While North American stock cars are exciting and powerful, they’re not that closely related to road-going cars anymore. That’s not true in Australia, where the V8 Supercars rule supreme. Based on production shells, the Commodore VE V8 Supercar is at least shares some parts with its road-going counterparts (although rules regarding external dimensions mean that the bodyshell uses less stock body panels than the FG Falcon). Within the shell is welded a serious roll cage, and all the safety equipment you’d expect in a modern racer. More to the point is the 600+ horsepower, 5-liter Holden V8 that exhales in a roar from sidepipes. A massive front splitter and equally prominent rear wing help keep the Commodore planted to the track, but unlike touring cars the rest of the bodywork is fairly clean, preserving much of the look of the handsome Commodore. Handling is excellent, provided you’re skilled enough to take the notoriously twitchy V8 Supercar to the limit. One key is to keep your speed up and allow the aero package’s downforce to help carry the Commodore through the corner. Whether it’s the sound, the look, or the incredible performance, V8 Supercar racing is undeniably exciting, and the Commodore VE is one of the best ever to compete in the series.
