√Ford one step closer to exiting V8 Supercars after parity row on eve of Bathurst 1000

The battle between the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro V8 Supercars was supposed to be closer for this weekend’s Bathurst 1000 motor race, however category organisers have disallowed changes that would have made for tighter racing.

Ford fans across Australia have been dealt a major blow – and the company’s involvement in the premier V8 Supercars category is now under serious threat – after category organisers disallowed technical changes that would have brought the top teams closer together in this weekend’s Bathurst 1000.

A Chevrolet Camaro currently leads the V8 Supercars Championship, and has been declared the winner in all but two of the 23 races so far this season, because it is widely accepted that the Ford Mustang has been disadvantaged despite technical rules that are designed to ensure close competition.

Ford Australia has been lobbying all year for rule changes that would help bring the Mustang up to speed and close the gap to the arch-rival Camaro, which has a bigger 5.7-litre V8 compared to the 5.4-litre V8 in the Ford.

V8 Supercars is what is known as a ‘parity’ motorsport category that allows changes throughout a season to ensure no one particular vehicle type has an unfair advantage.

However, Ford Australia says V8 Supercar organisers have not done enough to ensure a level playing field, and its calls for parity changes have fallen on deaf ears.

MORE: Ford motorsport boss weighing up V8 Supercars future

In a bombshell delivered on the eve of this year’s Bathurst 1000, the 60th running of the event, organisers said they would not allow further technical changes – understood to be modifications to the wings on the Ford Mustang that would improve its downforce in high-speed turns – ahead of this weekend’s endurance race.

Drive has been told by senior Ford Australia sources the company is “seriously considering” its options beyond 2024.

Although Ford has committed to supporting Mustang teams in V8 Supercars next year, Drive understands that Ford may not continue in the category beyond the end of 2024.

“This is another nail in the coffin for us,” said a senior Ford executive told Drive.

If Ford were to exit the sport, the V8 Supercars category would likely struggle to fill the void given that the Chevrolet Camaro is understood to have two years left to run.

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Ford Australia issued the following statement, which we have published below in its entirety:

At Ford Motor Company, we are deeply committed to supporting our teams and drivers in their pursuit of excellence on the track. We understand that motorsport is not only a reflection of our brand and our products, but also an important platform for showcasing the talent and dedication of our racing partners.

We are therefore deeply disappointed by the ongoing lack of technical parity in the Supercars Championship, which has left Ford and its teams at a significant disadvantage throughout the 2023 season.

This lack of technical parity has had a tangible impact on the performance of our teams and drivers. Despite their skill, experience, and hard work, they have struggled to compete with other cars that have a clear advantage. This has not only been frustrating for our racing partners, but also for our loyal fans and supporters who expect to see Ford on the podium and in contention for championships.

Despite the best efforts of Ford, Homologation Team Dick Johnson Racing (DJR) and engine supplier Herrod Performance Engines to work with all stakeholders to ensure a level playing field, a lack of movement by the series organiser has restricted our ability to compete on an equal footing.

Ford has long been requesting data transparency to assist in understanding the disparity that exists between the two cars. Unfortunately, this has been rejected on multiple occasions.

The latest parity review was initiated when Supercars computational fluid dynamics (CFD) partner D2H Group provided aerodynamic data of both cars to the homologation teams on August 24. This data clearly demonstrated that aerodynamic parity had not been achieved.

Since that time, Ford and DJR have engaged with Supercars in good faith to create an aerodynamic update package that would bring the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro Gen3 Supercars closer to aerodynamic parity.

Unfortunately, on the eve of the Bathurst 1000, the Supercars Board has refused to allow the changes which would bring the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro closer to technical parity.

We want to be clear that this is not a reflection of the quality of our cars or our racing programs. We are confident in the strength and capabilities of our vehicles and our teams. We know that they have the talent and determination to succeed in any competitive environment, as evidenced by their incredible histories in this sport.

Our top priority is to help our teams to deliver the best possible racing experience for our fans and supporters. We appreciate their loyalty and urge Supercars to create the level playing field they deserve.

To read our armchair guide to the Bathurst 1000 race this weekend, click here.

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