EXCLUSIVE: Ford engine impasse over
In another Supercars super-scoop, Mark Fogarty reveals that DJR and Triple Eight are on the verge of a handover deal
The stand-off between Triple Eight and DJR over the transfer of Ford engine IP has been resolved.
Details are sketchy, but the handover of Ford’s Gen3 engine program from DJR to Triple Eight is expected to happen as soon as next week.
DJR management has been negotiations to transfer its engine IP in an agreement that will complete Triple Eight’s takeover of Ford Homologation Team duties.
Those talks have been successfully concluded, with the handover set to begin following the teams’ return from this weekend’s Townsville 500.
It’s understood staff have been informed of the impending deal, which will result in the shutdown of DJR’s Motorsport Powertrain division at the end of the year.
DJR re-established its engine operation last year under the MP guise, taking over development and production of the Coyote 5.4-litre Gen3 V8 from Herrod Performance and investing heavily in improving the troublesome motor.
Unofficial sources confirm DJR had been holding out on handing over its engine program to recoup a major proportion of what it’s spent.
DJR is being replaced as the Mustang Homologation Team following Triple Eight’s shock switch back to Ford from next year.
Settling the engine stand-off coincides with this month’s planned handover of Chevrolet HT status to Team 18 as Triple Eight juggles racing Camaros with preparing for its move to Mustangs.
It’s an uncomfortable changeover on both sides, complicated by GM fighting back against Triple Eight’s defection.
Triple Eight had planned to stay with long-time engine partner KRE, but Chevrolet signed an exclusive deal to continue supply of the 5.7-litre LTR motor.
As a result, Red Bull Ampol Racing was forced to set up its own engine operation, which will take over development and supply of Ford engines using the information gained from DJR.
Meanwhile, the Shell V-Power Racing Team is continuing its rebuild, remaining committed to Ford.
Ford Performance in America is backing Triple Eight to re-establish Mustang supremacy while continuing to support DJR.
