As the Supercars series enables two-door coupes entry for the first time since its inception, Ford – in collaboration with DJR Team Penske and Tickford Racing – has begun work on homologation of the Mustang for competition next year
The Ford Mustang will make its Australian track debut at the first round of the Supercars Series in March 2019 at the Adelaide 500. The manufacturer will work with DJR Team Penske and Tickford Racing, combining the technical knowledge and expertise of Ford Performance with the experience and skill set of the teams.
“We’re proud to announce that Ford Australia, with our Ford Performance global team, is working with DJR Team Penske and Tickford Racing to homologate Mustang for 2019,” said Ford Australia president and CEO Graeme Whickman.
“There’s been a lot of speculation and calls for Mustang to be on the track, and as a Ford Performance model that’s raced around the world, it’s fitting that Australia’s most popular sports car should be on our race tracks.”
Ford Performance has worked with a number of competition partners globally, including Chip Ganassi Racing in the World Endurance Championship with the Le Mans-winning Ford GT; and the Ford Fiesta with M-Sport, 2017 World Rally Champions and current leaders of the WRC. In addition, Ford Performance is also part of NASCAR and the British Formula 4 competitions.
“The Mustang nameplate is one the of the most legendary in the world and we are proud to have it lining up on our grid in 2019,” noted Sean Seamer, CEO of Supercars Australia. “I know Australians, New Zealanders and our fans around the world will be just as excited as I am to see the Mustang take to our tracks in the world’s best Touring car racing.”
Dick Johnson, co-owner of DJR Team Penske, added, “Throughout the entire history of this team, we’ve never run anything but a Ford, and this announcement today is fantastic.
“The fact that we will be able to build and race a Mustang in the 2019 Supercars Championship is music to my ears. It’s great to be back in the Ford fold, and we’ll continue to ensure that we give Ford – and its millions of fans – something to cheer about.”
As part of the Supercars announcement, Ford has also revealed that the new Ranger Raptor will debut as the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship official recovery truck following its arrival in Australian showrooms in Q4 2018.
