FORD threatens to quit supercars over parity problems
Ford Performance Contemplates Supercars Exit Due to Parity Frustrations
Frustration over insufficient transparency in the Supercars series has left Ford Performance chief Mark Rushbrook pondering the brand's future involvement, sparking concerns of a potential withdrawal. As the debate over performance parity continues to dominate discussions, Ford's dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs could lead to a significant shift.
The inaugural season of the Gen3 technical regulations has been marred by ongoing disputes surrounding the performance balance between the Chevrolet Camaro and the Ford Mustang. The Mustang has clinched only two wins this season, one of which came after Triple Eight Racing was disqualified due to technical violations in Newcastle.
With the Mustang's qualifying performance also lagging behind the Camaro, averaging a starting position of 3.47 compared to the Camaro's impressive 1.15, Ford Performance's concerns have grown more pronounced. Mark Rushbrook's outspoken voice against Ford's parity struggles has garnered attention, and his recent comments suggest a potential reconsideration of the brand's participation in the series.
Rushbrook's frustration was evident in his remarks to Cars Guide, where he hinted at the possibility of reevaluating Ford's position in Supercars. He acknowledged that every series, including Supercars, undergoes regular assessment, with the primary objective being the pursuit of victory and championships.
While Supercars initiated an inquiry into the disparity issue after the Darwin Triple Crown, subsequent technical adjustments were implemented for Ford cars during the Townsville and Sydney SuperNight events. These changes were aimed at enhancing driveability and mitigating rear tire wear, which had been a significant disadvantage for Ford.
Despite these modifications, the outcome remains uncertain. Anton de Pasquale's victory in Townsville provided a glimmer of hope, but the overall competitiveness of the Ford pack has shown signs of decline. While Mustangs have stood on the podium in the last four races, the number of Mustang drivers consistently featuring in the top 10 has decreased.
Rushbrook credited series organizers for addressing Ford's parity concerns but emphasized the frustration stemming from the lack of transparency in the data-sharing process. He highlighted the disparity between Supercars and NASCAR, where he has access to detailed data on every car's performance, enabling more informed decision-making.
Rushbrook underscored the importance of improving the parity process, indicating that the resolution of these issues is vital for Ford's continued involvement in the sport. While he acknowledged the potential of racing Ford against Chevy in Australia as an exciting opportunity, Rushbrook's concerns over the inadequacies in the parity tools remain a pivotal factor in the brand's decision-making process.
The Supercars series now stands at a crossroads, as the quest for fair and transparent performance parity takes center stage, potentially shaping the landscape of the sport and the participation of major manufacturers like Ford.
