Mostert overwhelmed by Ford fans' response

Chaz Mostert has been taken aback by the response from Ford fans amid his return to the Blue Oval.

Walkinshaw Andretti United’s switch to Mustangs has reunited Mostert with Ford, having represented the brand between 2013 and 2019.

Mostert joined WAU in 2020, and raced Commodores for the team for three seasons.

The 30-year-old is one of five drivers to have won Bathurst in Fords and Holdens.

Mostert has made 207 of his 298 career starts in Fords, and treated Blue Oval fans to a first-up series lead in Newcastle.

From signing sessions to driver parades, Ford fans have applauded Mostert’s return — and the response wasn’t lost on the driver.

“It’s definitely a homecoming for me to come back and represent Ford,” Mostert told the Schick Cool Down Lap podcast.

“I’ve spent most of my career in Supercars with Ford. Overall, I’m pumped to be back.

“The Ford army has welcomed me with their arms wide open, and also welcomed the team.

“It’s pretty special to have more Ford cars on the grid than what we’ve had over quite a few years now.

“It’s cool to be back."

Mostert was mere laps away from delivering a fairytale win in WAU’s first Ford round in Newcastle, only to be overhauled by Shane van Gisbergen late in Race 2.

The #25 Mobil 1 Optus Ford driver will carry a 45-point series lead to Albert Park, where he won two races last April.

Four sprint races will offer a completely different challenger versus the 250km marathons in Newcastle.

“It’s been a pretty physical weekend, I’m pretty knackered,” Mostert said.

“Obviously a positive weekend for the 25, to get a couple of podium places after the effort in the off-season.

“For all the guys and girls here [at WAU], it’s pretty cool.”

On van Gisbergen, Mostert added: "We’ve got a lot of work to do. That 97 was super fast throughout that race.

“The times he was doing were impressive. I could match the times, but I couldn’t have the longevity of it.

“Bit of work to do here in the WAU camp, but good to get the year underway.”

The 2023 Repco Supercars Championship will resume at the Beaurepaires Melbourne SuperSprint on March 30-April 2.