Ipswich Super 440

The Century Batteries Ipswich Super 440 returns to Queensland Raceway in 2026 as a key round in the Repco Supercars Championship. This v8supercars event brings sprint racing action to the circuit known as "the paperclip" for its distinctive layout. The Super 440 format delivers 440 kilometers of competitive racing across multiple races, with drivers competing in both sprint and refueling races throughout the weekend.

Race Format and Points System

The Ipswich Super 440 follows a three-race format. The event includes two 120-kilometer sprint races and one 200-kilometer refueling race. The sprint races award 80 points to the winner, while the longer Sunday race provides 140 points for victory. Drivers can earn an additional 5 bonus points for setting the fastest lap in each race, provided they finish in the top 15 positions. This round forms part of the Repco Sprint Cup segment of the championship season.

Queensland Raceway Circuit Details

Queensland Raceway sits in Willowbank, Ipswich, approximately 50 kilometers west of Brisbane. The venue is part of the larger Ipswich Motorsport Precinct, which also houses Willowbank Raceway dragstrip, a kart track, and a junior motorcycle speedway.

Track Layout and Characteristics

The National Circuit measures 3.126 kilometers in length and 12 meters in width. The track features six corners and runs clockwise. Designer Tony Slattery created the layout with input from motorsport authorities, prioritizing long straights and deep braking zones to encourage overtaking opportunities. The circuit's flat nature provides excellent viewing for spectators across multiple vantage points. A slight incline on the back straight adds variation to the otherwise level surface.

Track Infrastructure

Queensland Raceway holds an FIA Grade 3 classification. The circuit received new resurfacing in late 2011 to improve track conditions. The facility operates within the 6-kilometer noise exclusion zone for RAAF Base Amberley, which sits nearby.

Teams and Drivers in 2026

The Repco Supercars Championship features approximately 24 drivers across 11 teams in 2026. Three manufacturers compete: Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota. Toyota makes its championship debut this year with the GR Supra, marking a significant development for the series.

Manufacturer Representation

Brad Jones Racing has switched to Toyota GR Supras, contributing to a total of five Toyotas on the grid. Triple Eight Race Engineering returned to Ford, fielding Mustangs as the homologation team for all Ford entries. The team expanded to a three-car operation for the first time since 2018.

Wildcard Entries for Ipswich

The Ipswich Super 440 will feature several wildcard entries. Bayley Hall competes in a solo round appearance. Aaron Seton drives for Matt Stone Racing, while Ben Gomersall joins Tickford Racing as wildcard participants.

Gen3 Supercars Technical Specifications

All v8supercars compete under Gen3 technical regulations, which were introduced in 2023. These rules aim to improve racing competition, reduce team costs, and increase the connection between race cars and their road-going counterparts.

Chassis and Body Construction

Gen3 cars use a control chassis that is smaller than previous generations. This change allows more road car models to be adapted for racing. Key body components such as doors, roofs, windows, and bonnets must match the dimensions of their road car versions and remain interchangeable.

Aerodynamic Philosophy

The Gen3 regulations reduced aerodynamic downforce by over 50% compared to previous specifications. This reduction promotes closer racing by minimizing the impact of turbulent air on following cars, making overtaking more achievable.

Engine Specifications

All cars feature front-engine, rear-wheel drive configurations powered by V8 engines. The Ford Mustang uses a 5.4-liter DOHC V8 engine. The Chevrolet Camaro runs a 5.7-liter pushrod V8 engine. The Toyota GR Supra utilizes a 5.2-liter DOHC V8 engine developed specifically for championship competition. Each car model has engines built by a single designated builder. These engines undergo testing for power and torque parity on a dynamometer, receive sealing upon delivery, and cannot be modified by teams.

Fuel, Tyres, and Other Components

Gen3 v8supercars run on an E75 fuel blend. Dunlop developed new control tyres to work with the modified aerodynamic regulations. The cars feature sequential shifters for gear changes. Refueling uses a single-probe system, which is narrower than the previous dual-probe setup. This change can result in longer pit stop times during races that require refueling. The regulations target a 30-40% reduction in acquisition and operating costs for competing teams.

Queensland Raceway History with Supercars

Queensland Raceway opened in 1999 and quickly established itself as a prominent venue for Australian motorsport. The Supercars Championship (then called V8 Supercars) first visited the circuit in 1999 and held events consistently until 2019. The venue returned to the calendar in 2025. The event has operated under various names over the years, including the Queensland 500, an endurance race format from 1999 to 2002, and the Coates Hire Ipswich SuperSprint. In 1999 and 2000, the circuit hosted both a sprint round and a 500-kilometer endurance race within the same season. Craig Lowndes holds the record for most v8supercars race wins at Queensland Raceway with 12 victories.

What Makes This Event Notable

The "paperclip" design of Queensland Raceway creates a unique challenge for drivers. The layout maximizes straight sections and creates multiple heavy braking zones, which provide genuine overtaking opportunities. The flat nature of the circuit benefits spectators, allowing clear views of much of the racing action from various locations around the track. The Gen3 regulations place greater emphasis on driver skill rather than engineering advantages, creating competitive racing throughout the field. The Ipswich Super 440 v8supercars event at Queensland Raceway offers fans an accessible venue to watch championship competition, with the Super 440 format providing varied race strategies across sprint and refueling events.