Supercars - Ipswich Super 440

The Ipswich Super 440 brings v8supercars racing back to Queensland Raceway after a seven-year absence. This event serves as the finale of the Repco Sprint Cup and plays a crucial role in determining the first Top 10 Finalists for the 2026 championship season. Officially titled the Century Batteries Ipswich Super 440, this race showcases three manufacturers competing on one of Australia's most technical circuits.

Queensland Raceway Circuit

Queensland Raceway sits at Willowbank in Ipswich, Queensland, Australia. The circuit earned the nickname "the paperclip" due to its simple yet challenging layout. The track measures 3.126 kilometers in length and 12 meters in width. Six corners make up the clockwise circuit configuration.

The FIA Grade 3 circuit offers excellent viewing opportunities for spectators thanks to its flat design. Fans can watch cars navigate the entire track from many vantage points. The facility underwent extensive renovations in 2022, improving both track and spectator amenities.

Queensland Raceway forms part of the larger Ipswich Motorsport Precinct. This precinct includes Willowbank Raceway, a drag strip, and additional motorsport facilities. The location next to RAAF Base Amberley provides a shared noise exclusion zone, which allows for flexible racing schedules.

Race Format and Access

The 2026 Supercars Championship features 37 races across 14 rounds, making it one of the largest calendars in recent history. The season divides into three parts: the Sprint Cup, the Enduro Cup, and the Finals Series. The Ipswich Super 440 concludes the Sprint Cup portion of the season.

Practice sessions at the Ipswich Super 440 consist of two 25-minute sessions. Sprint races require compulsory pit stops where teams must change a minimum of two tyres. Shorter races feature one pit stop, while longer races include two stops.

General admission tickets provide access to multiple viewing areas around Queensland Raceway. Children aged 12 and under receive free general admission when accompanied by a paying adult. Paddock Passes offer behind-the-scenes access where fans can meet teams and drivers. Corporate hospitality packages and travel packages are available for those wanting enhanced experiences.

2026 Championship Participants

The 2026 season introduces Toyota GAZOO Racing as the third manufacturer in v8supercars competition. Toyota fields the GR Supra Supercar and brings fresh competition to the established Ford versus Chevrolet rivalry. Walkinshaw Andretti United serves as the homologation team for Toyota, with Brad Jones Racing also running Toyota entries. Five Toyota GR Supra cars will compete in the championship.

Ford Teams

Triple Eight Race Engineering returns to Ford for 2026 and acts as the homologation team for all Ford entries. The team expands to three cars for the first time since 2018. Other Ford teams include Shell V-Power Racing Team, Tickford Racing, Penrite Racing, Blanchard Racing Team, and SCT Motorsport. Eleven S650 Ford Mustang GT cars represent the blue oval at the Ipswich Super 440.

Chevrolet Teams

Team 18 becomes the new homologation squad for Chevrolet in 2026. Erebus Motorsport, Matt Stone Racing, and Nulon Racing join Team 18 in campaigning Chevrolet entries. Eight Chevrolet Camaro ZL1-1LE cars compete in the championship.

Gen3 Technical Specifications

The 2026 season marks the fourth year of Gen3 regulations in v8supercars racing. These rules emphasize road relevance and improved racing competition. Gen3 cars feature doors, roofs, windows, and bonnets that closely mirror their production counterparts.

The minimum weight for Gen3 cars stands at 1345 kilograms, including the driver and apparel. A minimum front axle weight of 730 kilograms applies to all entries. All cars use naturally aspirated V8 engines that produce approximately 600 horsepower.

The Toyota GR Supra runs a 5.2-litre V8 engine. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 3.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 300 kilometers per hour. Dunlop supplies control tyres for the 25th consecutive season, providing two dry compounds (Soft and Super Soft) and a wet weather tyre.

Queensland Raceway History

Queensland Raceway opened in 1999 and hosted its first v8supercars event in the same year. From 1999 to 2002, the circuit held the Queensland 500, an endurance race that prepared teams for the Bathurst 1000. The circuit continued hosting Supercars events until 2019.

Tony Quinn's Keltic Motor Sport operation took over the lease, management, and operations in October 2021. The new management implemented upgrade plans that enabled the return of championship racing to the venue. Craig Lowndes holds the record for most race wins at Queensland Raceway with 12 victories.

What Makes the Ipswich Super 440 Special

The return of v8supercars to Queensland Raceway after seven years marks a significant moment for Australian motorsport. The Ipswich Super 440 provides fans with close, competitive racing on a circuit that rewards precision and consistency. The compact layout of Queensland Raceway creates multiple passing opportunities and close battles throughout the field.

Three manufacturers competing at the Ipswich Super 440 adds depth to the championship battle. Toyota's entry as a new manufacturer brings fresh storylines and competitive balance to the series. Ford and Chevrolet teams continue their established rivalry while adapting to the new competitive landscape.

The paperclip circuit challenges drivers with its technical nature despite its simple appearance. Fast lap times require perfect execution through all six corners. The flat layout allows spectators to see most of the action, creating an engaging atmosphere for fans attending the event.

The Ipswich Super 440 determines which drivers advance to the Top 10 Finals, adding championship significance to every race. Teams and drivers push for maximum points as the Sprint Cup concludes. The event shapes the championship landscape heading into the Enduro Cup and Finals Series.