The Australian Touring Car Championship (ATCC), also known as the V8 Supercars Championship, is one of the most exciting and competitive racing series in the world. Since its inception in 1960, the ATCC has been the benchmark for touring car racing in Australia and has produced some of the most iconic cars and drivers in the history of motorsport. The ATCC has been a cornerstone of Australian motorsport for over 60 years and continues to be a major drawcard for spectators, sponsors and broadcasters.
2023 marks the 63rd edition of the ATCC and it promises to be one of the most competitive seasons yet. The championship will feature 10 rounds of racing at the nation’s best tracks including the new permanent circuit at The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia. There will also be a special endurance race at Mount Panorama in Bathurst that will decide the championship.
The ATCC will feature a mix of factory and independent teams with a number of well known drivers in the field. Defending champion Scott McLaughlin will be looking to defend his title in the #17 Shell V-Power Ford Mustang and will face stiff competition from the likes of David Reynolds, Shane van Gisbergen, Chaz Mostert and Jamie Whincup. A number of up-and-coming drivers will also be looking to make a name for themselves in the series.
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The Cars
The ATCC features a variety of cars from the major manufacturers including Ford, Holden, Nissan and Volvo. All cars must adhere to the series’ technical regulations and must not exceed a certain weight. The cars are powered by 5.0-litre V8 engines and feature a range of aerodynamic components to increase downforce and grip. The cars also feature a number of safety features to protect the drivers including a mandated roll cage, fire safety system and a head and neck restraint system.
The Tracks
The ATCC will visit a range of tracks throughout Australia including the iconic Mount Panorama in Bathurst. There will also be races at the new permanent circuit at The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia and the street circuit in Adelaide. Other tracks on the calendar include the Sydney Motorsport Park, Queensland Raceway, Hidden Valley Raceway and Barbagallo Raceway. All tracks feature a mix of high speed straights, tight corners and challenging elevation changes.
How to Follow the Championship
The ATCC is broadcast to a global audience and fans can watch the races live on television or stream them online. There are also a range of dedicated websites and social media accounts that provide up-to-date news and information about the championship. Fans can also attend the races in person to get an up close and personal experience of the action.
The ATCC is one of the most exciting and competitive racing series in the world and 2023 promises to be another thrilling season. With a mix of factory and independent teams, a variety of cars and some of the best tracks in the nation, the ATCC is sure to provide plenty of action and drama throughout the year.
