Photo: Trading Post Racing

Teams test new cost-cutting camshaft at Winton

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Several V8 Supercars teams have undergone testing today at Winton, some getting acquainted with the new camshaft which is required from the next race, others their new cars.

Trading Post Racing & Team BOC have run the new camshaft for the first time, which is mandated to be used from the next round of the championship at Hidden Valley.

The move is a cost-cutting measure introduced by the series, ahead of the introduction of new car of the future regulations in 2012.

Jason Bright, testing the new component for the first time, said:
“The cam shaft controls all of the valve train on the engine. The ones we used to run were very aggressive and demanding on the lifters, rockers and valves. This one’s a lot less aggressive because there’s a lot less lift.

“As a result it’s much easier on all that gear, which means we should be able to run pistons that have a bit more meat on them and that means we’ll get a lot more life out of those components.

“It’s definitely a step in the right direction for the category. We’ve talked about making a change to the engine’s top-end for quite a few years to extend its life and we waited way too long.”

Jack Daniels Racing have already been using the new camshaft for the last three races. Tony Freeman, the teams engine technician explains the benefits:
“What we expect to see is longer valve train life. It should improve the longevity of the top end of the engine, which is the aim of the control camshaft, to stop all the silly specs and stuff from getting out of control before it costs everyone too much money.

“So it will limit R&D (research and development) because there is no more R&D on camshafts. With the control cam that’s gone so it’s a money saver.”

Also testing at Winton were the Holden Racing Team, shaking down their brand new Commodore VE race cars with Will Davison & Garth Tander. The team will use the new cars for the first time at Hidden Valley.

World Touring Car racer Tiago Monteiro was also present to get his first run with the Centaur Racing Holden Commodore, which he will race at the Gold Coast round in October.