MUSTANG TO SPARK MANUFACTURER INTEREST

Sean Seamer and Graeme Whickman discuss the introduction of the Mustang – Photo: Dirk Klynsmith

Amid Ford’s confirmation of Mustang’s return in 2019 and its support of the development program led by Tickford Racing and DJR Team Penske, Supercars CEO Sean Seamer hinted that further manufacturer interest could be just around the corner based on Ford’s commitment.

“There have been a number of ongoing discussions between the Supercars teams and manufacturers, and we are supporting those discussions,” Seamer said.

“I think this project certainly puts the best laid in the ground that we as a category, as a sport, a business we are flexible with the guidelines that we operate under.”

Ford Australia President and CEO Graeme Whickman noted that it was important that new manufacturers are attracted to competing in Supercars as questions are being asked about Holden’s immediate future.

“It’s not just red versus blue,” Whickman said.

“We don’t measure ourselves against one car manufacturer whether that be on the road or on the track, we are trying to establish ourselves separate to Holden versus Ford.”

With much doubt hanging over Nissan’s re-commitment to Supercars past this season, Seamer discussed that the GT-R was Nissan’s prime candidate for the Gen 2 regulations and that discussions continue between the class, manufacturer and team.

“We are working with Nissan and Todd Kelly on what the future looks like for those guys, we don’t have an update at this point,” Seamer continued.

“The question is whether we’d all like to see Godzilla return? Yes, absolutely.

“Do the Gen 2 regulations allow for that? Yes, absolutely.”

Tickford Racing Co-Owner Rod Nash believes that the introduction of the Mustang is the beginning of a new era in Supercars where manufacturer interest will increase. Nash is confident that the class will feature a variety of models on the grid in the near future.

“The Mustang body certainly sets the agenda for the competition,” Nash said.

“We all agree that the point of the COTF car was to be adaptable and keep costs under control.”

“Every time we build a new bodyshape we don’t have to build a new car, so we have to design the body to fit the COTF car. That’s what’s great about the Gen2, it’ll bring in a brand say Chev and Holden, you might see different bodyshapes competing out there in the Commodore and Camaro.”

“I think that’s where the landscape is.”

It was confirmed that customer teams 23Red and Matt Stone Racing will join the Tickford Racing and DJR Team Penske on the grid in 2019, though there potentially could be another team with Mustangs in 2019.

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