Dunlop Super2 Series To Offer $400,000 Scholarship Prize To 2020 Winner

In an effort to strengthen pathways for young drivers aiming to reach the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship, the Dunlop Super2 Series (DS2) will provide a $400,000 scholarship prize to the champion of the 2020 series.

A key part of Supercars’ Junior Development Program, the Dunlop Super2 Series, is the primary pathway for young drivers to reach the top tier of motorsport in Australasia – the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship.

Next year, the Dunlop Super2 Series Champion will be awarded $400,000 to be used exclusively towards securing a Championship drive in 2021.

Additionally, the winner of the new Rookie Class – for drivers in their first full Super2 season, under the age of 25 and in a car which meets current homologation specifications – will be awarded $100,000 to help fund their second season in the category.

Supercars chief operating officer, Shane Howard, said the changes are aimed at providing a sustainable, direct pathway for young drivers to the top tier of racing in Australia and New Zealand, the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship.

“This prize money will serve as a considerable enabler for drivers looking to build on their success in DS2 to graduate to a full-time career in Supercars.

“These young drivers will compete in DS2 races at some of our biggest events, giving them and their sponsors exposure to millions of fans,” Mr Howard said.

“The commitment of a significant prize for winning Super2 will only serve to intensify and improve the competition for participants and fans alike.

“Over the past 19 years, the Dunlop Super2 Series has helped to begin and develop the careers of some of the sport’s biggest names by providing them with critical training and development.

“This is a logical next step as all sports, not just Motorsport, look to the future.

“We thank Dunlop for their continued support of the Dunlop Super2 Series; it’s fantastic news they’ll be continuing as the naming rights partner of the category as part of their Supercars renewal,” he said.

In addition to the prize money, comes a change to the 2020 competition schedule, moving from seven events to six, with races to be held at Adelaide, Tasmania, Townsville, Sydney, Bathurst and the season finale in Sandown.

Proving the success of the Supercars junior competition structure, and the additional support this prize money will provide, among this year’s PIRTEK Enduro Cup entrants, 19 of the primary drivers and 20 of the additional drivers who competed at Bathurst, Gold Coast and Sandown previously competed in the Dunlop Super2 Series.