Photo: Ford

Ford confirm Supercars return with Mustang model for 2019

By

Ford has confirmed returned support for the Supercars championship in 2019 with the introduction of the Mustang model.

“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 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.”

The Mustang replaces the iconic Falcon model that has been active in the championship for 26 years. Production of the road car Falcon model ceased in 2016 and speculation on a replacement has been ongoing for a while.

The new Gen2 regulations allow two-door cars such as the Mustang, while Ford has decided to continue with the existing V8 engine rather than developing a new turbocharged V6 engine that Holden was in the process of doing, although halted.

DJR Team Penske, which also run a factory-backed Ford NASCAR programme in the USA, are pleased to see the introduction of the Mustang in the Supercars championship.

”We have been working closely with the Ford Motor Company over the past few years and this really builds a lot of momentum for Supercars,” said team co-owner Roger Penske.

“Ford’s dedication to the technical aspects of this process will continue to raise the bar for DJR Team Penske and the other Ford teams. The Mustang brand has such an iconic history in motorsports and it will be great to be racing them in multiple series.”