Ford Mustang Gets Crucial Parity Boost Before Bathurst 1000
Supercars has confirmed that a series of technical changes will be introduced to the Ford Mustang package, and they come at a critical time—right before the endurance season begins, with Bathurst 1000 just around the corner. These changes weren’t made lightly. In fact, they only came after long discussions, testing, and a reluctant agreement from General Motors, the rival manufacturer whose Camaro has been dominating in recent rounds.
So, what exactly has been changed? The updates to the Vehicle Specification Document include a few aerodynamic and mechanical adjustments. The leading-edge packer on the Mustang’s side skirt is being removed. The rear wing has been adjusted, with both its position and angle range tweaked. The mirrors will now switch to a smaller North American specification design, and the car will also benefit from a faster shift recovery setting. On paper, these may sound like small refinements, but in the high-stakes world of Supercars, even a fraction of a second matters.
Also Read:These changes were triggered after data revealed that the Mustang had been lagging behind the Camaro in straight-line speed, a weakness that could be disastrous at Mount Panorama, where long, fast sections define the Bathurst 1000. Supercars CEO James Warburton explained that while both Ford and GM were hesitant, they ultimately agreed that this was the right outcome for the sport. He credited the collaborative approach of all parties, particularly GM’s leadership, in reaching a compromise.
Warburton emphasized that these adjustments are about fairness and keeping the racing close. He pointed to the detailed technical work completed in facilities like Windshear’s wind tunnel and through AVL’s dyno program, which proved how finely balanced the competition already is. According to him, the tolerances between cars in Supercars are among the tightest of any motorsport category worldwide, and maintaining that parity is essential.
The timing could not be more significant. The AirTouch 500 at The Bend is the immediate testbed for these changes, and it will give Ford teams a chance to see if the updates truly close the gap before heading into Bathurst. Drivers and teams will be under the microscope, and fans will be eager to see if the Mustang can finally match the Camaro’s pace on the straights.
This isn’t just a technical tweak—it’s about preserving the integrity of the championship. Supercars thrives on competitive balance, and by acting now, the series hopes to ensure that the biggest race of the year, the Bathurst 1000, is decided on skill, strategy, and endurance, rather than one manufacturer holding a clear technical edge.
In the end, while both manufacturers may have been reluctant, the consensus was that parity must be restored. For fans, that means closer racing, tighter battles, and the guarantee that when cars roar across the top of Mount Panorama next month, the fight will be as fair as it is fierce.
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