Ford not lost to V8 Supercars

V8 Supercars expect Ford to be involved with Australia’s premier racing category at least until 2016, and potentially beyond, despite today’s news that the Blue Oval will take manufacturing overseas.

Ford announced today that is it ceasing local production and that the Falcon would not be produced post-2016. It still leaves V8 Supercars open to another Ford model post 2016.

“Ford has an enormously proud and successful racing heritage globally as well as here in Australia with the Falcon, the Mustang, Sierra and Cortina,” said V8 Supercars.

“We expect that to continue for at least the next three years and beyond.

“The very purpose of Car of the Future is to adapt to the market conditions. It is incredibly successful with Nissan and Mercedes-AMG on the grid, and more to come. It is the future of the sport.”

Ford has six cars currently on the grid. Four with the factory team Pepsi Max FPR Racing and another two with the iconic Dick Johnson Racing stable.

Pepsi Max FPR co-owner Rod Nash said the news had not affected the teams’ discussions with Ford.

“While we are of course sorry to hear that Ford will be ending local production from October 2016, this by no means signals an end to Ford in Australia, nor to the close relationship we have with the company,” Nash said in a prepared statement.

“Ford is a robust global company and one that has taken a tough decision to ensure the future viability of its business here in Australia. It will continue to be a significant force in the Australian automotive landscape.

“We are proud to fly the Ford flag and look forward to doing so for years to come.”

V8 Supercars introduced the Car of the Future in response to the smaller market share of Holden and Ford compared to when the category was formed in 1997.

This year Nissan has joined the sport as a fully-fledged factory team with Jack Daniel’s Racing, enjoying solid form and success already. Erebus Motorsport runs three Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Supercars in a customer arrangement and has made it clear they are in for the long haul.