What Is 2013 Aussie Racing Car Series

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 Aussie Racing Car Series was the 12th season of the Australian motorsport championship featuring high-performance, silhouette-style race cars. It ran from March to November 2013 across six rounds, with <strong>Steven McCubbin</strong> winning the championship driving a <strong>Mustang-bodied ARC3</strong>.

Key Facts

The 2013 season spanned from March to November with 6 rounds.
Champion Steven McCubbin drove a Mustang-bodied ARC3 race car.
Races were held at major Australian circuits including Bathurst and Phillip Island.
The series used ARC3-specification cars with 5.0L V8 engines producing 450 hp.
It was the 12th season of the Aussie Racing Car Series since its inception in 2001.

Overview

The 2013 Aussie Racing Car Series marked the 12th season of one of Australia’s most visually striking and technically unique motorsport categories. Designed to blend affordability with high-speed performance, the series featured custom-built, lightweight silhouette race cars styled after iconic American muscle cars like the Mustang, Camaro, and Challenger.

Running from March to November 2013, the championship attracted a mix of seasoned racers and rising talents competing across six rounds. The season culminated with Steven McCubbin claiming the title, showcasing consistency and speed in his Mustang-bodied ARC3 chassis.

Five rounds were held on the Australian mainland, with one round supporting the Gold Coast 600 as part of the V8 Supercars calendar.
Each round consisted of three races, totaling 18 championship races across the season.
The ARC3 specification chassis, introduced in 2011, was used by all competitors, ensuring close, competitive racing.
Under the hood, cars featured a 5.0L V8 engine producing approximately 450 horsepower, mated to a 5-speed sequential gearbox.
Race cars weighed just 820 kilograms, giving them a power-to-weight ratio superior to many GT-class vehicles.

How It Works

The Aussie Racing Car Series combines silhouette styling with standardized technical regulations to deliver cost-effective, close racing. The ARC3 platform ensures parity while allowing drivers to showcase skill over mechanical advantage.

ARC3 Chassis: A spaceframe design built from chrome-moly tubing with a fully independent suspension system. It is engineered for durability and ease of maintenance.
Body Style: Race cars mimic classic American muscle cars with fiberglass bodies styled after the Mustang, Camaro, or Challenger, enhancing visual appeal.
Engine: Powered by a 5.0L Ford V8 engine producing 450 hp, the same base unit used in the Ford Mustang GT but tuned for racing.
Transmission: A 5-speed sequential gearbox allows rapid shifts and is mounted in a rear transaxle layout for optimal weight distribution.
Aerodynamics: Features include front splitters and rear wings to generate downforce, improving cornering speeds on circuits like Phillip Island and Sydney Motorsport Park.
Driver Safety: Full FIA-compliant roll cage, racing seats, and fire suppression systems are mandatory to meet Australian motorsport safety standards.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2013 Aussie Racing Car Series against similar motorsport categories in terms of cost, performance, and accessibility.

Series	Car Type	Engine Output	Approx. Cost	Championship Rounds
2013 Aussie Racing Car Series	ARC3 Silhouette	450 hp	$120,000 AUD	6
V8 Supercars 2013	Ford FG Falcon, Holden VF Commodore	600 hp	$1.5M+	14
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia	Porsche 911 GT3 Cup	380 hp	$280,000	7
Formula 3 Australia	Single-seater open-wheel	210 hp	$150,000	5
Super Taikyu (Japan)	GT-style touring	300–500 hp	$300,000+	7

The 2013 Aussie Racing Car Series stood out for its balance of affordability and performance. While less powerful than V8 Supercars, its lower entry cost and standardized platform made it ideal for privateers and emerging drivers seeking competitive experience without the million-dollar budgets of top-tier series.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season reinforced the Aussie Racing Car Series’ role as a vital stepping stone in Australian motorsport, bridging grassroots racing and professional categories. Its emphasis on driver skill over technological edge helped nurture talent and maintain fan engagement through close, unpredictable racing.

Cost control via spec components allows drivers to compete without needing factory backing or large sponsorships.
The series supports major events like the Gold Coast 600, increasing visibility and media exposure for participants.
ARC3 cars are designed for reliability, reducing downtime and maintenance costs over a season.
It offers a pathway to higher categories, with alumni moving into V8 Supercars and endurance racing.
The use of distinctive body styles enhances fan appeal and differentiates it from other single-make series.
By promoting parity, the series emphasizes driver skill, making races more competitive and exciting for spectators.

Ultimately, the 2013 Aussie Racing Car Series demonstrated that affordable, high-performance motorsport could thrive in Australia, delivering thrilling racing while supporting driver development and technical innovation within a controlled framework.