V8 Supercars have released the 2014 calendar whilst simultaneously announcing three specific race formats to determine the championship. The Pirtek Enduro Cup remains, encompassing the Sandown 500, Bathurst 1000 and Gold Coast 600 events. Gone is the 60/60 format with the remaining events being either SuperStreet or SuperSprint formats. V8 Supercars also bursts into prime time TV with a potential five events embracing twilight Saturday races. In fact, a first twilight race is scheduled for this year's Sydney 500 on the Saturday starting at 5.10pm.
    Which leads us to Sydney. Three events are slated for the harbour city in 2014, and Sydney punters must be rubbing their hands together in anticipation already. The immensely popular Official Test Day returns to Sydney Motorsport Park on Feb. 15th. A great day which allows the fans to get up close to the teams and cars, and grab a photo and a chat with the drivers. August 22-24 sees V8 Supercars return to Sydney Motorsport Park for a SuperSprint format event, whereas 2 x 100km races on Saturday and a 200km race on Sunday are contested. In what's rapidly becoming a tradition, the championship once again winds up with two gruelling 250km races around the tight confines of Sydney Olympic Park for the Sydney 500 on December 5-7. Not only do Sydneysiders have the good fortune of three events next year, but the Sydney 500's contract has been extended for a further three years with an option for a another two. Well done to the event organisers, V8 Supercars and the NSW Govt. for brokering a deal which perpetuates such a great event. Sydney punters will need a decent supply of earplugs in 2014.
    The 2013 Bathurst 1000 looms larger than Mt Panorama itself. It's the event win they all want on their CV. Let us know your tip and why for the Great Race. Will Mercedes or Nissan spring a surprise? Can FPR haul in the Holdens of Red Bull Racing Aust.? What about the vastly improving HRT who are definitely starting to compete back where they rightfully belong? Maybe Bathurst may crown a completely unexpected winner? Send us an email at: [email protected] or simply leave a comment. 1000km/161 laps around the intimidating Mt Panorama circuit? Who knows? We certainly don't. Enjoy the race. Cheers....

    Patience is a virtue. As time inevitably marches on, all the answers to our motorsport questions come to fruition. Earlier in the year we posed the question that 2013 was a make or break year for Scuderia Toro Rosso's Daniel Ricciardo (see Archives-January 2013). Well Australian fans can rejoice in the news that he's been signed to a multi-year deal with F1's big hitters, Red Bull Racing.
    However, expectation and media attention will rise, and therefore pressure will be higher for Ricciardo than previously experienced. No doubt that will be at fever pitch by the time he contests his first race for Red Bull alongside Sebastian Vettel at his home GP at Albert Park. With compatriot Mark Webber retired, all scrutiny with be on Daniel Ricciardo.
    Now that Ricciardo has made the step up from Scuderia Toro Rosso to Red Bull Racing, can he make the next step up to the podium? Obviously he hasn't the credentials of his illustrious team mate, but can he push Vettel hard enough to fight for race wins? Besides, with a new set of regulations coming in next year, another team may design a better package than Red Bull. How will both drivers react? One may come to terms with the new turbo engines and Energy Recovery Systems quicker than the other. Sure be intriguing to see how amicable the relationship stays if Ricciardo starts competing right at the sharp end of the grid. Let us know what you think. Send us an email at: [email protected] or simply leave a comment.
    Early speculation we know, but we also know that time will reveal all. Just got to be patient.
    Monza tonight. Ciao....