Supercars makes Mustang aero changes
Ford’s new Mustang Supercar will undergo aerodynamic changes ahead of the PIRTEK Perth SuperNight.
From Perth, all Mustangs will compete with smaller rear wing endplates, a lower rear wing Gurney flap and a reduced front undertray extension.
The changes have been made after an extensive analysis of track data and additional Computational Fluid Dynamic work by Supercars’ technical department and its UK-based technology partner D2H.
Ford’s full statement on Mustang tweaks
Supercars and the three homologation teams – DJR Team Penske, Triple Eight and Kelly Racing – had signed off on the Mustang’s initial specification after aerodynamic testing (VCAT) last December.
In a statement, Supercars said the changes are being made based on the Racing Entitlements Contract (REC) and rule A1.4 of the Supercars Operation Manual.
Rule A1.4 spells out the championship’s technical parity guidelines, allowing changes if a significant disparity exists between the competing cars.
Centre of gravity changes were made to the Mustangs and the Holden Commodores last month, following a test that showed a disparity with the Nissan Altima.
Supercars CEO Sean Seamer stressed the requirement for any car entering the category to meet the incumbents.
“The Supercars Technical department has worked through the data available and requested these changes from homologating team DJR Team Penske and Ford Performance in a transparent manner,” he said.
“The Mustang is a world class race car and we respect the work that has gone in to developing the package. Despite passing VCAT any incoming car needs to meet the incumbent.
“DJRTP and Ford Performance understand that technical parity underpins the success of the sport and accept the changes.”
Ford’s global director of motorsport, Mark Rushbrook expressed disappointment at the change, but says the company will do its talking on the track.
“This is a world class car developed by Ford, Ford Performance, DJR Team Penske and Tickford,” he said.
“We are incredibly proud of it and we stand by the state-of-the-art package we introduced into the series.
“Ford Performance exists to win races and championships and we are here to do just that.
“From here on we will do our talking on the racetrack.”
Led by DJR Team Penske's defending champion Scott McLaughlin, the Mustang has won nine of the year's first 10 races and claimed eight ARMOR ALL Poles.
