Shannons Supercar Showdown – Week 9

Last week not only saw the contestants from the Shannons Supercar Showdown pilot a V8 Supercar, but it also saw them being introduced to a rather familiar face…

The bombshell that was dropped at the end of last week’s episode was a big one. A contestant from series one, all round sweetheart Samantha Reid, had been invited to join the remaining three to compete for the spot in the Kelly Racing V8 Supercar. The more the merrier, right!

The reward challenge was held at a fitting venue – A car museum. The remaining contestants got time to have a look at the rare old metal on display, clearing their minds before the reward challenge. What is the task? Simple – a multiple choice quiz. The winner will receive a one-on-one mentoring session with the boys from Kelly Racing, which is something that’ll certainly give the winner the upper hand.

The elimination challenge this week is one that relies heavily on technical knowledge and mechanical understanding. The name of the game is fuel consumption. The Kelly Racing duo will be looking for the fastest driver with the lowest fuel consumption – which demonstrates which contestant is familiar with their car’s throttle, and how to adjust their driving style to suit a car running dry on fuel.

Everyone was rounded up and sent to Winton Raceway to participate in the fuel consumption challenge. The 600 plus horsepower V8 Supercar engines certainly enjoy the fuel.

The Kelly Brothers will be out around the track monitoring throttle use, and how each driver adapts to the course knowing they have to be conservative with fuel. Samantha Reid seems to think that her driving style is adequately suited to this challenge…

After each stint, the fuel cell is drained and overall fuel usage is measured. This task is not all about going fast – maintaining corner speed and accelerating in a linear fashion will separate those from first place to elimination. Smooth is fast, remember.

Will anyone drive with a lead foot and guzzle fuel? Or will the drivers be let down by going too slowly around Winton? Make sure you check out the episode below!

Also don’t forget to check out the Shannons Supercar Showdown webpage by clicking HERE!