) through the Technical Director, through to the V8 Supercar Board.

“I am not aware of any work being done on panels. I think more importantly we need to step back and have an overall look at our cars. There are various areas that require attention.”