Track Issues Force Delays at Dunlop Sydney 500
Track action at the Dunlop Sydney 500 was delayed Saturday morning as Supercars officials inspected Turn 8. The newly-paved asphalt, which had survived Friday night's cooler conditions, began to show signs of breaking up due to warmer temperatures.
Officials Inspect, Support Races Diverted
Supercars head of motorsport Tim Edwards, driving standards advisor Craig Baird, and deputy race director David Stuart conducted an inspection of Turn 8 following the opening Tyrepower V8 SuperUtes race.
Following the inspection, support classes were directed to switch to the shorter Druitt track configuration. Initially, this change was not intended for Super2, but the category's qualifying session has since been moved to the short circuit as well.
Initially, this change was not intended for Super2, but the category's qualifying session has since been moved to the short circuit.
Degadur Applied to Affected Areas
Edwards confirmed that a resin called Degadur had been applied to the affected areas of the track. He stated that while previous applications had held well, new sections of the corner were now experiencing issues, necessitating further Degadur application. The delays were implemented to allow two hours for the resin to properly set.
Supercars sessions are currently scheduled to remain on the longer Gardner layout. Edwards expressed confidence that the track would hold up for the Supercars race tonight, citing the anticipated cooler nighttime conditions.
Edwards expressed confidence that the track would hold up for the Supercars race tonight, citing the anticipated cooler nighttime conditions.
Super2 to Test Full Configuration
The Super2 Series will serve as a crucial test for the full track configuration before the main Supercars qualifying session. Motorsport Australia (MA) personnel will conduct additional inspections between sessions to monitor the track's integrity.
Recent Resurfacing Preceded Problems
Earlier in the week, water was discovered weeping through the track surface at Turn 8. This issue prompted the Australian Racing Drivers' Club to conduct a last-minute resurfacing of the corner, including the installation of drainage and new asphalt, just days before the event.
Cancellations and Reschedules Amid High Temperatures
As a direct result of the track issues, the Touring Car Masters Trophy Race was cancelled. The Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia GR Cup is the only other support category on the card, with its track action rescheduled to resume later in the day.
Temperatures at Sydney Motorsport Park are forecasted to reach 35 degrees.