Triple Eight Race Engineering has given the first-ever complete Car of the Future (COTF) V8 Supercar a complete shakedown in a closed session at the Holden Driving Centre at Norwell today.
The first of nine 2013 Holden Commodore COTF chassis’ that the Champion outfit will build took to the track in the hands of reigning champion Jamie Whincup.
Over 1400 man hours have been dedicated to the design and build process which was managed in-house by Stephen Robertson.
The car features a unique Triple Eight-themed livery printed by Roland DG printers onto 50 metres of Avery-Dennison vinyl.
Whincup said the day produced plenty of feedback which would be considered as the build process continued.
“Overall its vastly different to what we normally play with," said Whincup. “It’s a completely different beast in all areas of feel for the driver and is obviously different for the engineers as well.
“I think a day like today demonstrates that we are doing some major things not just for us but for the category as a whole.
“There are a lot of parts which are already homologated but already I can see that there will need to be some modifications.
“The gearbox doesn’t feel as nice and at the moment the changes are short and harsh.
“There were no secrets here today and we are talking to Frank Adamson about everything that was happening so he can report back.
“After our fourth run it looked like there was a problem developing in the driveline area so we’ll have a look at it and come up with a solution for everyone.”
Managing Director Roland Dane said it was an important step to debut the category's first COTF.
“This is our first completed chassis and it was important for us to show leadership and be the first to have the car running out on the track,” said Dane.
“We will be having a full-blooded test day with this car out at Queensland Raceway on Monday.
“I think other teams out there should be grateful for what we have done because we are helping to validate a lot of the components on the car."
The car retains its signature V8 Supercar DNA though there are some marked visual differences, including larger and more prominent brake discs together with brand new wheels shod with state of the art 18” Dunlop tyres.
Fans will get a first look at the team’s new COTF Holden at this weekend’s Queensland Raceway Coates Hire 300 event where it will be on display.
It will then take to the track in earnest just a day after the team’s home event, with Craig Lowndes taking the wheel for its first official test session at Queensland Raceway.
