Grove Racing’s Matt Payne during the Perth Super440. Image: InSyde Media
Two-car teams are limited to 12 radio devices under Supercars’ rulebook in an attempt to ensure the shared system is not overloaded.
Grove was detected using 14 devices during Saturday qualifying at Wanneroo, a clear breach of the regulations.
However, the entire fine has been suspended through December 31 due to mitigating circumstances.
Radio issues have plagued the pit lane this year following a forced move to a control system supplied through Riedel Communications.
That occurred as part of Supercars’ switch to a new TV production partner, NEP, and efforts to better integrate team radio into the broadcast.
Grove Racing submitted to stewards it had used the additional devices while troubleshooting issues it was experiencing.
“The Stewards summoned and heard from the Team’s Authorised Representative,” read a decision summary.
“During Qualifying for Races 23 and 24 Grove Racing was detected using at least 14 approved devices. As a two Car Team, Grove Racing is limited to 12 devices.
“The Competitor’s Authorised Representative admitted to the breach, but raised several matters in mitigation.
“There have been issues with the radio system and these issues have been the subject of meetings and other discussion between all Teams and Supercars.
“The Competitor’s Authorised Representative stated these issues can adversely affect communication with their Drivers when in the Car and that the Team had used the additional devices during Qualifying to test whether this ameliorated the issues being experienced.
“The Rules limit the number of devices that Teams can use to ensure that the available “bandwidth” is shared in a way so that it is available to all Teams.
“Use of additional devices will frustrate this with the potential to cause both competition and safety issues.
“As such, a monetary Penalty in line with previous breaches of this nature is appropriate.
“Having regard to the circumstances of this case, the Stewards decided to suspend the Penalty, subject to there being no further breach of this Rule.”
Erebus Motorsport, Matt Stone Racing and Brad Jones Racing have also been fined by stewards in Perth for other breaches.
Erebus was docked $500 after Jobe Stewart crossed the control line twice during the meeting rides session.
The team submitted that a crew member mistakenly told Stewart to complete the extra lap.
MSR and BJR are also both $500 lighter after charging wheels on their cars before the commencement of the start procedure for Race 1.