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HomeNewsNEW DIRECTION FOR WALKINSHAW ENGINE SHOP

NEW DIRECTION FOR WALKINSHAW ENGINE SHOP

WALKINSHAW Racing is opening its once top-secret engine shop to public customers for the first time as it prepares for the Gen3 Supercars era.

The team is one of several to be impacted by new regulations stipulating a single engine supplier per manufacturer: KRE for Chevrolet runners and Mostech for the Fords.

Walkinshaw currently produces Supercars engines for the two Walkinshaw Andretti United Commodores as well as customer team Erebus Motorsport.

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The once factory Holden squad has five full-time staff members in its engine department in Melbourne and wants to keep the shop operating into the future.

Team principal Bruce Stewart says this shift represents a unique opportunity for new customers.

“The Walkinshaw Racing engine department is the power behind some of the greatest Supercars moments in history,” he said.

“It’s been in operation for over 30 years, and currently has over 100 years of racing experience in there.

“For the first time ever, we’re opening up our doors, and our expertise to the public, so we can give their engines the Walkinshaw treatment.

“Engine shops can be like Fort Knox to get into, which is why this is such a cool opportunity for everyone. 

“We’ve got an amazing, experienced, knowledgeable team who live and breathe engines.

“Everything from championships to Bathurst wins, and who could forget that plastic bag (which failed to stop Mark Skaife’s car in the closing stages of the 2002 Bathurst 1000) …. They’ve all been built by our team.”

Mark Skaife won the 2002 Bathurst 1000 despite this debris. Pic: an1images.com

Stewart stressed that the company is open to customers regardless of the origins of their engine, or whether it is for a racing or street application.

“We understand how broad the Australian motorsport scene is, we’re not looking to just work on Walkinshaw engines, we’re open to all categories and periods of time, there’s also the high-performance street cars which we can help with,” he said.

“We’ve got everything in house to be able to help, from our machine shop, fabrication shop, sub-assembly department and engine department that are able to do everything in the process from engine assembly, design and development to dyno tuning.

“It’s a never been seen before opportunity to have some of the best engine technicians in Australia work on a variety of engines, which is really cool to see.

“If you think we can help, please reach out to engines@walkinshawracing.com.au.”

Like fellow current Supercars engine builders Kelly Racing and Tickford Racing, Walkinshaw is likely to continue to supply motors to Super2 teams once Gen3 is introduced.

The Gen3 regulations are currently slated to kick-in midway through 2022, with the new Camaros to be powered by a 5.7-litre Chevrolet engine currently under development.

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