Reigning Supercars champion team Triple Eight Race Engineering has confirmed a major shift in its racing future, announcing it will switch to Ford Mustangs from the 2026 season. The decision marks a stunning return to the Blue Oval, 15 years after Triple Eight famously defected to General Motors (GM).
The bombshell announcement was made less than three weeks before the start of the 2025 Repco Supercars Championship, shaking up the Supercars landscape. The team will continue to compete as Red Bull Ampol Racing in 2025 before making the transition to Ford.
Triple Eight’s History with Ford and GM
Triple Eight initially competed with Ford machinery when it entered the Supercars Championship in 2003. During its first stint with the Blue Oval, the team won the 2008 driver-team championship double, another drivers’ title in 2009, and three consecutive Bathurst 1000 victories from 2006 to 2008.
However, in a move that was considered the most significant manufacturer switch in Supercars history at the time, Triple Eight announced in mid-2009 that it would leave Ford for Holden from 2010. Over the next 15 years with GM, the team became the dominant force in Supercars, securing:
- Seven of its record 10 Bathurst 1000 wins
- Nine drivers’ championships
- 11 of its record 12 teams’ championships
Now, Triple Eight’s return to Ford stands as another defining moment in Supercars history, following Walkinshaw Andretti United’s (WAU) switch from GM to Ford in the first season of Gen3.
Ford’s Growing Presence in Supercars
Triple Eight’s move is part of a broader shift in the Supercars paddock. Last year, Toyota made headlines by confirming its entry into the 2026 championship, selecting WAU as its homologation team.
Triple Eight is also set to play a significant role in Ford’s Supercars future, having been nominated to become Ford’s new homologation team, pending a majority vote from Ford’s existing teams. If confirmed, this would make Triple Eight responsible for developing and maintaining Ford’s Supercars program, a crucial role in the category.
The first renders of the Red Bull Ampol Ford Mustang Supercars have already been unveiled, giving fans an early glimpse of what to expect when the team hits the track in 2026.
A “Huge Strategic Commitment”
Triple Eight Team Principal Jamie Whincup, who won back-to-back Supercars titles in 2008 and 2009 driving for Triple Eight’s Ford squad, described the partnership as a significant long-term investment.
“Triple Eight’s success is first and foremost down to our people and a relentless, shared desire to win that has set us up for this partnership,” Whincup said.
“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.
“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. This is a huge strategic commitment that we are very proud to share.
“We’re very excited to be a part of the Ford Performance ecosystem and the potential opportunities this partnership will present.”
Ford Performance Global Director Mark Rushbrook echoed Whincup’s enthusiasm, highlighting the shared ambition between the manufacturer and Triple Eight.
“We’ve always admired Triple Eight’s unwavering commitment to excellence. Their engineering prowess and tireless pursuit of victory are almost incomparable,” Rushbrook said.
“But more than that, there’s a shared history, a bond forged in the fires of competition, that makes this partnership feel so right. This is about looking forward, about building a future together, and conquering new challenges.”
Ford Australia President and CEO Andrew Birkic reinforced the manufacturer’s commitment to motorsport and fan engagement.
“This partnership is about delivering an unforgettable experience for our fans, and is a statement of our commitment to Australian motorsport.
“This is also a demonstration of Ford’s motorsport ambition, which is stronger than ever.”
A statement by Jess Bala, Managing Director GM ANZ, was released to media on Friday, saying: “GM has had a long and highly successful partnership with Triple Eight Race Engineering.
“We share the disappointment with fans about their decision, and the news that they will be moving to Ford in 2026.
“Eyes forward on the 2025 Supercars season – and we look forward to extending our full support to all the Chevrolet Racing Camaro teams, for another year of on track success.”
What’s Next for Triple Eight?
The team’s current drivers, Will Brown and Broc Feeney, are both under contract with Triple Eight through 2026, ensuring stability as the squad transitions to Ford.
One thing that remains uncertain is if Craig Lowndes will return to the blue oval, as part of the Triple 8 wildcard program.
Triple Eight’s return to Ford is set to reshape the Supercars landscape, with the team bringing its championship-winning expertise back to the Blue Oval. With Ford’s growing investment in the series and the team’s proven record of success, all eyes will be on how this new partnership unfolds in 2026 and beyond.