In addition to its status as a world class motor sport event, this weekend's Clipsal 500 Adelaide will provide the backdrop for a groundbreaking major research project carried out by the Australian Institute for Motor Sport Safety (AIMSS).

With support from the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS), V8 Supercars Australia, the South Australian Motor Sport Board (SAMSB) and Monash University, AIMSS is conducting detailed specific research which will monitor factors affecting the physiology of drivers, crew members and officials at this weekend's event.

AIMSS Chairman, Dr Michael Henderson, expressed his excitement for the project and that another significant milestone has been reached for AIMSS.

"We are delighted that AIMSS has been able to link with Monash University to endorse and conduct these studies. The research team, led by Dr Trevor Allen and Dr Adele White, will monitor physiological changes to the body which occur during long races in difficult conditions for the three types of participants at the event. The tests will monitor levels of carbon monoxide, core body temperature and hydration status to identify any effects on performance and the effectiveness of existing devices used to reduce their effects."

"The AIMSS Research Advisory Group has a number of research projects in train and the FIA has chosen to assist AIMSS to fast-track this project. Those at the highest levels within the FIA have indicated significant interest in early findings from this research due to its applicability to a number of events worldwide. A report of the findings will be submitted for publication in the international safety research literature."

V8 Supercars Australia CEO, Wayne Cattach, has also thrown his support behind the project.

"Safety is one of our key areas of responsibility and we are constantly improving the standard of safety in our category. We look to CAMS and AIMSS to provide leadership, expertise and guidance in this area. As a corporate member of AIMSS, we are pleased to support this research as it will provide important data which can be used to make motor sport safer for all participants in the future.

"I'd also like to commend the drivers and crew members from our teams who will take part in this project, as it is testimony to those at all levels of V8 Supercars that they have embraced support for this testing and we will be very interested in its outcomes."

South Australian Motor Sport Board CEO, Andrew Daniels, added his endorsement from the Board.

"The Clipsal 500 Adelaide is a unique event with great importance to South Australia. Apart from its appeal to the public as a premier event on the world motor sport calendar, the Clipsal 500 Adelaide provides an interesting challenge to the drivers and teams and is an excellent stage for testing aspects of safety which will provide benefits to the sport both in Australia and internationally. We are delighted that AIMSS has been able to conduct such an important research project at this year's event."