Off-track feud between Ford and Holden looks set to roll on with more changeson the cards
The off-track feud between Ford and Holden could continue with Supercars CEO Sean Seamer declaring further changes would be made should either of the makes go unfairly fast.
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The off-track feud between Ford and Holden could continue with Supercars CEO Sean Seamer declaring further changes would be made should either of the makes go unfairly fast.
Supercars last month put the brakes on the all-conquering Mustang after a controversial in-season test revealed Ford had an unfair “centre of gravity advantage’’ over Holden
In a move that came just days before the Commodore broke through to beat the Mustang for the first time, the sport ordered Ford teams to make “weight distribution’’ changes in a speed equalising bid.
Speaking ahead of the Phillip Island Super Sprint, Supercars boss Seamer last warned that further changes would be made if any of the V8 makes were proved to be unfairly fast.
“We are continually looking at data to ensure we maintain the closest competition possible, which is and has always been our greatest strength,’’ Seamer said.
“Every weekend we look at a range of areas, that is usual business. It is the same this weekend after which we will have another data set to analyse.”
The Ford Mustang had won every race of the season before Shane van Gisbergen broke through in Tasmania last week to conquer Symmons Plains in his Commodore.
Heading a team that runs four of the six Mustangs on the grid, Tickford Racing boss Tim Edwards said the Holden breakthrough in Tasmania proved the V8 field was equal.
“The Holden’s were more dominant in Tasmania than the Fords,’’ Edwards said.
“I’d like to think it has been put to bed.’’
With the Mustang tipped to dominate this weekend on the free-flowing and open Phillip Island circuit, Edwards admitted judging parity was difficult.
“In this sport different tracks suit different cars,’’ Edwards said.
“ You are never going to have absolute parity but there are trade offs. The strengths of different cars are shown at different tracks.’’
Tickford Racer Chaz Mostert broke DJR/Team Penske’s season starting stranglehold when he broke through to win a race at the Australian GP.
Edwards said he had reluctantly accepted the “centre of gravity’’ changes that came after his team’s one and only win.
“As a Ford competitor I am always going to say that we were hard done by,’’ Edwards said.
“But the reality is that I have given up worrying about that stuff. We had our own issues down in Tasmania and we were focused on them. I am OK with it.
“The category always makes rules and race engineers are always going to find ways to improve the cars. The rules evolve every year. You just deal with it and move on.’’
Mustang claimed the three fastest times in the final practice session at Phillip Island yesterday with the best place Holden finishing in seventh place.
Fabian Coulthard led the way for Ford with the Penske pilot edging out teammate Scott McLaughlin to claim the practice win.
Rick Kelly drove his Nissan to the fourth fastest time while Anton De Pasquale was the best of the Commodore’s with the Erebus Motorsport driver finishing seventh.
Originally published as Off-track feud between Ford and Holden looks set to roll on with more changeson the cards