Edwards hails positive AVL engine testing

Supercars General Manager of Motorsport Tim Edwards has praised the engine testing practices, amid ongoing work in the United States.

A thorough engine testing mission with Ford and General Motors units is underway at the AVL facility in Plymouth, Michigan.

The two-phase testing is taking place over six weeks between July 10 and August 22, supported by representatives from Supercars, the two homologation teams, and manufacturer representatives from both General Motors and Ford in Phase 2.

It follows the successful wind tunnel testing of vehicle aerodynamics at the Windshear facility in North Carolina, USA, before the start of the 2024 season.

“It’s been a big couple of weeks now. The GM's run, the Ford's run, we've now got some good information that we can start to compare the two,” Edwards told Supercars.com.

“We've still got another four days of running this week and there’s a lot more to get through, but we've got ourselves to a point now that we understand the tool, and we're starting to understand how we utilise it with our engines.

“Both sides have had the opportunity to do a little bit of tuning as well, using the AVL dyno, and we'll take all the information and then digest it all next week.”

The comprehensive and dynamic electric motor dyno at the AVL facility, according to Edwards, is quickly helping representatives secure the "best possible outcome” for the championship.

“This electric motor can more accurately simulate than a water brake dyno can,” Edwards explained.

"The best way to describe this testing is 'real-world’ with the ability to input actual track data. They’re used by NASCAR and Formula 1 teams. It’s world-best practice, market-leading machinery.

“We've had a few challenges along the way, but we've managed to work through those with assistance from both Ford and GM, who have been really supportive in helping us navigate some of the challenges.

“All parties are contributing to the best possible outcome for the category, which is fantastic.”

The testing has seen around-the-clock work take place, including input from the AVL headquarters in Austria. For Edwards, it all ensures there will be no stone left unturned.

“We're measuring things to the nth degree, in the areas that we've never considered paritising before, or that people were saying we should paritise this sort of area,” Edwards said.

“Even from AVL's perspective, they’re still optimising the output to make sure it's as repeatable and as accurate as it can possibly be.

“They've been working 18-hour days, much like Windshear, to maximise every waking hour. In fact, at one point last week, there was 24-hour coverage.

“The head office is in Graz, Austria, so while they went to sleep for six hours in the US, the Austrians were working through things. It's been a huge effort.”

The 2024 Repco Supercars Championship will resume at the NED Whisky Tasmania SuperSprint on August 16-18. Tickets for the event are on sale now.

Live coverage can be found on Foxtel, with live streaming available on Kayo. Highlights will be shown on the Seven Network and 7plus. International viewers can follow all the action on Superview.