Tickford and WAU files protest against Triple Eight on usage of dry ice

Tickford Racing and Walkinshaw Andretti United have filed a protest against Triple Eight Race Engineering following their 1-2 in the Supercars Championship season opener in Newcastle.

The protest has been filed over supposed incorrect usage of dry ice during the first race for drivers Shane van Gisbergen and Broc Feeney.

The dry ice was reported to have been added on the driver’s side rather than the passenger side, which is required in the regulations.

Several drivers have complained about high cockpit temperatures during the Newcastle opener in the new Gen3 cars.

“Motorsport Australia can confirm protests were received from Tickford Racing against cars 88 and 97, and Walkinshaw Andretti United against 97,” read a statement from Motorsport Australia.

“The deputy race directors also alleged a technical breach of C16.2 regarding the driver cooling system on cars 88 and 97. A stewards hearing has now concluded, with stewards now deliberating. A decision will be handed down tomorrow morning.”

The regulations state the following on the subject:

C16.2 Driver Cooling System

16.2.1 Any Driver cooling system that contains a cooling medium must be:

16.2.1.1 mounted within the cockpit utilising the mounting points designated in the GSD for the passenger seat; and

16.2.1.2 constructed in a manner which to the satisfaction of the HoM, has been designed to ensure the safe containment of the entire system during reasonably foreseeable loading conditions