Schedule: Teams set for pre-Bathurst tests

Supercars teams are set to be in action across four days this week, as preparations for the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 ramp up.

With Bathurst the first PIRTEK Enduro Cup round this year, the traditional pre-enduro test has taken on increased importance, especially for co-drivers.

The private test track running, of which just two days are granted per team each season, will kick-off on Monday, September 30.

Heavyweights Shell V-Power Racing and the Red Bull Holden Racing Team will have their cars in action at Queensland Raceway, alongside Matt Stone Racing and wildcard Kostecki Brothers Racing.

All of the Victorian outfits are then scheduled to hit what will be a busy track at Winton Motor Raceway on Tuesday.

Walkinshaw Andretti United has three days to use for its wildcard, shared by IndyCar stars Alexander Rossi and James Hinchcliffe.

The #27 NAPA Auto Parts Commodore is scheduled to run from Tuesday to Thursday, joined by the team’s main entries on the opening day.

Tuesday at Winton will also feature full fleets of cars from Tickford Racing, Penrite Racing, Kelly Racing, Brad Jones Racing and Boost Mobile Racing.

IRWIN Racing is meanwhile yet to use either of its test days this year and has nominated back-to-back running on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Tekno Autosports is the only team yet to confirm whether it will test before Bathurst.

Other Holden runners have stressed the importance not only of the usual enduro preparations, but also learning more about the Commodore’s revised aero package.

Every ZB received an upgrade kit at Pukekohe, featuring an extended front splitter and new rear-wing gurney, designed to increase downforce.

Red Bull HRT manager Mark Dutton declared at Pukekohe that the changes had saved Holden’s Bathurst chances, and stressed the importance of the upcoming test.

“Usually your pre-Bathurst enduro test is all about changing brakes, co-drivers getting enough laps, just running through all that,” he said.

“You don't usually spend it going as hardcore looking for speed. You're always trying to but not to the extent that we will be this time.

“It'll be even busier than normal, but that's exciting.

“We haven't had a chance to see how efficient it is, how it's affected the wing at all different angles, how linear your downforce is.

“All those type of things that we'll donate a fair bit of time to at our test day to really understand the scientific side of it all to the package.”

Monday September 30

Queensland Raceway – Shell V-Power Racing, Red Bull Holden Racing Team, Matt Stone Racing, Kostecki Brothers Racing

Tuesday October 1

Winton Motor Raceway – Tickford Racing, Penrite Racing, Kelly Racing, Brad Jones Racing, Walkinshaw Andretti United (three cars), Boost Mobile Racing, IRWIN Racing

Wednesday October 2

Winton Motor Raceway – Walkinshaw Andretti United (wildcard only), IRWIN Racing

Thursday October 3

Winton Motor Raceway – Walkinshaw Andretti United (wildcard only)