V8 Supercars open up for three new teams

Kiwi Shane Van Gisbergen in the Tekno Motorsports Holden Commodore. Photo / EDGE PHOTOGRAPHICS

V8 Supercars are confident of returning to a 28-car field next year with three unused entries put up for sale.

Chief executive James Warburton on Tuesday announced the start of a tender process for the dormant racing entitlement contracts (RECs), which were handed back by Tekno Autosports, Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport and Tony D'Alberto Racing before the 2014 season.

Each REC allows its owner to race one car, with holders also entitled to a share of V8s' end-of-year profits.

The move opens the door for new teams to enter the category, existing outfits to expand or previous entrants to return.

There is also the possibility of teams competing in V8 Supercars' development series to step up into the premier class.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to compete in one of the most successful categories in world motorsport and we believe there will be significant interest," Warburton said.

The news follows revelations at the weekend that leading NASCAR team owner Richard Childress was eyeing a move into V8 Supercars.

The American businessman and former racer is said to be interested in buying a team or at least establishing a technical partnership with a current contender.

It's also understood compatriot Roger Penske is deep in negotiations over a possible merger with Dick Johnson Racing, but could opt to buy one or more of the RECs instead.

Parties have until July 8 to register their interest and will be assessed by the V8 Supercars Board.

Successful bidders will be able to join the championship from the 2015 season.

-AAP