Ford US keeps door open for V8 Supercars future

Ford Performance US has confirmed to motorsport.com that the door for the American brand in V8 Supercars has not been closed completely.
“Whether or not [V8 Supercars] is going to make its way into the overall spend that we want to make, and the contribution to the company, is yet to be seen. We’ll let you know when we have more to talk about,” said Dave Pericak, Ford Performance director, to motorsport.com.

Ford Australia announced last year that the brand is going to pull out from V8 Supercars at the end of 2015. But Ford team DJR Team Penske owner Roger Penske has been in contact with Ford Performance US regarding the future of the American brand in the Australian series.

“I’ll give you the same answer that I basically gave Roger; as Ford Performance, we are assessing our entire racing strategy and portfolio, and understanding what series that we want to actually participate in, and that best support the goals of Ford Performance and the Ford Motor Company. We have not finalised that yet, we’re in the process of doing that,” said Pericak.

A key ingredient for Ford’s involvement in V8 Supercars and racing in general is gaining data that can be used for the development of road cars. The new V8 Supercars regulations set for introduction in 2017 is something that could improve the chances of Ford continuing, as the regulations allows for new engine types and car models.

“I think there is a good market [in Australia]. It’s just whether or not we feel that we can learn from racing, because again this is about learning. Racing for us, yes we want to win, yes we go out on the track to win every weekend… but it’s also what can we learn, and how can we put that back in to the products that we put in people’s driveways every day. If the series is relevant to that, and it supports that goal, then we’ll participate,” said Pericak.