By Thomas Miles
Date posted: November 7, 2022
Supercars has completed the opening day of its critical week-long VCAT of the new Gen3 cars.
The new-look Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro took to the tarmac at Wellcamp Airport near Toowoomba today to begin five days of Vehicle Control Aerodynamic Testing.
The VCAT is taking place for Supercars to ensure aerodynamic parity between the two models that will debut at the Newcastle 500 in March next year and kick off a new era for the category.
The five-day program involves the cars doing a number of straight-line runs with sensors measuring the aerodynamic efficiency, performance and drag of the competing cars across a range of different speeds, ride heights and set-ups.
The Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang get prepared ahead of a run in the key Gen3 VCAT which started today. Images: Supplied
The first Gen3 VCAT was held back in June last year, but this will be the first time the Camaro and the recently released Seventh Generation Mustang have tested alongside one another.
Staff from Supercars, Triple Eight Race Engineering and Dick Johnson Racing are working big hours with staff arriving as early as 4:00am to get the cars on track two hours later.
Once the VCAT is complete on Friday, the numbers and data will be analysed and Supercars will approve the final specifications to get teams ready for 2023.
Jason Routley has been behind the wheel of the Supercars Safety Car for almost a decade and now gets to enjoy some seat time in the racing variety during the Gen3 aerodynamics test.
The new Seventh Generation Ford Mustang gets ready for a VCAT run. Image: Supplied
He is sharing the VCAT driving duties with Porsche Carrera Cup racer Bayley Hall, who is enjoying his first chance to drive a Supercar on an important occasion.
“We have the Gen3 Camaro and Mustang and are making sure two cars have the same downforce and drag to make sure they are equal on track next year,” he said.
“It is really awesome for me, I have never been in a Supercar too much, so I am getting used to the sequential shift and the throttle and the big V8 power.
“I will get a feel for both cars, the ergonomics are a little bit different.
“These cars are going to be awesome and should be able to follow closer.”
The VCAT tests will continue at Wellcamp Airport everyday this week until being completed this Friday.
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