Queensland Raceway and Winton Motor Raceway are buzzing with activity as Supercars teams put the finishing touches on preparations for the season opener at Bathurst. The focus isn’t solely on engine performance, however, but also on refining the aerodynamic packages of both the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro following extensive testing and modifications throughout .
The 2024 season saw Ford seemingly overcome parity issues that plagued them in , with the updated Gen3 Ford Mustang GT proving highly competitive. To maintain a level playing field, Supercars has implemented a series of engine testing sessions and continues to monitor performance closely. However, the aerodynamic adjustments made after a significant testing mission to the United States have been equally crucial.
A key element of the recent work involved a trip to the Windshear facility in Concorde, North Carolina, where both the Mustang and Camaro underwent wind tunnel testing. The initial three-day test in December focused on achieving aerodynamic parity, and a subsequent day was dedicated to improving the aesthetics of the Mustang’s modifications. This aesthetic focus stemmed from concerns about the appearance of gurneys – small aerodynamic flaps – added to the rear wing of the Mustang.
The changes to the Mustang for were rolled out as modifications to existing components, with future manufactured parts incorporating the changes directly. Nine changes were documented, with three more still in progress as of January . Notable alterations include the removal of wheel arch packers from the front of the car, a reprofiled front splitter with a more rounded profile similar to the Camaro, and the introduction of Australian-spec door mirrors sourced from Ford’s OEM stocks.
Further refinements were made to the side skirts, with a new leading edge packer and a smaller trailing edge packer. At the rear of the car, a new standard-sized decklid spoiler was implemented, and the rear wing was moved forward 25mm to the V2 position. The wing also received an angled endplate and an increased maximum angle allowance, moving from 6° to 10°, with the 3mm gurney flap removed.
The Camaro also underwent changes, including a widened rear wing, repositioned pillars, and a re-profiled front splitter. These modifications resulted in a slight increase in front downforce for both cars, coupled with added rear downforce to ensure balanced handling. The pre-season test at Queensland Raceway provided the first opportunity for teams and drivers to adapt to the new aerodynamic packages.
Triple Eight Race Engineering and Walkinshaw Andretti United were among the first teams to log significant mileage with the updated cars during pre-season testing. Will Brown, driving for Red Bull Ampol Racing, delivered a first assessment of the “normal” Ford Mustang, indicating a positive step towards a more balanced and predictable car. Shane van Gisbergen’s former team, Triple Eight, continued to explore a quirk with their Mustang, suggesting ongoing fine-tuning is still underway.
Feeney and Mostert also logged significant mileage, with early signs indicating strong performance from both the Ford and Toyota entries. The focus now shifts to Bathurst, where the effectiveness of these aerodynamic changes will be truly tested under race conditions. Supercars officials have confirmed that transient dyno testing in the United States will continue, addressing any remaining engine parity concerns that may arise.
The commitment to ongoing testing and refinement underscores Supercars’ dedication to maintaining a competitive and equitable championship. The changes implemented for represent a significant investment in the future of the series, aiming to deliver thrilling on-track action and a compelling spectacle for fans.
With the season opener rapidly approaching, teams are meticulously analyzing data and making final adjustments to maximize performance. The battle between Ford and Chevrolet promises to be fiercely contested, and the aerodynamic parity achieved through these extensive testing programs will undoubtedly play a crucial role in determining the championship outcome.
