Triple Eight test prize unveiled for Mustang Cup
Inaugural champion will earn a rare Ford Mustang Gen3 Supercar test with Triple Eight Race Engineering
Ford’s Supercars homologation team Triple Eight Race Engineering will offer a rare test drive in its Ford Mustang Gen3 Supercar as the headline prize for the inaugural winner of Mustang Cup Australia.
The opportunity will be awarded to the outright Dark Horse class champion, with the test scheduled to take place at Queensland Raceway following the final round of the series at Sandown Raceway on September 18–20, 2026. For aspiring drivers, the prize provides a direct taste of life at the highest level of Australian touring car racing.
The initiative is another significant boost for Mustang Cup Australia ahead of its maiden season. The new category will run on the SRO Motorsport Australia-managed Shannons SpeedSeries calendar, with all six rounds broadcast live, providing strong national exposure for teams, drivers and partners.
Triple Eight’s involvement comes as the Queensland-based operation prepares for its return to Ford after debuting with the brand in 2003. Since then, the team has grown into Supercars’ most successful modern-era outfit, securing 11 Drivers’ Championships and 13 Teams’ Championships. From 2026, Triple Eight will lead Ford’s charge as homologation and performance partner in the Repco Supercars Championship.
Team principal and managing director Jamie Whincup said the Mustang Cup represented an important new pathway for emerging talent.
“The introduction of the Mustang Cup to Australia is very exciting. More opportunities for younger drivers is a good thing for motorsport in this country,” Whincup said.
“Whether you’re Triple Eight or another team, you want to be the first to discover the next Broc Feeney or Will Brown. We’re pleased to offer the winner a test day behind the wheel of a Supercar to give them a taste of what could be next.”
Mustang Cup Australia series manager Liam Curkpatrick described the test as the category’s ultimate reward, noting the winner will be determined by points across the entire season, opening the door for both young prospects and experienced racers. The full prize structure for the 2026 season is expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks, while the inaugural season will begin at Phillip Island on March 27–29, 2026 as part of the Shannons SpeedSeries.
