Supercars will unveil its new, lower-cost formula next season, with work on the first prototypes continuing between category officials and homologation teams Triple Eight (GM) and Dick Johnson Racing (Ford).
However, uncertainty about many key aspects of the move, including the basics like engine specification / delivery and chassis supply, has other teams concerned that the time for an efficient and cost-effective move will run out before the next season.
While delaying the introduction of the rules to 2023 has long been around as a possible solution, it will likely be the absolute last resort for supercars.
The series has already postponed the rules once and insisted that the new cars will be on the track next season.
The latest suggestion from the paddock is that the start of 2022 may be postponed to give teams more time to build new cars out of season.
That could avoid a hasty and expensive transition while still delivering on the promise to get the new cars running in 2022.
Kelly Grove Racing driver David Reynolds and Team 18 co-driver Michael Caruso discussed the matter on the latest podcast, Below the Bonnet, the couple agreed to the move.
“Apparently they won’t start the season until April [or] May, “said Reynolds.
“I don’t know, it’s just the chatter in the pit lane.
“It’s a smart idea. However, it will be very busy to do so many races in such a short time. It will be in full swing.”
Caruso added, “You won’t have any cars on the circuit. If they want this Gen3 thing to start, this is the only real way it can happen.
“It wouldn’t surprise anyone if they postponed the season. That could even help with events.
“People have told me Gen3 won’t happen, but maybe that’s based on whether they think the season has to start [in February]. “
However, Supercars says there are currently no delays on the cards.
“While the official 2022 calendar has yet to be released, Supercars will be on the right track early next year in line with previous event calendars,” said a statement to Motorsport.com.
“There are no plans to postpone the 2022 season.”
The Supercars season traditionally starts in early March, although it has sneaked forward through mid-to-late February in recent years as the series sought to create consistent three-week gaps between events.
In contrast to model updates, all teams will have to build new cars from scratch as part of the Gen3 conversion due to the new lowered control chassis.
The first prototype chassis was only recently revealed, making the teams skeptical that track testing will begin as planned in the middle of the year.
Gen3 is a critical step for the Australian series as it seeks to secure its future in post-Australian auto manufacturing and the four-door sedan era.
The Camaro and Mustang are the first two confirmed body styles with the new chassis, which was purposely designed to better fit two-door models.
While the V8 power will stay here, there are already considerations for a hybrid component for the powertrain – although this won’t be possible until next season.
The engine specification also has yet to be formally confirmed, though the push is still to adopt Ford and Chevrolet box-style units rather than sticking to detuned versions of the current push rod engines.