FORD ISSUE STATEMENT AFTER BATHURST PARITY REFUSED

October 5, 2023
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Supercars
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Ford’s hoped for Supercars parity changes have been refused. The Blue Oval had been seeking a change to the rear wings and front bar of the Mustang which, they believe, would shift the downforce balance.

We understand that meetings took place throughout yesterday and into the evening.

However, it is understood that the changes they were chasing have been rejected, therefore the Mustangs will run with the same aerodynamic package as they have since the Townsville round.

The Chev Camaro fill the top 5 spots in the current Championship Standings.

Ford Australia issued the following statement, which we have published below in its entirety:

At Ford Motor Company, we are deeply committed to supporting our teams and drivers in their pursuit of excellence on the track. We understand that motorsport is not only a reflection of our brand and our products, but also an important platform for showcasing the talent and dedication of our racing partners.

We are therefore deeply disappointed by the ongoing lack of technical parity in the Supercars Championship, which has left Ford and its teams at a significant disadvantage throughout the 2023 season.

This lack of technical parity has had a tangible impact on the performance of our teams and drivers. Despite their skill, experience, and hard work, they have struggled to compete with other cars that have a clear advantage. This has not only been frustrating for our racing partners, but also for our loyal fans and supporters who expect to see Ford on the podium and in contention for championships.

Despite the best efforts of Ford, Homologation Team Dick Johnson Racing (DJR) and engine supplier Herrod Performance Engines to work with all stakeholders to ensure a level playing field, a lack of movement by the series organiser has restricted our ability to compete on an equal footing.

Ford has long been requesting data transparency to assist in understanding the disparity that exists between the two cars. Unfortunately, this has been rejected on multiple occasions.

The latest parity review was initiated when Supercars computational fluid dynamics (CFD) partner D2H Group provided aerodynamic data of both cars to the homologation teams on August 24. This data clearly demonstrated that aerodynamic parity had not been achieved.

Since that time, Ford and DJR have engaged with Supercars in good faith to create an aerodynamic update package that would bring the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro Gen3 Supercars closer to aerodynamic parity.

Unfortunately, on the eve of the Bathurst 1000, the Supercars Board has refused to allow the changes which would bring the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro closer to technical parity.

We want to be clear that this is not a reflection of the quality of our cars or our racing programs. We are confident in the strength and capabilities of our vehicles and our teams. We know that they have the talent and determination to succeed in any competitive environment, as evidenced by their incredible histories in this sport.

Our top priority is to help our teams to deliver the best possible racing experience for our fans and supporters. We appreciate their loyalty and urge Supercars to create the level playing field they deserve.

UPDATE:

Full statement from Supercars

Throughout the year, our teams have followed, and Supercars has administered, a Parity Review System for the Repco Supercars Championship. This system serves as the process for evaluating and implementing parity adjustments under the rules and regulations for the category.

The Parity Review System has a trigger point of a potential parity imbalance being demonstrated in five consecutive races or five out of eight consecutive races.

The prescribed number of parity triggers showcasing a parity imbalance, as outlined in the system, have not been met at this time and there is no scope for a parity adjustment to be made for the Bathurst 1000 under the Parity Review System.

Supercars received a request from the Ford Homologation Team to implement a parity adjustment in advance of the Repco Bathurst 1000 outside of the Parity Review System.

Supercars considered the request in accordance with the terms of the Teams Racing Charter and the Supercars rules and regulations, which require the consent from all Supercars Teams to implement the requested parity adjustment change.

After numerous meetings with all Teams and key stakeholders, the requisite consent from the Supercars Teams has not been established to support the requested parity adjustment for the 2023 Repco Bathurst 1000.

We value the input and perspectives of all involved parties and aim to continue working in a manner that preserves the integrity of our sport and the rules and regulations that govern it.

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