What Is 2017 Aussie Racing Car Series

Overview

The 2017 Aussie Racing Cars Series was a premier national motorsport championship in Australia, showcasing custom-built, high-speed sports prototypes. It served as a support category for the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship, giving fans access to multiple racing disciplines during race weekends.

Organized by Aussie Racing Cars Pty Ltd, the series emphasized close competition, affordability, and driver safety. The 2017 season attracted both seasoned racers and emerging talent, with events strategically scheduled to maximize exposure and fan engagement.

• Seven rounds were held across Australia, beginning at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide on February 24–26, 2017, and concluding at the Sydney 500 on November 17–19.
• Each race vehicle featured a 5.0L V8 engine, derived from the Chevrolet small-block design, producing approximately 450 horsepower and capable of reaching speeds over 260 km/h.
• The cars were built on a chrome-moly tube frame chassis with aerodynamic bodywork resembling production sports cars, though entirely bespoke for racing purposes.
• Driver eligibility required a CAMs (Confederation of Australian Motor Sport) National Competition Licence, ensuring professional standards across all participants.
• Race formats included both sprint races (typically 15–20 minutes) and endurance-style events with driver changes, depending on the event schedule.

How It Works

The Aussie Racing Cars Series operates on a unique blend of technical regulations and sporting formats designed to balance performance and cost. Below are key components that define how the series functions on and off the track.

• Chassis Design: All cars use a standardized tube-frame chassis manufactured by Aussie Racing Cars Pty Ltd to ensure parity and reduce development costs. This design enhances safety and simplifies maintenance.
• Engine Specifications: Each vehicle is powered by a sealed 5.0L V8 engine producing around 450 hp, with strict regulations preventing modifications to maintain competitive balance.
• Aerodynamics: The bodywork features aggressive front splitters and rear wings to generate downforce, allowing cornering speeds comparable to higher-tier GT series despite the 1,050 kg minimum weight.
• Race Format: Events typically include practice, qualifying, and two or more races per weekend, with grid positions sometimes determined by a reverse-grid second race to promote overtaking.
• Driver Rotation: In endurance rounds, teams must use two drivers per car, with mandatory pit stops and driver changes, testing both strategy and consistency.
• Scoring System: Points are awarded using a Supercars-style scale: 150 for a win, 120 for second, 100 for third, down to 1 point for 25th, with additional points for pole position and fastest lap.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2017 Aussie Racing Cars Series can be better understood by comparing it to other national motorsport categories in terms of cost, performance, and structure.

This comparison highlights how the Aussie Racing Cars Series strikes a balance between affordability and performance. While not as fast as Supercars or GT3 machines, its purpose-built design offers thrilling racing at a fraction of the cost, making it accessible to privateers and developmental drivers.

Why It Matters

The 2017 Aussie Racing Cars Series played a crucial role in Australia’s motorsport ecosystem by providing a competitive, cost-effective platform for driver development and team operations. Its integration into major Supercars events ensured high visibility and consistent fan engagement.

• The series served as a development pathway for young drivers aiming to enter Supercars or international series, offering real-world race experience in high-performance machinery.
• Teams benefited from controlled costs due to sealed engines and standardized chassis, reducing financial barriers to entry compared to other national categories.
• Its role as a support series enhanced event programming, giving motorsport fans more track action during race weekends.
• The technical parity enforced by regulations ensured close racing, with races often decided by less than a second, boosting entertainment value.
• Manufacturers and sponsors gained exposure through televised broadcasts and live attendance at major circuits like Bathurst and Phillip Island.
• The series also contributed to local economies by attracting teams, crews, and spectators to host cities during race weekends.

Overall, the 2017 Aussie Racing Cars Series demonstrated how specialized, regulated motorsport categories can thrive by balancing performance, safety, and economic sustainability.