Oh, what a feeling! It’s the opening round of the 2026 Supercars Championship with Walkinshaw TWG Racing debuting the new Toyota GR Supra.
With two days of testing under our belts, Chaz Mostert and Ryan Wood are ready to hit the ground running here at Sydney Motorsport Park.
Format
Friday
On track action begins with just one 45-minute Practice session to kick off the weekend which leads into a two-part qualifying session:
- Part 1: Sets the grid for positions 11 – 24
- Part 2: Sets the grid for the top 10
The first race of the season will take place under lights with the excitement kicking off at 7.50pm AEDT, make sure you tune in.
Saturday & Sunday
Both days follow the same qualifying format:
- Part 1: Sets the grid for P19 – P24
- Part 2: Sets the grid for P11 – P18
- Top 10 Shootout: Determines the top 10 positions for the race
Race Times
- Saturday’s 200km race: Lights go out at 7:35pm
- Sunday’s final 200km race of the weekend: Starts at 4:05pm
The Track
Sydney Motorsport Park is a big fast and flowing track, at 3.9km long and a top speed of 265km/h.
With more than ¾ of the lap spent turning, it’s important that the car balance is right and that is carries good mid-corner speed, otherwise the drivers will be in for a tough race.
The track offers plenty of passing opportunities, keep an eye out for the big run into turn one and the action area of turn five and six, this track rewards the committed and brave.
Tyres
We are on the Dunlop Soft Tyre all weekend long.
Pitstops
- Friday: One compulsory stop, no refueling due to the shorter 100km race.
- Saturday & Sunday: Minimum of two compulsory pit stops, including refueling, for the 250km races.
Weather
It’s going to be a hot weekend with temperatures in the mid-30s. There is a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon on both Saturday and Sunday.
How to Watch
Get ready for a big weekend, you won’t want to miss a minute across the weekend!
- Fox Sports & Kayo: Live coverage of every session
- Channel 7: Live broadcasts across Saturday and Sunday
For the full TV guide, please CLICK HERE.
Chaz Mostert
“I’m excited to go racing under lights this weekend, it feels like we are going so much faster than during the day, it’s awesome.
“The cars look incredible, the crew have put so much effort into getting these prepped and ready for Round 1, we wouldn’t be here racing without them.
“Today is a big milestone for not only the Team but the category, getting the Toyota GR Supra out on track for its first race, I’m honoured to be a part of this history.”
Ryan Wood
“It’s been a busy off season personally for me, I’ve never come into a season with so many racing laps under my belt, I’m feeling more ready than ever.
“Last year I really fell into my groove and I want to keep building on that momentum this year, we know we can fight up the front.
“Today is pretty surreal, I started out my journey racing cars in the Toyota 86 Series in New Zealand and today I get to race a Toyota GR Supra Supercar as a factory driver, it’s a full circle moment.”