https://www.speedcafe.com/2021/07/09/triple-eight-dismisses-illegal-tank-talk-as-schoolyard-whinging/?fbclid=IwAR1fscLwBbR2bx2493uXCP8GIfeIKCpLnRfDNgLfeWZfib3aPmqO0t1sfPURed Bull Ampol Racing team manager Mark Dutton has dismissed suggestions its refuelling rigs are illegal, labelling rivals’ complaints as “schoolyard whinging”.
Supercars was approached by at least one team on set-up day at the NTI Townsville 500 with concerns relating to the capacity of the Banyo-based team’s refuelling rigs.
Concerns were raised on Thursday when one team spotted the refuelling tank, which appeared to be bulging significantly more than other tanks in the pit lane (see below for a comparison).
Several teams Speedcafe.com spoke to noted the appearance of the tank, one labelling it “clearly illegal” and balloon-like while another said the team was “taking the piss”.
It was theorised the team was able to fit more fuel in its rigs, thus creating more head pressure and allowing for a faster fuel flow with the knock-on effect of a faster pit stop.
However, that’s been dismissed by Dutton. A Supercars spokesperson also confirmed to Speedcafe.com that the fuel tanks are legal.
“At the start of every season, Supercars calibrate so that everyone’s 120-litre drop is the same,” Dutton told Speedcafe.com.
“It’s not just in millimetres, obviously millimetres relative to the shape of your tanks. Supercars have a record and they have a record to see the last two, three years our tanks haven’t changed.
“The tanks haven’t changed for this round. They haven’t changed for this year. They haven’t changed from last year.
“Some teams in the past, apparently, have made tanks. You’re not meant to do that. It’s a supplied thing. We get it from whoever made them way, way back when. We’ve had the same ones.