{"id":884996,"date":"2026-09-08T23:30:20","date_gmt":"2026-09-08T23:30:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/884996\/"},"modified":"2026-09-08T23:30:20","modified_gmt":"2026-09-08T23:30:20","slug":"supercars-bend-500-five-burning-questions-from-parity-and-reliability-to-entertainment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/884996\/","title":{"rendered":"Supercars Bend 500: Five burning questions from parity and reliability to entertainment"},"content":{"rendered":"

THE time is here: it\u2019s endurance season and boy are there some burning questions to be addressed as the Supercars field rolls into town for the AirTouch 500 at The Bend.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s jump straight in\u2026<\/p>\n

Parity, parity, parity<\/p>\n

Chevrolet has got its wish for a parity change on the eve of the enduros, with a 70mm front splitter addition on the way<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Rivals are known to be far from pleased. Some say the adjustment could be worth as much as two to three tenths a lap at Bathurst; others have even suggested it was only approved amid alleged General Motors threats to walk away.<\/p>\n

Whatever the case, expect there to be plenty more said in the coming days on this \u2013 pending the degree to which Supercars pushes its directed \u2018media blackout\u2019.<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Can the circuit change avoid another snoozer?<\/p>\n

To say last year\u2019s Bend 500 was a dull affair would be an understatement.<\/p>\n

Given the \u2018500\u2019 is locked in at Tailem Bend until at least 2028<\/a>, it sure would be a welcome boost for the event to turn on a spectacle this time around.<\/p>\n

Most believe the move onto the West Circuit layout will help that cause.<\/p>\n

The Undercut \u2013 Ford\u2019s best Bathurst chance?<\/p>\n

THE Undercut returns, breaking down the latest news in the world of Supercars racing!<\/p>\n

Will the #888 gamble pay off?<\/p>\n

Plenty has been said about the decision to split up the championship-winning driver\/engineer combination of Will Brown<\/a> and Andrew Edwards mid-season.<\/p>\n

Edwards has been promoted to head of performance effective immediately, with another accomplished guru in David Cauchi taking the reins on Car #888 \u2013 albeit in a part-time capacity.<\/p>\n

Brown has a newfound pep in his step after his Ipswich successes, but there\u2019s no time to waste in forging a new dynamite dynamic.<\/p>\n

Reliability\u2026<\/p>\n

Toyota is obviously front and centre with this matter following a spate of engine dramas this season, including a hiccup during the competitive debut of the upgraded B-spec package it\u2019s had such high hopes for.<\/p>\n

\"\"Pic: Walkinshaw TWG Racing<\/p>\n

Walkinshaw TWG Racing did however exude confidence that lessons learnt from Chaz Mostert\u2019s Ipswich failure will mean there\u2019s no repeat<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not just Toyota either, with Ford having experienced a range of sudden issues at Queensland Raceway.<\/p>\n

Bathurst engine woes cost Nick Percat<\/a> a shot at finals last year and almost wiped Ryan Wood<\/a> out too\u2026 there\u2019s no margin for error in these 300-point races.<\/p>\n

Silly season auditions<\/p>\n

Jobe Stewart<\/a> rocketed up the pecking order with a stunning performance co-driving last year at Tailem Bend, to the point where he\u2019s known to have subsequently fielded interest from multiple teams.<\/p>\n

\"\"Jobe Stewart\u2019s Erebus graduation was announced the month after his Tailem Bend heroics. Pic: Mark Walker<\/p>\n

Jayden Ojeda<\/a> didn\u2019t do his reputation any harm either, particularly with some dazzling pace at the Bathurst.<\/p>\n

Between full-timers fighting for their future and co-drivers trying to break into the main game, the stage is set for someone to seize the day and make an irresistible case for 2027.<\/p>\n

Bonus round: Finals fallout<\/p>\n

Being officially safe for finals before Bathurst is a pretty tasty carrot, allowing for a free swing at chasing Mountain glory.<\/p>\n

Four drivers have already punched their playoffs tickets<\/a> \u2013 Broc Feeney<\/a>, Matt Payne<\/a>, Brodie Kostecki<\/a> and Cam Waters<\/a> \u2013 and any number of Kai Allen<\/a>, Anton De Pasquale<\/a>, Will Brown, Chaz Mostert<\/a> and Ryan Wood could join them by the end of Sunday.<\/p>\n

Conversely, a cat could be thrown amongst the pigeons if someone down the standings fares well enough to be a chance of pinching direct entry associated with winning the Ryco Enduro Cup trophy.<\/p>\n

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