Other issues leading to the scrapping of reverse-grids included the high costs repairing machinery from collisions, and also the disappointing response from fans in addition to disapproval to many teams and drivers, with the likes of big-name drivers Craig Lowndes, Greg Murphy, Steven Richards and Russell Ingall all speaking out against the format which produced misleading results when compared to car speed throughout the weekend.
With only half points being offered for reverse-grid races, the switch back to normal starting orders will result in a change to the points system. Now, there will be 105 points on offer for winning either of the first two races, with a higher tally of 110 points being offered for a win in the final sprint. This adopts a similar system to what was used pre-Project Blueprint in 2003, when double points would be offered for subsequent races over some weekends. Whilst that system hasn’t been adopted for the remainder of 2006, there is still incentive for starting and finishing well in the final race of the weekend.
However it seems as though the system has been altered as to ensure the championship still goes down to the wire at the Grand Finale at Phillip Island, with the ‘drop worst round’ points system still taking effect until after Bathurst.
The reverse-grid format will continue for two more events – at Queensland Raceway for the Bigpond 400 and also at Oran Park Raceway near Sydney.
