Get ready for an exciting development in the world of motorsports! The highly anticipated first laps of the Triple Eight Ford Mustang are finally scheduled!
After a much-discussed switch from General Motors to Ford, Triple Eight has revealed the dates for its initial track activity. But here's where it gets controversial... the team initially planned to hit the track as early as September, but a mandatory wind tunnel test for their first completed car caused a significant delay.
The laps will take place at Queensland Raceway, following the launch of the Red Bull Ampol Racing squad's new colors in Geelong, Victoria, on February 7th. Mark your calendars for February 9th and 10th, as these dates will witness the debut of three brand-new chassis! And this is the part most people miss - Tuesday will also be a rookie day for the talented Jackson Walls, who joins the SCT Motorsport customer entry alongside the Red Bull Ampol cars of Broc Feeney and Will Brown.
But wait, there's more! Supercars will conduct pre-season parity testing at the circuit over these two days, with a Toyota Supra and Chevrolet Camaro joining the Fords on the track. And the controversy continues - further parity evaluations with all three brands are set to happen at Mount Panorama during the Bathurst 12 Hour event the following weekend.
Triple Eight's three new cars are in addition to the one sent to the US wind tunnel. Team 18's wind tunnel car returned to Melbourne on Friday and will be used for the Bathurst testing, acting as the squad's spare and wildcard chassis. Walkinshaw made the decision to air-freight their wind tunnel car back from the US, and it will become Chaz Mostert's race car for the season.
The good news is that Triple Eight has confirmed the Queensland Raceway running will be open to the public, so fans can witness this historic moment! Dick Johnson Racing will also be at the Ipswich venue tomorrow for a shakedown with Brodie Kostecki's new #17 Mustang, and the Shell team will join them on February 9th for a rookie test with Rylan Gray.
So, what do you think about these developments? Are you excited for the first laps of the Triple Eight Ford Mustang? Do you think the wind tunnel tests and parity evaluations are necessary, or do they add unnecessary delays? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
