V8 Supercars has a new super team following the union of American giant Penske Racing with veteran local team Dick Johnson Racing and return of two-time champion Marcos Ambrose. But can we add Ford into the mix?
The development this week is a huge boon for V8 Supercars, heading into the new media rights arrangement from 2015 and a season where it appears unlikely that a new manufacturer will join the current five combatants.
Think of what V8 Supercars gets from this one arrangement:
1. Penske arrives!
One of the most successful racing operations, that has amassed 15 Indianapolis 500s and 12 IndyCar championships in addition to NASCAR Sprint Cup, Daytona 500 and Formula One grand prix wins, backed by a huge automotive and transport empire.
It’s the sort of powerhouse operation that can take it to current V8 Supercars dominators, Triple Eight Race Engineering.
2. Dick Johnson Racing saved!
The oldest V8 Supercars team has struggled through recent seasons with a lack of backing, threatening the existence of the popular Ford team.
Though Penske now has a majority ownership of the team, Dick Johnson remains as a part owner and figurehead, with the Dick Johnson Racing name and branding still incorporated in the team.
3. Ambrose returns!
The two-time V8 Supercars champion left the series at his peak to pursue a career in NASCAR, which included road course success and impressive oval progress; still with a lot to offer at 38 years of age.
Ambrose divides V8 Supercars fans like few other drivers; loved by Ford fans and hated by the rest for his aggressive/determined approach to win – the sort of character the series needs.
His return pits him against former rivals such as Craig Lowndes and the drivers who emerged after his departure, namely Jamie Whincup.
There could also be a fourth benefit should the Team Penske-Dick Johnson Racing super team tempt Ford to commit to V8 Supercars.
The long-term future of V8 Supercars’ foundation manufacturers, Ford and Holden, has been under a cloud since the confirmation of the end of Australian manufacturing in the coming years.
While Holden has signed on to provide factory backing for Walkinshaw Racing and Triple Eight for the next few seasons, Ford has no deal in place beyond 2014.
Current factory team Ford Performance Racing is working on a new deal after last season’s one-year contract extension, while Dick Johnson Racing has had to make do with no backing from Ford.
Team Penske-Dick Johnson Racing will run Falcons in 2015 as a carry-over from this season. But will the new alliance and return of Ambrose tempt Ford to commit to V8 Supercars beyond then?
At a time when the Blue Oval is launching the final Falcon, the FG X, it seems like a no brainer.
Team Penske has established links with Ford through its NASCAR program, which is on course to deliver the manufacturer a second championship in the North American category in three seasons.
Johnson is a Ford legend who flew the Blue Oval flag in Australian touring car’s glory years and stuck with the brand despite the lack of support.
Ambrose is a Ford hero who has had success for the make in both Australia and North America.
This three-pronged attack on V8 Supercars is a marketer’s dream that Ford should exploit, at a time when rival Holden has established itself as the dominant manufacturer in the series.
It would be an enormous missed opportunity should Ford let Team Penske go to another make in 2016, in its bid for factory backing.
At a time when local production is ending, Ford would only be alienating itself from its Australian fan-base if it turned its back on the racing program – especially with such potential thanks to this new dream team.
As former Dick Johnson Racing driver John Bowe recently said, “I certainly hope Ford develop a relationship with DJR/Team Penske – as they have in the USA.
“There will be lots of market share/success to chase long after the Falcon is gone, motorsport helps brand profile and recognition if it’s leveraged and used properly.
“The return of Marcos Ambrose and the arrival of Penske will be incredibly good for V8 Supercars, one of the best and most successful racing organisations in the world and a double champion now added to the mix. A publicity dream really!
“Please… Ford Motor Company get on board, please!”
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