The Repco Supercars Championship and Dunlop Australia have confirmed that a new wet tire will be introduced for the 2023 season, when the Gen3 versions of the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro start racing.
Having been formally signed off after a period of development and testing, the revised wet tire is now being manufactured in Japan, with the first batch scheduled to arrive in Australia before the championship begins with the Newcastle 500 from March 10-12, 2023.
The 2023 wet tire benefits from a newly designed compound that was used in wet conditions on the Gen3 prototype supercars after the Penrite Oil Sandown SuperSprint in August 2022. The tire was also used during demonstration laps at the Repco Bathurst 1000.
The tire is stated to be most effective during heavy rain due to its excellent water dispersion characteristics. White Dunlop and SP Sport Maxx brand lettering will feature on the sidewall. The currently used 2022 wet tire will be made available for Dunlop Super2 and Dunlop Super3 rounds during the 2023 season.
“This is a great outcome for drivers and particularly the fans who want to see racing in any conditions,” said Shane Howard, CEO of Supercars. “This will provide drivers with more control under wet conditions, which in turn will provide a greater spectacle for fans. Following testing, we’re very pleased with the outcomes of the new compound that will be used on the new wet tire.
“The softer compound has been designed to handle wet conditions much better than the current tire on the Gen3 Camaro and Mustang given the reduced downforce the new cars will create. Both Dunlop and Supercars believe this new wet tire will add to the racing spectacle in harsh/wet conditions with the new cars.”
“Dunlop Australia is pleased to announce the release of this next-generation Dunlop Wet Control tire available for the first Gen3 race in 2023,” commented Tony Kiernan, brand manager at Dunlop. “Our rigorous testing and development program has resulted in a brand-new rubber compound that delivers reduced lap times due to improved grip levels compared with the 2022 wet tire.
“We are gratified that Supercar drivers in rigorous test conditions immediately expressed increased confidence in the handling and braking performance of the new Dunlop Wet Control tire. The softer rubber employed will deliver slightly increased wear rates, which we are confident will add yet another element to Supercar team strategy decisions on wet race days.”
