The Tyrepower V8 SuperUtes Series will debut an all-new knockout-style qualifying format at Symmons Plains Raceway next weekend, as the category continues to evolve its on-track product and entertainment offering for fans and competitors alike.
Taking into consideration the unique characteristics of the Tasmanian circuit coupled with varying factors that affect tyre performance on the V8 SuperUtes, it became the perfect opportunity for the category to trial a revised format aimed at increasing intensity and rewarding outright speed when it matters most.
Under the new format, qualifying will now be split into two sessions.
Part 1 will see the full field compete in a 10-minute qualifying session to set their fastest time. Following a short break under Parc Fermé conditions, the top eight fastest competitors only will then return to the circuit for a high-pressure five-minute run where pole position will be decided outright.
Importantly, lap times recorded by those top eight drivers in Part 1 will be reset ahead of the final session, ensuring a true “all-in” battle for pole position.
“As a category, we’re always looking at ways we can continue evolving the product both competitively and entertainment-wise,” said Category Manager Filippa Guarna.
“Symmons Plains is a circuit where qualifying can be heavily strategy-based especially when it comes to getting the most out of your tyres. You want to preserve the life of the green tyres in qualifying as much as possible for racing later, there’s the anti-clockwise layout which also affects tyre degradation, there are less breaking areas copared to other circuits, and the colder temperatures also are a factor on tyre growth.
“So at a circuit like this you don’t normally see the full-field out the whole time during the session. This new format gives us an opportunity to create more intensity, more pressure on the drivers to show us their best right from the get-go, and ultimately a more exciting spectacle for fans watching.
“We also see this as an opportunity to test a format that could potentially be rolled out at other circuits in the future where it suits. The best part is that every lap in that final session matters; once those times are reset, it becomes a genuine shootout for the Uniden Pole Position award.”
The initiative has been developed in consultation with the category management, its Board, Motorsport Australia officials and Supercars stakeholders as part of the category’s ongoing commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.
Round 2 of the Tyrepower V8 SuperUte Series will be held at the Tyrepower Tasmania Super 440 from May 22-24, 2026 at Symmons Plains Raceway, south of Launceston. Tickets can be purchased here.
ROUND 2 SCHEDULE
Friday 22 May – Practice (10am) and Qualifying (12.20pm)
Saturday 23 May – Race 1 (11.25am) and Race 2 (2.45pm)
Sunday 24 May – Race 3 (8.50am) and Race 4 at (1.05pm)
DRIVER QUOTEBOOK
AARON BORG #4: Love the new format and it will definitely make our qualifying session a lot more entertaining for fans! The strategy will be a big part of this as we will need to use as little of our tyre as possible in Part 1, while still ensuring we are quick enough to make it through to Part 2. With the field becoming more competitive every year, this could definitely mix the field up a bit in qualifying
ADAM MARJORAM #15: I’m personally very excited about the new qualifying format. It adds another level of strategy and consistency that we did not have before. We’ll have to make our tyres do two runs, so keeping them together will be interesting. However it’ll be cool for the Top 8 to have a more uninterrupted ending with all eyeballs on us as we push for pole position! It’ll also be great for the fans as you’ll see us on track for much longer over the session!
MICHAEL SHERWELL #55: The new quali format for Tassie is an awesome addition and I love that the category is introducing new exciting formats to engage the fans even further. For me personally I can’t wait to roll out. I’m already thinking of strategies to get myself into the top 8 as last year I qualified 10th. With such a close lap time it’s going to be elbows out and focus on your own lap.
JUSTIN RUGGIER #88: Absolutely loving the new format of qualifying , just knowing of the added pressure to get into the top 8 makes me more determined to execute. If you make the top 8 for Part 2 you know you have one lap to get it done. I love pressure and can’t wait to fight for pole.