The top level V8 racers will hit the track for opening practice and Qualifying on Friday, but Thursday’s action will be left solely to Fujitsu teams for their two practice sessions. They will then have their qualifying and first race on Friday before their final heat for the weekend of Saturday. After the Fujitsu Series’ Race 2, the main game hits the track for its opening race for the year – the first of two 250-kilometre heats – with the second to be carried out on Sunday.
Most of the V8 Supercar frontrunners from last year’s Clipsal 500 are looking forward to this year’s season starter. However there are some concerns that the lack of a season opening non-championship race at the Australian Grand Prix could be a hindrance to some outfits.
"The grand prix usually give you a great opportunity to iron out the bugs," said reigning champion Russell Ingall. "How many times have you seen teams have a rough time in Melbourne and then come out and have a strong result in Adelaide? This year they won’t have that luxury.
"There are just so many factors you need to look at heading into the Adelaide event, which really is vital to everyone’s championship chances.
"The heat is certainly always a factor and the eagerness of some of the new guys into the category can also play a role in the outcome.
"At the end of the day you just need to take a deep breath and remember there is a long season ahead of us."
Ingall’s Ford compatriot and main title challenger Craig Lowndes echoed his rival’s thoughts.
"With no AGP prelude to the Clipsal 500 this year our recent test day became all the more important as we are now don't have the luxury of a non-championship event starting our season," he said.
"Besides Bathurst, the Adelaide circuit is without a doubt the hardest on our cars.
"Car reliability is paramount as these two races are a sprint from start to finish."
With Ingall and Lowndes likely to fly the Ford flag at the Clipsal 500, the front men from Holden Motorsport’s big three team’s have staked a claim to the Adelaide crown in 2006.
