Blanchard Racing Team reveals livery at successful shakedown
By Thomas Miles
Date posted: 1 February 2023
Blanchard Racing Team has showed off its new Gen3 Ford Mustang after being the first to hit the track at Winton today.
BRT will forever be known as the first Supercars squad to run a Gen3 car after both team owner Tim Blanchard and driver Todd Hazelwood cut laps in a successful shakedown at the Victorian circuit on Wednesday, February 1.
It was a major milestone in the road to the Newcastle 500 with Monday’s scheduled shakedown at Queensland Raceway being postponed with teams still trying to get their cars ready.
However, the smallest team on the grid has been able to build its Ford Mustang in-house and get it on track before anyone else.
BRT used the opportunity to reveal the warpaint new-recruit Hazelwood will carry in the 2023 season.
BRT will retain its familiar blue look for Todd Hazelwood’s 2023 challenger. Image: Daniel Kalisz
The shots are the first chance for fans to catch a glimpse of a Gen3 racecar with only the prototype Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro being seen previously.
Car #3 will stick to its signature bright blue CoolDrive Auto Parts look and Hazelwood loves it.
“The new BRT001 in its striking CoolDrive Auto Parts colours looks amazing,” said Hazelwood after the shakedown.
“The metallic blue paint really makes the finish of the car look super professional, and it looks fast just sitting still.
The mean looking Gen3 Ford Mustang. Image: Daniel Kalisz
“The team here at Blanchard Racing Team have done a superb job with the build of this brand new Mustang.
“They have aimed for perfection in every aspect, and when you look closely at the car, you can truly see the attention to detail.
“I’m working harder than ever to ensure the long hours, late nights and commitment this team has made will be rewarded with some great results in 2023.
“I’m sure the Ford fans will love our blue CoolDrive Mustang, and I’m keen to continue with the testing and development program.”
Blanchard Racing Team’s new Gen3 Ford Mustang rolls out of the garage at Winton. Image: Daniel Kalisz
BRT co-principal John Blanchard said being the first Supercars team to drive a Gen3 car is a source of great pride after a long four-month journey.
“The effort that Mirko (De Rosa) and the entire crew have put into the build of this new Mustang is incredible, it is a tribute to the flexibility of a single-car operation,” said Blanchard.
“The build of the new Gen 3 car started back in September last year, when we started planning and preparing our resources in anticipation.
Todd Hazelwood is ready for Newcastle after being the first driver to steer some laps of a Gen3 racecar at BRT’s shakedown today. Image: Daniel Kalisz
“We significantly increased our manufacturing capabilities, minimised outside commitments, picked up parts to save time on freight no matter where in the country they were, built as many components in house as possible to minimise reliance on third parties and just worked hard and long hours.
“I am very proud of everyone in our business and team for what they have achieved to get this car on track by 1 February – it has been a real team effort.
“It’s exciting to have Todd behind the wheel of the CoolDrive Mustang for the first time, and we’re looking forward to a big season, paying off the long hours, and the blood, sweat and tears the crew have put into this program to date.”
After the breakthrough shakedown, BRT will complete an additional test at Winton before all Supercars teams converge on Sydney Motorsport Park for an all-in test on February 22.
For more of the latest motorsport news pick up the latest issue of AUTO ACTION.
AUTO ACTION, Australia’s independent voice of motorsport
Recent Stories
array (
0 =>
WP_Term::__set_state(array(
'term_id' => 11,
'name' => 'Latest News',
'slug' => 'latest-news',
'term_group' => 0,
'term_taxonomy_id' => 11,
'taxonomy' => 'category',
'description' => '',
'parent' => 0,
'count' => 16553,
'filter' => 'raw',
'cat_ID' => 11,
'category_count' => 16553,
'category_description' => '',
'cat_name' => 'Latest News',
'category_nicename' => 'latest-news',
'category_parent' => 0,
)),
1 =>
WP_Term::__set_state(array(
'term_id' => 38,
'name' => 'Supercars',
'slug' => 'supercars',
'term_group' => 0,
'term_taxonomy_id' => 38,
'taxonomy' => 'category',
'description' => 'The Supercars Championship, currently known as the Repco Supercars Championship, is the premier motorsport category in Australasia and one of Australia\'s biggest sports. It originated from the Australian Touring Car Championship (ATCC), which held its first race in 1960 at Gnoo-Blas in Orange, New South Wales. The ATCC evolved over the years, and in 1997, it was rebranded as the V8 Supercars Championship, eventually becoming the Supercars Championship we know today.
Some of the leading drivers in the history of the Supercars Championship include Peter Brock, who is often referred to as the "King of the Mountain" for his nine victories at the Bathurst 1000, a race that is considered one of the biggest in the series. Other notable drivers include Dick Johnson, Marcos Ambrose, Craig Lowndes, Shane van Gisbergen, Jamie Whincup, who holds the record for the most championship titles, and Mark Skaife, who has also been a dominant force in the series.
The Bathurst 1000, held at Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, New South Wales, is arguably the most famous race in the Supercars calendar. Other significant races include the Sandown 500 and the Adelaide 500, which are known for their challenging circuits and thrilling competitions.
The Supercars Championship has grown to become a globally recognized series, known for its competitive racing and passionate fan base. It continues to be a major part of Australia\'s motorsport culture, attracting top drivers and teams from around the world.',
'parent' => 0,
'count' => 5534,
'filter' => 'raw',
'cat_ID' => 38,
'category_count' => 5534,
'category_description' => 'The Supercars Championship, currently known as the Repco Supercars Championship, is the premier motorsport category in Australasia and one of Australia\'s biggest sports. It originated from the Australian Touring Car Championship (ATCC), which held its first race in 1960 at Gnoo-Blas in Orange, New South Wales. The ATCC evolved over the years, and in 1997, it was rebranded as the V8 Supercars Championship, eventually becoming the Supercars Championship we know today.
Some of the leading drivers in the history of the Supercars Championship include Peter Brock, who is often referred to as the "King of the Mountain" for his nine victories at the Bathurst 1000, a race that is considered one of the biggest in the series. Other notable drivers include Dick Johnson, Marcos Ambrose, Craig Lowndes, Shane van Gisbergen, Jamie Whincup, who holds the record for the most championship titles, and Mark Skaife, who has also been a dominant force in the series.
The Bathurst 1000, held at Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, New South Wales, is arguably the most famous race in the Supercars calendar. Other significant races include the Sandown 500 and the Adelaide 500, which are known for their challenging circuits and thrilling competitions.
The Supercars Championship has grown to become a globally recognized series, known for its competitive racing and passionate fan base. It continues to be a major part of Australia\'s motorsport culture, attracting top drivers and teams from around the world.',
'cat_name' => 'Supercars',
'category_nicename' => 'supercars',
'category_parent' => 0,
)),
2 =>
WP_Term::__set_state(array(
'term_id' => 2029,
'name' => 'ZZZ-Email',
'slug' => 'email',
'term_group' => 0,
'term_taxonomy_id' => 2029,
'taxonomy' => 'category',
'description' => '',
'parent' => 2031,
'count' => 7111,
'filter' => 'raw',
'cat_ID' => 2029,
'category_count' => 7111,
'category_description' => '',
'cat_name' => 'ZZZ-Email',
'category_nicename' => 'email',
'category_parent' => 2031,
)),
3 =>
WP_Term::__set_state(array(
'term_id' => 2031,
'name' => 'ZZZ-RSSFeeds',
'slug' => 'zzz-rssfeeds',
'term_group' => 0,
'term_taxonomy_id' => 2031,
'taxonomy' => 'category',
'description' => '',
'parent' => 0,
'count' => 6466,
'filter' => 'raw',
'cat_ID' => 2031,
'category_count' => 6466,
'category_description' => '',
'cat_name' => 'ZZZ-RSSFeeds',
'category_nicename' => 'zzz-rssfeeds',
'category_parent' => 0,
)),
)
