Supercars Adjusts Fuel Capacity for Enduro Cup and Finals Series

Supercars has once again tweaked its fuel strategy for the 2026 season, and the change will certainly impact the Enduro Cup and Finals Series. As was the case last year, the permitted fuel capacity for Gen3 cars will drop compared to Sprint Cup rounds, from 133 litres to 127 litres starting at The Bend. The move is designed to increase strategic variance in an increasingly competitive field.

Interestingly, this year's change differs from last season because the maximum capacity for the enduros and finals is six litres higher. That's due to an increase in fuel consumption with the 2026-spec fuel blend. Fuel consumption has been a hot topic this year, with the pushrod Chevrolet engine worst affected by the increased fuel use.

To address this, GM homologation squad Team 18 conducted dedicated testing between the Townsville and Perth rounds. As a result, the fuel capacity for the enduros and finals now stands at 127 litres, which is expected to strike a balance between performance and strategy. The change also coincides with the return of the refuelling towers, rather than handheld churns, for the Enduro Cup and Finals Series.

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The decision to lower fuel capacity not only affects race strategy but also adds pressure on teams and drivers to manage fuel consumption throughout the race. With lower capacity, pit stops become more crucial, and the decision of when to pit could be the difference between winning and losing.

Additionally, the revised minimum co-driver lap percentage, introduced in 2025, has been retained for the enduros this year. Co-drivers will have to complete a minimum 37 percent of the laps, which equates to 54 laps at The Bend and 60 laps at Mount Panorama. This rule ensures that co-drivers remain a significant factor, adding a strategic dimension to the driver lineup in each car.

With the combination of fuel capacity changes, co-driver rules, and the return of the refuelling towers, this season's Enduro Cup and Finals Series are predicted to be more intense and full of surprises. Teams will need to be smart with their strategies, not only on track but also in the pit lane. Will this change alter the balance of power? We'll have to wait and see at The Bend and Bathurst.