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Ford pull out of V8 Supercars

1st December, 2014
2

Ford Australia have announced they will pull out of V8 Supercars at the end of the 2015 season.

Ford confirmed on Monday they would provide support to teams racing Falcons next year, but would not renew any funding from 2016.

The news ends months of speculation after Ford, factory backed flagship team Ford Performance Racing (FPR) and V8 Supercars held talks on ways to keep the manufacturer involved in the category.

FPR CEO Tim Edwards said they would explore their options.

“Ford Australia’s decision to not extend its commercial relationship with our team beyond the end of next season is extremely disappointing for our large and loyal fan base, but as a business this decision now allows us to concentrate on our long-term future,” FPR CEO Tim Edwards said.

“We have enjoyed a highly-successful relationship with Ford Australia with just shy of 50 race wins, 150 podiums and the last two Bathurst 1000 crowns together.

“This on track success, along with the engineering and commercial strength that underpins our racing activities, provides us with a very viable business and a strong platform for our future in the sport.

“Now that we know where we stand we can further develop other opportunities.

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“We have a range of options, some existing and some that were awaiting this decision, so we can now begin to explore these further.”

Disappointed V8 Supercars boss James Warburton hoped to welcome Ford back in the future.

“Clearly we are disappointed in their decision to cease financial support for FPR beyond 2015,” he said in a statement.

“(We are) disappointed for the fans who have so passionately supported the brand for so many years (and) disappointed for the team, drivers and other partners who have worked so hard for the Ford brand.

“The good news for our fans is that there will still be six Falcons on the grid in 2015.

“With many of our teams being privateers, with no factory support, we are confident that there will be Fords on the grid in 2016 and beyond.

“In any case, we look forward to welcoming Ford back to our sport at some time in the future.”

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Ford only provides financial support to FPR, while assisting Dick Johnson Racing (DJR) on a parts supply agreement.

Six Ford Falcons are expected to contest the 2015 season – FPR’s four entries plus single vehicles from Super Black Racing and DJR Team Penske.

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