FORD SUPERCARS FUTURE SECURE – FOR NOW
By Bruce Williams
Date posted: 18 September 2020
Ford Supercars future secure – for now – Photo: InSyde Media
Newly appointed Ford Australia boss Andrew Birkic has cautiously confirmed the company’s commitment to Supercars amid dissent from Detroit over possible Gen3 technical changes.
By MARK FOGARTY
Birkic indicated the company would continue support next year before reviewing its involvement once the Gen3 rules, due to be introduced in 2022, were announced.
While there is no fixed timeframe for Broadmeadows’ participation, he emphasised that Supercars needed competitive, entertaining racing between different makes that was market relevant for Ford to remain.
His stance aligns with the position of Ford Performance racing chief Mark Rushbrook, who has also questioned the direction of Gen3.
Rushbrook opposes moves for Supercars to homologate the shape of the cars without manufacturer involvement and the adoption of a standardised control engine, even if it were based on Ford’s Coyote V8.
As well, he is insistent that Ford would only be interested in staying in Supercars if there is a new rival to replace Holden.
Birkic, who professes to be a long-time rally fan with an interest in Supercars and F1, maintained that under his new reign, Ford Australia wanted to remain in racing.
“In terms of where we’re going, we certainly are committed to motor sport,” he said, adding some key riders.
“We want the series to be competitive – I think that’s really, really important. But we want it to be high profile as well and I think that’s really important. We want the sport to be competitive and we want people to be watching it, whether it’s on TV, online or at the track.
“I think it’s really, really important that it’s entertainment. And we want it to be relevant. It needs to be relevant to what we sell and I think with Mustang, we’re incredibly lucky.
“Certainly, we’ll continue to work with the Supercars team and we look forward to participating.”
Birkic has taken over as president and chief executive officer of Ford Australia from Kay Hart, who was a big supporter of the Blue Oval’s return to Supercars with the Mustang.
Broadmeadows funded the development of the Supercars Mustang with extensive technical assistance from Ford Performance in Detroit.
Ford also provides support to Mustang teams DJR Team Penske, Tickford Racing and, from this year, Kelly Racing.
When pressed on Ford Australia’s continued involvement, Birkic said: “As far as I know, we’re committed to motor sport and that’s where we are.”
As clarification, spokesman Damion Smy added: “Actually, we don’t have a clock on Supercars. There’s no end date for us, so we’ll keep going for the foreseeable future.
“There’s no timeframe for us in terms of participation, so we’re working with Supercars on Gen3 and when that becomes public, we’ll happily comment.
“But at the moment, there’s no end in sight for Ford’s involvement in motor sport in Australia.”
Asked if he were looking ahead to Gen3 and 2022 positively, Birkic replied: “We’d certainly welcome more manufacturers and we have to ensure the costs are controlled.
“As Damion said, there is no clock. We want the series to be competitive, we want it to be entertaining, we want it to high profile, we want it to be relevant. And if we can get that formula right, then we’re committed.
“Ford has always been in motor sport. It’s part of our DNA and part of our heritage, and as long it’s relevant and has the right formula, then I’d like to continue that investment.”
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