How Supercars knockout qualifying works in 2024

Boost Mobile Qualifying will have a new look in Perth, with the knockout format being used for the first time in 2024.

All events, except Perth and Tasmania, will use Format 1, where grid positions will be determined by the final classification of a single qualifying session.

The upcoming Bosch Power Tools Perth SuperSprint, set for May 17-19, has a sub 60-second lap time, meaning traffic can have a significant effect in qualifying.

The three-part system will be deployed to set the grid for both races in Perth, and both races at the NED Whisky Tasmania SuperSprint in August. Check out all formats for the 2024 Repco Supercars Championship here.

How knockout qualifying works

In Perth and Tasmania, Boost Mobile Qualifying is broken into three parts: Q1, Q2 and Q3.

In the first session, dubbed Q1, all 24 drivers are permitted to take part, and have just 10 minutes to secure a lap time to get them into the next part of the session, Q2. At the end of Q1, the 20 fastest cars in order will be permitted to continue to Q2. The remaining cars will not be permitted to take any further part in the session, and will set Rows 11 and 12.

After a five minute break, the top 20 drivers from Q1 have 10 minutes to secure passage into Q3. At the end of Q2, the 10 fastest cars in order will be permitted to continue in the session, while the others are eliminated, setting Rows 6 through 10.

After another five minute break, the remaining 10 drivers will fight it out for Boost Mobile Pole Position in Q3, setting the first five rows of the grid in the process.

What's different in 2024

Recently, Supercars confirmed changes to upcoming weekend formats, including the SuperSprint events in Perth and Tasmania.

The Perth and Tasmania schedules will have a short practice session on the Saturday and Sunday of the event, meaning drivers and teams have a short chance to get their cars in a working window before qualifying.

The changes have been made to ensure fans get to see Supercars on track in both morning and afternoon sessions at the event, rather than just afternoon sessions as was previously planned. There will be a 60-minute practice session on Friday, and 15-minute sessions on Saturday and Sunday morning.

The 2024 season will resume at the Bosch Power Tools Perth SuperSprint in May 17-19. Tickets for the Perth event are on sale now. International viewers can follow all the action on Superview.