Supercars, Triple Eight own up to “significant” error that has made Will Brown slower

A "significant" error has caused Ford Mustang driver Will Brown to be slower, according to Triple Eight. The issue stems from an undersized engine air restrictor that Supercars provided to the team. Triple Eight team principal Jamie Whincup announced that this component, which controls airflow into the engine and directly impacts performance, was installed on car #888 since the beginning of the season. The undersized restrictor has a "significant negative impact on engine performance, and therefore lap time."

Triple Eight and Supercars both issued statements acknowledging the mistake. Triple Eight took responsibility for the error, stating that the part was not manufactured by the team but was supplied by Supercars. They deeply apologized to everyone involved for allowing the situation to occur. Supercars, in turn, admitted that the part was not of the correct specification.

They explained that the component was loaned to Triple Eight for demonstration purposes at the team's launch in February and remained fitted to car #888 through the Perth Super 440 event. Neither party identified the discrepancy until it was discovered during preparations for the upcoming event in Ipswich.

Supercars stated that they routinely conduct scrutineering and compliance checks on various components and systems, but the air restrictor on car #888 had not been selected for inspection during these checks at the Perth event. Both parties have agreed to review the circumstances surrounding this matter and evaluate opportunities to strengthen their technical and operational procedures moving forward.

Despite the issue, Triple Eight confirmed that they would still proceed to provide a new car for Brown at the next round of the series at Queensland Raceway from August 21-23.