Ford Team Possibly Joining Camaro Supercars Shift



by NOUMAN RASOOL

Ford Team Possibly Joining Camaro Supercars Shift
Ford Team Possibly Joining Camaro Supercars Shift

Amidst mounting speculation, the possibility of a major shift within the Supercars landscape has gained traction, suggesting that a Ford Supercars team could potentially transition to racing Camaros in the upcoming season.

The undercurrent of this potential move stems from ongoing parity issues that have plagued the Ford teams, prompting contemplation of a drastic change. Whispers of this intriguing defection started to gain momentum in the aftermath of the recent Sydney SuperNight event.

The performance gap between the Ford squads and their Camaro-equipped counterparts has persisted due to a recurring challenge—the limited lifespan of the rear tires. This issue prompted a recalibration of the Ford rear aero package following a parity review triggered after the Darwin race.

Despite the adjustments, the Townsville event marked a turning point as a Ford driver secured a season-first victory. Yet, it was a strategic tire approach rather than pure speed that sealed the win. The subsequent Sydney race saw the Camaros regain their dominance, casting doubt on whether the Ford teams have successfully overcome their difficulties.

Possible Radical Shift for Ford's Grove Racing

Growing frustration with the continued struggle has ignited speculation that one of the Ford teams could be contemplating a radical change for the next season. The team most frequently associated with this potential switch is Grove Racing, helmed by owner Stephen Grove.

While Grove himself has downplayed the notion, he hasn't entirely ruled it out. Grove stated, "That's not on our agenda at this stage. You never say never, but it's not on our agenda." He also emphasized the enduring faith in the Ford brand, acknowledging the brand's substantial support throughout their racing journey.

Grove pointed out the complex process of comprehending the discrepancy between Ford and GM performance levels, affirming that they are determined to address all facets of the challenge. The quest for parity has led to various attempts during the ongoing season, ranging from aerodynamic tweaks to powertrain adjustments.

The distinctions between cars are now minimal, primarily centered around engines and bodywork. Despite these efforts, the disparity persists due to factors such as engine performance and aerodynamics. Grove believes that the core issue lies in aerodynamics, a matter that might not be resolved this season.

However, he remains optimistic that these concerns will be rectified before the start of the next racing year. "Our view is that it's aero," he stated, adding that the multifaceted nature of the problem makes achieving a seamless balance a complex endeavor.

As discussions continue and plans evolve, the potential switch from Ford to Camaro lingers as a testament to the sport's dynamic nature. Whether this anticipated transition will indeed come to fruition or if the Ford teams will triumph over their challenges in time remains to be seen, leaving fans and experts alike in anticipation of the upcoming developments in the Supercars realm.