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Supercars retains stick shift for Gen3

Gen3 cars will feature a manual sequential gear shift system.

06 February 2022

Supercars has confirmed that the General Motors Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang will have a manual sequential gear shift system when they hit the grid in 2023.

The fully manual gear change mechanism used on the six-speed sequential transaxle currently in the category will remain exactly as it is in 2023, after much speculation and debate about a possible switch to paddle shifts. 

“Following the early rounds of testing in the prototypes, and unanimous support from the Gen3 Steering Committee, I can confirm the Camaro and Mustang will race using the current fully manual gear shift for 2023 and beyond,” said Supercars CEO Shane Howard.

“We strongly considered the overwhelming feedback from our fans, teams and drivers that the gear change mechanism and the commensurate skill required to down change properly cannot be lost in Supercars unique heat of battle on-track.

“We have always celebrated the difficulty that comes with driving a Supercar. The shifting of gears has become part of the artform required to succeed in our category.

“We’re very happy with the decision of the Gen3 Steering Committee and can now move forward with further Gen3 development.”

The drivers were amongst the most vocal supporters of keeping the stick shift.

“I’m stoked with this decision by Supercars. I was vocal about it, so was pretty much every other driver,” said Shane van Gisbergen.

“We know the fans wanted the same thing we did, so I’m sure everyone is happier with this decision to keep the gear shift the way it is.”

Supercars commentator Mark Larkham added: “In my view, this is an important and correct outcome for Supercars and its fans.

“We are a uniquely Australian category, with a uniquely Australian set of rules that is the envy of the touring car world.  

“Part of that success story of Supercars has been the tools like manual shifting, anti-roll bar and brake bias cockpit activity, that showcase the athleticism, the physiology and the psychology of the driver.

“This is definitely the right outcome for Supercars, a sport like any other that is about human endeavour and putting athletes under pressure.”