Get ready for some thrilling changes in the Supercars championship! The upcoming season is about to get even more intense with adjustments to the Finals Series format.
But first, a recap: As our readers may recall, Speedcafe reported in December (https://speedcafe.com/supercars-news-adelaide-grand-final-championship-rules-points-changes-2026-explained/) that Supercars planned to shake things up for the second iteration of this format.
And shake it up they did! Here are the key modifications:
Bonus Points Boost: The points leader at the Sandown Semi-Final will now enter the Adelaide Grand Final with a substantial 150 bonus points. That's a significant jump from the previous 50 points, with second place earning 120, third place 96, and fourth place 78. This change brings Adelaide in line with the bonus structure of other prestigious races like the Gold Coast and Sandown.
Elimination Twist: Here's where it gets interesting. Drivers eliminated in the Finals Series will now revert to their points from after the Bathurst 1000, plus any points earned in later rounds. This means that drivers who didn't make the finals cut could potentially overtake those who were eliminated in the Finals Series in the overall standings. A true game-changer!
Previously, drivers who missed the Finals were capped at 11th place due to the points reset system. Now, the competition is wide open, adding an exciting layer of unpredictability.
The rest of the Finals format remains the same, with Sprint Cup and Enduro Cup winners securing automatic entry to the first Finals round, accompanied by a 25-point bonus. The remaining contenders for this round are determined by championship points post-Bathurst 1000.
The Gold Coast 500 and Sandown 500 will each see three drivers eliminated, setting the stage for an epic four-way battle at the Adelaide Grand Final.
And this is the part most fans have been waiting for! These changes promise to make the 2026 season even more captivating, with every race potentially altering the championship's outcome.
But what do you think? Are these changes fair to all drivers, or do they favor certain positions more than others? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's discuss the potential outcomes of this exciting new format!
