Generations To Follow In Supercars?

Supercars, AGP.

    Much fanfare surrounded the launch of the new Gen 3 Supercars for the 2023 Supercars Championship. The current iteration of Australia's premier category sees General Motors introduce the Chevrolet Camaro after the demise of Holden, and Ford competing with a new Mustang, both with the aim of resembling increased road relevance. With 3 rounds done and seeing them first hand at the Australian Grand Prix, they certainly look and sound the part. We found ourselves however contemplating Supercars medium to long term future.
    The world is proactive in reducing its carbon footprint and motorsport is expected to do its part by competing in a sustainable fashion. Numerous touring car championships around the world have changed or adapted their car specifications from big thirsty gas guzzlers to either GT3 format or the smaller, popular more efficient TCR format utilising sustainable fuels and introducing hybrid technology. Take German DTM, World Touring Cars and British Touring Cars for example. 
    So where does this leave Supercars? With the launch of Gen 3, Supercars took the opportunity to introduce a new sustainable fuel with greatly reduced emissions. The exclusive E75 racing fuel is comprised of in excess of 80% second generation fuel derived from renewable feedstocks mixed with premium 98. But how many are aware of this? Car manufacturers involvement in motorsport has always been sporadic. They traditionally come and go as they economically please. Now with climate change part of everyone's agenda, the manufacturers don't want to be perceived to be associated with the aforementioned gas guzzlers. Is there still a perception that because Supercars are V8's, that they conform to that negative connotation? General Motors have announced that they are ceasing production of the Camaro next year. However Supercars have committed to running the Gen 3 Camaro until 2026 with assurances from General Motors that they will continue to support Supercars onwards. Ford have announced that they wish to develop a GT3 spec Mustang and expand their rally division, with both marques continuing to collaborate with NASCAR  to develop a more sustainable future. So will we see a continuing General Motors versus Ford battle beyond 2026? Or, is this akin to the board of a football team offering 100% support for the coach only to unceremoniously inform the coach shortly after that their services are no longer required? 
    Supercars are uniquely Australian and the punters love them. Despite the fact that the category is highly professional, still Australia's premier category, produces intense racing, there's no doubt that GT3 and TCR is on the rise worldwide. The Bathurst 12 Hour continues to grow with the infiltration of international GT3 teams and the TCR World Tour are making a stop Down Under for two rounds at Sydney Motorsport Park and Mt Panorama for the Bathurst International later this year. Therefore, are Supercars running the risk of racing down a proverbial one way street only to find it's a cul-de-sac? 

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