Testing locked in for Ford crankshaft, AVL updates

Engine testing will take place in the lead-up to the Repco Bathurst 1000, following the AVL testing programme and updates to the Ford crankshaft.

Both Ford and Chevrolet engines will be tested at Queensland Raceway next week to test findings from recent AVL testing in the United States.

The Ford engine will also be tested with an updated crankshaft, following an investigation after a spate of failures at Sandown. Three engines fitted to Ford Mustang Supercars suffered crankshaft failures at the Penrite Oil Sandown 500 and subsequent ride day after the race.

Richie Stanaway’s Penrite Racing Mustang suffered a crankshaft failure during the Sandown race, before there were two further failures during the ride day.

Supercars General Manager of Motorsport Tim Edwards said any changes to engines will be confirmed before Bathurst.

"Engine testing of the Ford with an updated crankshaft and the Chevrolet with updates that followed testing at the AVL facility in Detroit will take place on track next week," Edwards said.

"Any changes to engines will be confirmed prior to the Repco Bathurst 1000."

After the Sandown failures, Ford's Supercars engine supplier Motorsport Powertrains quickly moved to confirm it will investigate the issue ahead of the Great Race. All Ford Supercar engines have returned to the Motorsport Powertrains facility in Queensland, and are being rebuilt.

In a statement released Thursday, Ford said a supply of Mustang GT3 crankshafts is being sourced for Bathurst, with the change to be homologated ahead of the October 10-13 event.

“At the Sandown 500 and subsequent rides day, three engines fitted to Ford Mustang Supercars suffered crankshaft failures,” a Ford statement reads.

“With Ford Performance, all Ford teams are working together to remediate the issue for the Repco Bathurst 1000.

“Every Ford Supercar engine has returned to the Motorsport Powertrains engine facility in South-East Queensland.

“Suppliers have been engaged locally and in the United States.

“Ford Performance has undertaken significant engineering development to make the Mustang GT3 crankshaft suitable for use in the Ford Supercar engine.

“Supercars will homologate this change in the lead up to the Bathurst 1000 race weekend. Supply will dictate how many engines will utilise this crankshaft at Bathurst.”

The 2024 Repco Supercars Championship will resume at the Great Race, the Repco Bathurst 1000, on October 10-13. Tickets for the event are on sale now.