Old rivalry reignites amid shock Supercars defection

Ford has stunned rival General Motors by luring champion Supercars outfit Triple Eight, in a move that will reunite two of Australian motorsports' best-known brands.

Triple Eight, who currently act as GM's homologation team, will take over testing and certification for the Blue Oval in 2026, replacing Dick Johnson Racing.

The deal ends Triple Eight's 16-year association with GM, resurrecting memories of previous successes, including Craig Lowndes and current team principal Jamie Whincup winning three straight Bathurst 1000s.

"Our return to the Blue Oval isn't just about winning; it's about that feeling of shared purpose and determination that's backed up by an exciting road car portfolio," Whincup said in a statement.

"What excites me most about our future together is the commitment Ford is demonstrating to our sport, to Triple Eight and to all Supercars fans through this long-term partnership."

The attraction was mutual, according to global director of Ford Performance, Mark Rushbrook.

"We've always admired Triple Eight's unwavering commitment to excellence," he said.

"This is about looking forward, about building a future together, and conquering new challenges."

The deal blindsided the motorsport community and even Triple Eight drivers Broc Feeney and Will Brown, who only found out about it 24 hours before it was announced.

"For sure it was a bit of a shock," Feeney told a press conference.

"My big one is obviously trying to send off GM on a high note this year."

For Brown, the news was bittersweet.

"I've driven the GM product for eight years now and had a great time there, but Ford are investing so much money into the sport," he told reporters.

"I'm looking forward to 26 and jumping in a Ford and working with those guys, but I'm also really looking forward to finishing this year on a strong (note) for GM and hopefully trying to win another championship or at least Bathurst."

While the traditional Ford v GM rivalry has waned in recent years - after the demise of Holden and with Ford pulling the Australian-built Falcon from production - the significance of the coup can't be overstated.

Securing Triple Eight is a shot across the bow from Ford, who haven't manufactured a champion vehicle in five years.

Triple Eight, meanwhile, have dominated the category, winning 12 of the past 17 Supercars team championships.

GM meanwhile have been left without a homologation team and with questions hanging over its commitment to motorsport, given its announcement in 2023 that it would cease production of the Camaro.

In a statement, GM said it shared the fans' disappointment at the announcement, reiterating its full support for its remaining teams, including Brad Jones Racing, Matt Stone Racing, PremiAir Racing, Erebus Motorsport and Team 18.

Supercars CEO Shane Howard said the announcement marked an important step in Ford's commitment to the category.

"This evolution has already sparked plenty of debate among our dedicated fan base, whose passion and loyalty has, and always will be, the heartbeat of our sport," he said.

Ford struggled to adapt to the category's Gen3 cars when they were were introduced in 2023 but has worked hard to bring its Mustangs to parity, with Tickford's Cam Waters and Walkinshaw Andretti United's Chaz Mostert challenging for the championship in 2024.

But Ford fans will be salivating at the prospect of seeing champion Brown and runner-up Feeney steering Mustangs in 2026, given Triple Eight's success in homologating Gen3 Camaros.