Reverse grids firmly on the AVESCO agenda
16/7/2000 22:52 (Jason Whittaker) - It appears that “back-to-front” griding is now firmly on the AVESCO agenda for the future, with the V8 governing body announcing a reverse grid format would be implemented into the V8 Supercar program at the remaining sprint race events this season.
Reverse grids will return with a vengeance at Oran Park, Calder Park, and Sandown Raceway, following its successful Shell Series debut in Canberra last month.
"The introduction of a reverse grid along with the general format of our events has been under consideration for quite some time in an effort to make V8 Supercar racing even more exciting for the fans," AVESCO CEO, Wayne Cattach, said.
"I am pleased to announce that the Board has voted in favour of a reverse grid for the top six cars during race two for the remaining sprint races, commencing at Oran Park," he said.
The top six finishes from the first race will start in reverse order for the second race under the new regulations. The three, 20-minute sprint race structure, and points system, will remain unchanged.
The reverse grid format “experiment” on the narrow streets of Canberra was hailed a success from fans and administrators, however the reaction from teams and drivers has been less than positive.
Many believe the format is being used directly as an anti-HRT winning device, restricting the winning ratio of the dominant red and white Commodores and ensuring variety at the point end of the field.
It is argued reversing the grids in an effort to reduce category disparity between the two marques – or more correctly, between HRT and their opposition – is not the way to go. Changing race formats mid-season has also been frowned upon.
The format has proven popular among the fans however, with most calling for it’s inception at all sprint races in the future.
It was hoped that reverse griding would be used at Winton this weekend, however AVESCO failed to gain the support of the teams and drivers. It is a standing FIA regulation that any changes to Supplementary Regulations most be voted on and agreed by 100% of competitors.
AVESCO Chairman Tony Cochrane has said in the past that reverse grids would be implemented throughout next year’s 14-round calendar.
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