THE path has been cleared for Ford to receive a much-discussed parity boost ahead of the next round of the Repco Supercars Championship on the Gold Coast.
It’s understood that lap times taken from the two marques in Sunday’s Bathurst 1000 set off the category’s ‘parity trigger’ for the fifth time in eight races.
While that only guarantees a parity review will take place, a change to help the Mustangs now appears a formality.
Ford and homologation team Dick Johnson Racing had worked with Supercars to develop an updated aerodynamic package ahead of Bathurst.
Its teams produced the new parts and took them to the circuit, hoping to fit them on Wednesday ahead of the following day’s practice.
However, the parity review trigger had not been set off the required number of times – five in eight races or five-straight races.
That led to a scenario in which all teams – including the Chevrolet runners – had to agree in order for Ford’s wish to be granted, which did not occur.
Camaros ended up finishing one-two in the Great Race; Triple Eight’s Shane van Gisbergen/Richie Stanaway entry beating home Erebus’ Brodie Kostecki/David Russell.
Fords fielded by four different teams filled the next four places, led by the Dick Johnson Racing Mustang of Anton De Pasquale/Tony D’Alberto.
The Gold Coast 500 will take place on October 27-29.
