This weekend, the PIRTEK Enduro Cup for the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship returns with the first of the two driver races - the Wilson Security Sandown 500 in Melbourne.

26 combinations are in the fight for this year’s PIRTEK Enduro Cup with a wildcard - the Harvey Norman Supergirls joining Nissan Motorsport for the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000.

Garth Tander (left) and two-time Champion, Warren Luff will be chasing their second straight Cup Title, whilst Ford, Nissan and Volvo are all aiming to end Holden's reign as the leading manufacturer in Supercars Season of Endurance.

THE CIRCUIT & RACE FORMAT

The Wilson Security Sandown 500 features a unique qualifying and race format where both drivers have their part to play in establishing grid positions for Sunday’s 161-lap epic.

The 3.1km circuit which surrounds Sandown Park racecourse has hosted more Australian Touring Car Championship/Supercars Championship rounds than any other circuit.

Here's a brief rundown on how the Sandown 500 works:- 20-minute Qualifying session to set grid for Qualifying Race 1- Co-Driver's only 20-Lap Qualifying Race 1- Finishing position establishes the starting grid for Qualifying Race 2- Main Drivers compete in 20-Lap Qualifying Race- Qualifying Race 2 finishing order sets grid for Wilson Security Sandown 500- Wilson Security Sandown 500 is a 161-Lap, 500km, two-driver race- Championship and PIRTEK Enduro Cup points are awarded on Sunday's race only - with 300 points being awarded to the winner

TRACK & TV SCHEDULE

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1611:20am-11:50amPractice 1 30 mins 1:35pm-2:05pmPractice 2 (Co-Drivers) 30 mins 4:35pm-5:05pmPractice 3 (Co-Drivers) 30 mins

TV: Fox Sports 506: 10:30am-5:45pm

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

10:05am-10:35am Practice 4 30 mins11:50am-12:10pm Qualifying 20 mins1:45pm-2:25pm Qualifying Race 1 20 Laps4:15pm-4:55pm Qualifying Race 2 20 Laps

TV: Fox Sports 506: 9:00am-5:15pmNetwork Ten: 12:00pm-5:00pm

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

9:35am-9:55am Warmup 20 mins1:15pm-4:50pm Sandown 500 161 Laps

TV: Fox Sports 506: 9:00am-5:30pmNetwork Ten: 11:30am-5:00pm