First Gen3 Supercar revealed
In an historic day for Supercars, the first Gen3 Ford Mustang owned and built by a team has been unveiled.
Blanchard Racing Team has this morning pulled the covers off Todd Hazelwood’s CoolDrive Racing Ford Mustang.
It came after another historic first for the category — the inaugural shakedown of a team-owned Gen3 vehicle.
The first Ford of the Gen3 era to begin its testing program, chassis BRT001, rolled out at Victoria’s Winton Raceway on Wednesday.
Tim Blanchard himself took the car for its first run before Hazelwood took the reins.
Hazelwood also had his first track running with new engineer Mirko De Rosa.
In addition to BRT staff, Supercars Head of Motorsport Adrian Burgess and engine head Craig Hasted were present.
It comes just 37 days’ out from the car's debut at the Thrifty Newcastle 500.
"We commend Tim Blanchard and his team for their efforts to get to this point and begin the next phase of their Gen3 journey," Supercars CEO Shane Howard said.
"Gen3 is the biggest change in the history of our sport, and to see the first of 25 Supercars on track, unveiled in its racing colours this morning, is an exciting moment.
"This is the first shakedown and livery reveal from the Supercars teams, and more will follow over coming days, which is great news for fans as we continue the countdown to their racing debut in March.
"We acknowledge the incredible amount of work by team members, manufacturers, engineers and the technical experts involved in this project, who have worked long hours over the Christmas period and throughout summer to bring their teams to this point.
"Due to their efforts, we are now seeing these amazing Supercars on track in team colours ahead of their racing debut."
2017 Super2 champion Hazelwood said: "The new BRT001 in its striking CoolDrive Auto Parts colours looks amazing.
“The metallic blue paint really makes the finish of the car look super professional, and it looks fast just sitting still.
“The team here at BRT 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.”
BRT Team Co-Principal John Blanchard added: "The effort that Mirko and the entire crew have put into the build of this new Mustang is incredible.
“The build of the new Gen3 car started back September last year, when we started planning and preparing our resources in anticipation.
“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 obviously a very exciting time for Supercars with the introduction of the Gen3 project, which will truly level the playing field for competitors."
Several teams are expected to hit the track for their Gen3 shakedowns on February 7.
Dick Johnson Racing and Matt Stone Racing will take to Queensland Raceway, while Tickford Racing, Brad Jones Racing and Penrite Racing will roll out cars at Winton.
All shakedown and testing days are free to attend for the public.
The official test day for all 25 Supercars will take place at Sydney Motorsport Park on February 22, which is also free to the public.
The first event of the Gen3 era is the Thrifty Newcastle 500, running on the streets of NSW's second largest city from 10-12 March.
Tickets are on sale on Supercars.com and Ticketek.com.
