Supercars eye Bathurst 1000 rule change to shake-up the start of the iconic endurance race

A controversial rule introduced in 2024 could be on the chopping block in a radical plan to shake-up the start of the Bathurst 1000.

A radical plan to shake-up the start of October’s Bathurst 1000 is set to be assessed by the Supercars Commission for possible introduction this year.

Speedcafe understands Supercars is proposing to scrap a controversial rule introduced in 2024 that stipulates primary drivers must take the start at endurance events.

That rule was implemented to ensure the sport’s biggest race begins with its star drivers in the cars but contributed to a lacklustre 1000km grind with little strategic variation.

Under the proposal hatched by Supercars for The Bend 500 and Bathurst 1000, the top 10 cars would have to start the race with whichever driver took part in the Saturday qualifying Shootout.

The major rule change is set to be scrapped for this year’s Bathurst 1000. Picture: NewsWire

The remainder of the field from 11th on the grid backwards would be free to choose their starting driver.

When given the choice, the top teams most often select their co-drivers to start the race due to the benefits of getting the part-timer’s minimum laps out of way as early as possible.

The new system would effectively make the Shootout runners have to decide between the benefits of going all-out for pole or the ability to start their co-driver.

The idea is believed to be the brainchild of Supercars’ head of motorsport Tim Edwards.

Supercars is believed to have canvassed team feedback on the idea, but it is yet to be formally debated at commission level.

The category, though, believes the proposal would strike a balance between the desire to have star drivers at the front of the grid and the need for strategic variation through the field.

It’s thought to be the latest idea put forward by head of motorsport, Tim Edwards, who was the architect behind the new-for-2025 Supercars Finals Series.

Edwards has already implemented a reduction in the fuel tank size and an increase in the minimum co-driver laps for The Bend and Bathurst in a bid to spice-up the races.

This story originally appeared on Speedcafe and has been republished with permission.

Originally published as Supercars eye Bathurst 1000 rule change to shake-up the start of the iconic endurance race