Ford has reportedly pulled its support for Supercars with regard to advertising, its Safety Car, and support vehicles.
According to Speedcafe, the brand has grown dissatisfied with the touring car race series after a controversial penalty was given to Cam Waters, a Ford-supported driver, last weekend.
The Tickford racing driver was given a five-second time penalty for an unsafe pit release during Race 18 at Sydney Motorsport Park, causing him to heavily criticise the sport over the team radio.
As a result of this, the Australian arm of Ford has supposedly indicated that it will pull its support from the category itself. However, we understand that it will continue to support teams that race the Gen3 Mustang.
That means the Ranger Raptor Safety Car, Ranger Raptor Recovery Vehicle, Mustang Course Car, and Escape ST-Line Medical Car will no longer be supplied to Supercars.
As for their replacement, the only other make competing in Supercars is Chevrolet with its Camaro. The American brand currently only sells the Silverado pick-up and Corvette sportscar in Australia, both of which could lend their hands as recovery and safety cars respectively.
Ford Australia reportedly indicated that it will pull its advertising support for the race series as well.
When pressed about the issue, the Australian arm of Ford supplied Speedcafe with a general comment, stating: “We are passionate about racing and continue to support our Supercars teams.” The Blue Oval brand also mentioned that it “regularly evaluate[s] advertising and sponsorship investments based on priorities.”
Although these plans are unconfirmed, they indicate a level of dissatisfaction with the racing category, something that has New Zealander Shane van Gisbergen seeking motorsport success elsewhere.
The three-time Supercars champion recently indicated his plans to race in NASCAR permanently from next year, albeit on a part-time basis.
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