Ford’s Taking The Mustang Racing Down Under In Australia’s Supercars Series

Ford wouldn’t be Ford if it didn’t race. It field the Fusion in NASCAR, the Fiesta in the World Rally Championship, and the GT at Le Mans. Down Under in Australia, it’s been well represented by the Falcon. But with that model now discontinued, Ford Performance has launched its successor.

Unlike some of its competitors, Ford’s next Supercar still packs a V8. But instead of a four-door sedan, it’s the two-door Mustang. The pony car will serve as the backbone of the automaker’s entry in the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship starting next season.

Ford’s already working with two teams to homologate the car. And they’re not just any teams. One is DJR Team Penske, which returns this season as the defending champions. The other is Tickford Racing, which previously raced under the Prodrive and Ford Performance banners, and last won the drivers’ title in 2015. Both are back on the grid this season with the Ford FG X Falcon. That model will be retired once the new Mustang is ready.

Ford Performance Hits Australia

“The Mustang nameplate is one the of the most legendary in the world and we are proud to have it lining up on our grid in 2019,” said Supercars CEO Sean Seamer. “I know Australians, New Zealanders and our fans around the world will be just as excited as I am to see the Mustang take to our tracks in the world’s best Touring car racing.”

Along with the Mustang, Ford will also furnish the new Ranger Raptor as a support vehicle. And it’s launching its full lineup in Australia, from the new Fiesta ST to the Bullitt Mustang.

“Ford Performance’s diverse line-up of vehicles reflects customer feedback that Australians are looking for advanced, efficient, performance models across all types of vehicles,” noted Ford Australia chief Graeme Whickman. “Ford Performance is about technology, innovation and product performance and to showcase our confidence in our performance range, we are bringing Mustang and the Ranger Raptor to the Supercars series in 2019.”