V8: 'V8' dropped from Supercars series name

V8 Supercars will drop the "V8" element of its name in July.

The Australian series has used the V8 Supercars moniker since 1997, but a name change was always set to accompany next year's incoming Gen2 regulations, which permit V6 and four-cylinder engines. The move will now coincide with a new naming rights sponsorship deal with the Virgin Australia airline.

From July 1, the date the nation's financial year begins, the series will officially be known as the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship.

"V8 engines will always be part of our sport but as we continue to open the door to new manufacturers and different engine configurations as part of the transition to the Gen2 regulations we believe the time is right to move to Supercars," CEO James Warburton said.

Six-time champion Jamie Whincup leads the 2016 standings ahead of Volvo driver Scott McLaughlin, who won both races of the latest round at Phillip Island, and reigning champion Mark Winterbottom.

The next round will take place at Barbagallo Raceway on May 6-8, with Hidden Valley's event on June 18-19 to be the last for the V8 Supercars name.

Originally on Autosport.com