First Triple Eight Ford Mustang Gen3 Supercar unveiled

Triple Eight Race Engineering has offered a glimpse at its future with Ford, revealing its first Mustang Supercar.

Announced at the start of the year, Triple Eight will switch from General Motors to the Blue Oval from 2026.

The news, while polarising for many given Triple Eight's rich history with GM, was arguably the biggest team manufacturer change in the sport's history.

In the months since the announcement, Triple Eight has prepared to take over homologation team honours for Ford from Dick Johnson Racing, with Team 18 announced as its GM replacement.

Red Bull Ampol Racing currently leads both drivers' and teams' championships heading to the Repco Bathurst 1000, where seven of its 10 victories were taken in GM machinery.

On Friday, the Queensland squad revealed its first Gen3 Mustang Supercar, which is set to hit the track in 2026.

The Ford, complete in silver Mustang livery, will be taken to the United States for wind tunnel testing alongside the Chevrolet Camaro and new-for-2025 Toyota GR Supra.

Triple Eight-build Fords raced on in Supercars after the team transitioned to Holden in 2010, with DJR ironically winning that year's championship in a car built by its arch-rivals.

In a blog, Triple Eight boss Jamie Whincup said the team completing its first Gen3 Ford Supercar was a "truly significant milestone."

"We've just completed the very first Triple Eight-built Ford Mustang Supercar, and it’s now prepped and ready for its journey to the United States for Supercars' mandated wind tunnel testing at the end of the year," Whincup said.

"This is a full-circle moment, really. For those who remember, Triple Eight started in Supercars as a Ford team back in 2003, and we enjoyed a successful run with the Blue Oval until the end of 2009. That era saw us bag three Bathurst 1000 victories with Craig Lowndes and myself, along with my first two drivers' championships in 2008 and 2009. It was a fantastic period that laid the foundation for our team's future dominance.

"Now, as we look ahead to 2026, we’re returning to Ford, and the excitement around the workshop is palpable. Seeing this Mustang come together, piece by piece, has filled me with immense pride. The dedication and hard work from every single person in our team is nothing short of phenomenal.

"To get this car built to such a high standard, ready for its crucial wind tunnel validation, is a credit to them all. This transition is a massive undertaking, and our team has tackled it with their usual relentless pursuit of excellence."

It comes after the Blue Oval recently announced the rebrand of its global arm to 'Ford Racing'. Mustang Supercars will carry the new branding from 2026.

"This isn't just about changing badges; it's about a renewed partnership and a shared vision with Ford Racing. As Managing Director, my role is to do what's best for Triple Eight, and this move is a logical progression for the team's future," Whincup added.

"We've recognised the same passion at Ford that we have here at Triple Eight, and their commitment to motorsport, globally and in Supercars, is impressive. We're eager to continue our legacy of success and push the boundaries of performance with the Mustang platform.

"We're excited to be part of the Ford Performance ecosystem and the opportunities this long-term partnership will bring. The future is bright, and I can't wait to see what we can achieve together. Bring on 2026."

Triple Eight leads both championships with its Camaros heading to the Repco Bathurst 1000 on October 9-12.