Ford friction over Gen3 parity

Fast-starting Ford team boss Tim Blanchard isn’t worried that continuing friction between the Blue Oval and Supercars will derail Gen3 preparations.

Ford Performance chief Mark Rushbrook has confirmed there are still concerns about parity between the new-look Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro Gen3 racers.

Blanchard’s one-car CoolDrive Racing team beat the big teams to the test track, running its Mustang at least a week ahead of the rest.

The former Supercars racer turned team owner tells the latest PARKED UP PLUS podcast that the continuing angst between Ford and Supercars, despite delaying final homologation of the Mustang, shouldn’t upset final preparations before the March 10-12 season-opening Thrifty Newcastle 500.

Listen here:

Blanchard also explains why Gen3 is an opportunity for his tiny team to be a giant-killer.

As well, PARKED UP PLUS hears from Ford’s Rushbrook about the company’s last-minute concerns about engine and aero parity with the Camaro.

Blanchard details how his tiny squad was able to get its Gen3 racer on track amid parts supply delays that have stalled all the other teams, including homologation heavyweights Dick Johnson Racing (Ford) and Triple Eight Race Engineering (Chevy).

CoolDrive Racing will return to Winton with new recruit Todd Hazelwood for a full test on Tuesday (February 7) as Dick Johnson Racing and Matt Stone Racing also shakedown their Gen3 racers at Queensland Raceway.

The latest PARKED UP PLUS podcast also examines Ford’s return to Formula 1 and reviews the weekend’s record-breaking Liqui Moly Bathurst 12 Hour. And there’s news on a Mustang versus Corvette GT3 clash at Mount Panorama as soon as next year.

All this and more on PARKED UP PLUS, the place of pace for motor-racing news.