Ford Mustang returns to Symmons Plains for Tasmania Super Sprint
A stampede of thundering V8-powered Mustangs will storm Tasmania’s Symmons Plains raceway next weekend as the thrilling Supercars series hits the island state.
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IT’S a true legend of the automotive world and 47 years after its last win in Tasmania, the Ford Mustang is set to again rule at Symmons Plains, Bathurst champion Will Davison says.
Ford fighter Allan Moffat went back-to-back at Symmons Plains in 1971 and 1972 when he won with his Ford Mustang TransAm.
Next weekend, a stampede of thundering V8-powered Mustangs will storm the Plains and the bad news for Holden fans is that of the six Supercars races held so far this season, all have been won by Ford’s famous pony.
Mustangs have also started on pole for every race.
Davison, 36, is fourth in the Supercars championship in his No. 23 Milwaukee Racing beast.
He believes Tassie fans will love the Mustang muscle car.
“It has gotten a great response everywhere we’ve been so far and Tassie fans will also love it,” Davison told the Sunday Tasmanian.
“I think it’s great and everyone has seen it on track now and seen that it’s fast.
“What it stands for is something big.
“It’s a legendary car.”
The Mustang was born in the US as a concept car in 1962 and went into production two years later.
More than 10 million vehicles have since rolled off the production line and in January a record price was set for a Carroll Shelby-built 1967 Ford Mustang GT500 Super Snake, which sold at auction in Florida for $3.2 million.
Celebrities are drawn like magnets to the Mustang.
Its list of famous owners includes former US president Bill Clinton, talk show legend Jay Leno, the Doors lead singer Jim Morrison, actor Charlie Sheen and rapper Eminem.
The Mustang’s arrival on the domestic market last year also helped Ford beat arch-rival Holden in sales for the first time since 1997.
It did not take long for Davison to forget about his Ford Falcon FGX supercar.
“A lot of people originally said they weren’t sure about the look of the Mustang, but they look absolutely sick on track,” Davison said.
“It’s not a Mustang road car – it’s a Ford Performance developed supercar, that’s what it is.
“Ford has put a massive amount of work into this car to create a Mustang supercar.
“It’s fast and that’s what it is designed for, to go winning races and all the fans are loving it.
“I think it’s really good for the sport in general that it’s on the grid and for me, it’s an honour to be driving it.”
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While lamenting the demise of the Falcon, Supercars legend Dick Johnson, of the Shell V-Power Racing Team, said the Mustang was one of the best machines ever to race in the touring car.
“Not only does it look good, but it is very fast,” Johnson said.
“Now in its full livery and with the Shell livery and the Ford livery it really looks a spectacular car and it is something the fans have waited for, for a long time.
“It is sad to see the Falcon disappear, but things change and we have got to move forward and to move forward with the Mustang is a fantastic way to go.”
Meanwhile, after being in a one-car team for the past few years, Davison is thriving on the move into the Tickford Racing stable as the team’s fourth car.
“It’s really exciting to be back in a big team environment,” Davison said.
“I’ve seen the sport from all angles and I bring a bit more experience and wisdom than when I was in the bigger teams earlier in my career.
“I am more aware of how crucial teamwork is and the resources a bigger team provides _ I’m loving it like a kid at Christmas because I’ve missed it.”
For tickets and event information, go to www.supercars.com.au
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