NEW CO-OWNER FOR LDM AND A SWITCH TO FORDS IN 2018

LDM will be running Prodrive Ford’s next year. Photo: LAT

THERE ARE big changes coming for LD Motorsport in 2018, with a new ownership structure and a switch from Holdens to Fords.

While no announcement is expected for some time, AA understands that the team will run two Prodrive Racing Falcons next year, for co-owners Lucas Dumbrell and Phil Munday. The long-time Holden man, who sponsored the team in recent times through his Repair Management business, is believed to be finalising a deal to take a stake in the team.

LDM’s retro-themed livery for this weekend’s Sandown 500

All the details are subject to approval by Supercars, but AA’s understanding of the deal is that the team will continue in its two-car format, in spite of suggestions that it would downsize to a single entry.

AA attempted to contact Munday this week but has has been unable to receive any comment.

One of the blanks yet to be filled in is who will drive alongside Alex Rullo, who we believe has a long-term deal with the team. The move to Ford opens a number of possibilities, including PRA protege Richie Stanaway, who made such an impressive Super2 debut in a PRA Falcon at Sydney Motorsport Park last month.

There are also rumours that LDM might become involved in Super2, in which Prodrive has run a program for Garry Jacobson and Josh Kean this season. Such a move would make sense for the team but if that were to happen, it may mean that the team would need to relocate to bigger premises than its current Nunawading, Melbourne, base.

In the meantime the team will complete the season with its current Commodores, which have been reliveried for this weekend’s retro-themed round at the Sandown 500.

We’ve got more of the latest news out of the Supercars paddock in the current issue of Auto Action magazine. In the mean time follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or sign up for our weekly email newsletter for all the latest updates between issues.