IRC to return with new classes and models in 2026

Image: Mpix

Innovation Race Cars (IRC) has secured a spot as a feature category on the Hi-Tec Oils Super Series - Season 4 bill as it ushers in new classes, launches another model and updated rules for 2026.

After completing its inaugural season at the Winton Wrap, the Australian IRC Racing Series expects to go bigger in 2026, with the new changes designed to build on the foundation built this year.

The Hi-Tec Oils Super Series is delighted to announce that next season the Australian IRC Series will again compete at all six rounds, commencing at The Shell V-Power Motorsport Park in South Australia in March.

One of the key changes for 2026 will be the introduction of the IRC Super Development class of car titled the IRC-SD, designed for young up and coming racing drivers, providing them with an economical way to climb the motorsport ladder.

Built on the existing IRC chassis, entrants competing in the class will have all the electronic aids deactivated, will use a sequential gearbox whilst also running altered aero.

The new class will balance the field, allowing the Ams to compete against the youngsters in the IRC-SD machines.

Next year’s six-round calendar will be split in two, the first three events will run an endurance format, before switching to sprint formats to complete the season.

The endurance format will include a pair of 50-minute races with an additional driver option. The Sprint format will consist of four sprint races across the weekend.

In 2026 the Australian IRC Racing Series will welcome a new body shape in the Model A along with a raft of new drivers.

The Australian IRC Racing Series will kick off at the Shell V-Power Motorsport Park from March 13-15.

Marcos Ambrose – AASA Competition and Commercial Director

“IRC are the fastest cars on the Hi-Tec Oils Super Series platform and join us for Season 4 2026 with a new, well-structured and exciting IRC-SD car in addition to the already successful IRC-GT,” Ambrose said.

“IRC is for drivers who want to race an ultra-high performance vehicle and now with the IRC-SD car, it is also for drivers who want to develop and prove their skills on the way to the pinnacle of our sport.

“It will be great to watch the battle between the two types of drivers and classes during the season to see who comes out on top, especially with the split formats of Endurance and Sprint.”

Danny Stutterd – IRC owner

“After working with the AASA and the Hi-Tec Oils Super Series in year one, we are really pleased to lock in another year with them,” Stutterd said. “The first year was successful from our point of view, we are very happy to continue that relationship.

“The IRC Super Development Series came out of some interest about a category for up-and-coming younger drivers. 

“The IRC Super Development Series car has massive potential, we think there's a hole in the market in the middle tier.

“Through PACE Innovations, we've come up with a car that will help younger drivers with silver and gold ratings progress through their pathway.

“We've developed a car that will have less aids than the GT IRC car, the ABS and traction control will be turned off, and it’ll be fitted with a sequential stick shift gearbox. The other major change to the car is it’ll run less aero on the front with a different front splitter, and it’ll run a smaller rear wing positioned lower down and a weight tray.

“We think that these machines will run midfield, but it'll certainly form its own class within our series. We're really hoping that in a few years’ time, it might be even a separate standalone series for young silver and gold guys to go racing against each other.

“The entry numbers at this stage will see above 12-14 cars, but we’ve got some test days ahead of us with many new drivers testing the car in early December. So hopefully touch-wood will sell them a few more before the start of next year.”

Paul Ceprnich – PACE Innovations founder

“In conjunction with IRC we have developed and tested a current version of the IRC platform named the IRC SD,” he said.

“We believe this package offers unbeatable value to young drivers looking to hone their skills by racing their peers in cars that are all identical and very similar to those at the end of their pathway.”