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Detroit’s big three are never very far from each other, be it in new car models, production specs or performance. But one area where Chrysler hasn’t quite made its mark like Ford and General Motors has is in the Australian V8 Supercars racing series. However, according to Autoblog, that might be changing come 2013.
The V8 Supercars Series is a touring car race series that runs under Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) regulations on both racetracks and street circuits in Australia. All competing teams and cars are strictly governed, resulting in race cars that are similar in performance. This gives competitors a relatively level playing field and in turn means excitingly close races.
Currently, the V8 Supercars Series is only occupied by Ford FPV Falcons and Holden, an Australian subsidiary of General Motors, HSV Commodores. However, rumors are that Chrysler Group Australia is thinking about joining the V8 Supercars paddock very soon, more than likely with a race car based on the 300 model.
Because car manufacturers are not allowed to own licenses for race teams by regulation, Chrysler would not be able to enter into the V8 Supercars Series by building a new team. Instead they would have to enter the series through an existing one. While this may sound rather difficult, several teams have already approached Chrysler about the possibility of their entrance into the series.
V8 Supercars' "Car of the Future" will hit tracks in 2013 as the next generation tour car racer Image: V8 Supercars
Chrysler’s entrance into the V8 Supercars Series could go hand-in-hand with the “Car of the Future” unveil. Come 2013, V8 Supercars will introduce their next generation of vehicles that will make use of a “control chassis” to cut costs and make it easier for other manufacturers to join the series.
With lower costs, the $10 million race teams will have more money to spend on more than just two cars and be able to expand their racing calendar to include more events, like races planned for India, Hong Kong, South Africa and even the United States in 2013. The “Car of the Future” will also bring better safety features and increased market relevance to the V8 Supercars Series.
While everything sounds pretty turn-key for Chrysler to get their start in V8 Supercars, nothing has been confirmed yet. Ralph Gilles, CEO for the SRT brand , told Australia’s The Age that while the idea is very interesting, he is not ready to announce if they are committing or not. Chrysler Group Australia’s managing director Clyde Campbell also stated that there have not been any formal discussions between the Detroit giant and the SRT brand about joining the V8 Supercars Series.
We’re definitely excited about the possibility of Chrysler joining Ford and Holden in the V8 Supercars Series in the near future. Because Chrysler has supplied first-generation 300C SRT8 cars to pace the V8 Supercars Series for the last four years, we have high hopes that we’ll see the Pentastar company on the Australian touring car racing circuit next year.
Check out this video showcasing where Australian touring car racing has been and is going that we found featured on V8 Supercars’ “Car of the Future” webpage.
