Bathurst 1000: Ford’s parity changes rejected by Supercars officials

Just hours before the opening Bathurst 1000 practice session Supercars officials turned down Ford’s proposed changes to its Mustang, igniting an explosive weekend at Mount Panorama.

Ford teams have lashed out at Supercars’ parity saga as “unacceptable” and claim they will be at a “continued disadvantage” for the biggest race of the year after the blue oval’s proposed parity changes for the Bathurst 1000 were rejected.

In a dramatic build-up to the endurance classic at Mount Panorama, Ford’s push for an upgraded aerodynamic package for Bathurst was refused just hours ahead of opening practice on Thursday.

The decision to turn down the proposed changes to the Mustang came after Supercars officials were locked in meetings all day Wednesday with Ford and GM teams.

Supercars explained the aerodynamic changes could not be implemented for the Bathurst 1000 because the official parity trigger had not been hit.

Under the sport’s rules, there needs to be a clear imbalance between the two makes of car in either five consecutive races or five out of eight races to trigger parity change. With that criteria not being met, parity changes could not be made without the unanimous support of all the teams amid resistance from the Chevrolet camp.

In a statement released by Ford homologation team Dick Johnson Racing on behalf of the Blue Oval squads, and said “technical parity has still not been achieved” and suggested it would not be a fair fight at Mount Panorama.

“Unfortunately, the proposed aerodynamic changes to the Ford Mustang, which have been acknowledged by all parties to reduce the delta between the two models, will not be implemented for the Bathurst 1000 this weekend,” the statement read.

“The independent data shows that the Mustang will be at a continued disadvantage for the biggest race of the year, which we believe is unacceptable – and not what our sport is built on.

Aerodynamic changes to the Mustang were granted for the Supercars round in Townsville. Picture: Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images

“While disappointed in the situation, every Ford team will be doing their utmost this weekend, it’s what the fans deserve, it’s what the partners deserve, it’s what the Great Race deserves.

“We will continue working together to correct the imbalance going forward, but now, our attention turns on track, respecting the challenge that the mountain provides.”

Ford teams were granted aerodynamic changes to the Mustangs for the round in Townsville in July after the parity trigger was hit the previous round in Darwin, which sparked an official Supercars parity review, which has not occurred on this occasion.

Ford Performance also addressed the decision to reject the proposed changes, taking aim at Supercars, which it said has “restricted our ability to compete on an equal footing” after a request for more data transparency was denied.

“We are …. deeply disappointed by the ongoing lack of technical parity in the Supercars Championship, which has left Ford and its teams at a significant disadvantage throughout the 2023 season,” the Ford Performance statement said.

“This lack of technical parity has had a tangible impact on the performance of our teams and drivers. Despite their skill, experience, and hard work, they have struggled to compete with other cars that have a clear advantage.

“This has not only been frustrating for our racing partners, but also for our loyal fans and supporters, who expect to see Ford on the podium and in contention for championships.

“Despite the best efforts of Ford, homologation team Dick Johnson Racing (DJR) and engine supplier Herrod Performance Engines to work with all stakeholders to ensure a level playing field, a lack of movement by the series organiser has restricted our ability to compete on an equal footing.

Changes could not be agreed upon by the Supercars board, Ford teams and Chevrolet Camaro teams like Erebus. Picture: Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images

“Ford has long been requesting data transparency to assist in understanding the disparity that exists between the two cars. Unfortunately, this has been rejected on multiple occasions.

“Unfortunately, on the eve of the Bathurst 1000, the Supercars Board has refused to allow the changes which would bring the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro closer to technical parity.

“Our top priority is to help our teams to deliver the best possible racing experience for our fans and supporters. We appreciate their loyalty and urge Supercars to create the level playing field they deserve.”

Supercars stressed the trigger point to implement parity change had not been met under its parity review system, nor had Ford’s request received the support it required from all teams.

“The prescribed number of parity triggers showcasing a parity imbalance, as outlined in the system, have not been met at this time and there is no scope for a parity adjustment to be made for the Bathurst 1000 under the parity review system,” Supercars said in a statement.

“Supercars received a request from the Ford homologation team to implement a parity adjustment in advance of the Repco Bathurst 1000 outside of the parity review system.

“Supercars considered the request in accordance with the terms of the Teams Racing Charter and the Supercars rules and regulations, which require the consent from all Supercars teams to implement the requested parity adjustment change.

“After numerous meetings with all teams and key stakeholders, the requisite consent from the Supercars teams has not been established to support the requested parity adjustment for the 2023 Repco Bathurst 1000.

“We value the input and perspective of all involved parties and aim to continue working in a manner that preserves the integrity of our sport and the rules and regulations that govern it.”

Originally published as Bathurst 1000: Ford’s parity changes rejected by Supercars officials