Engine testing for the upcoming Repco Bathurst 1000 is set to include updates to the Ford crankshaft and AVL testing improvements. Following recent setbacks at Sandown, where three Ford Mustang Supercars encountered crankshaft failures, an investigation was launched into the issue. Richie Stanaway’s Penrite Racing Mustang was one of the cars affected during the Sandown race, with two additional failures occurring during a subsequent ride day.
Amid concerns over the reliability of the Ford engines, Motorsport Powertrains, the supplier for Ford’s Supercars engines, swiftly initiated an investigation and recall of all engines for inspection and rebuild at their facility in Queensland. The failures prompted Ford to collaborate with its teams and Ford Performance to address the problem ahead of the Repco Bathurst 1000, scheduled for October 10-13.
As part of the remediation efforts, Ford is sourcing a supply of Mustang GT3 crankshafts to be used in the Ford Supercar engines. Extensive engineering developments have been undertaken by Ford Performance to ensure the suitability of the Mustang GT3 crankshaft for the Supercar engines. The modifications will be homologated in time for the Bathurst 1000 weekend, with the number of engines utilizing the new crankshaft contingent upon the availability of supply.
Supercars General Manager of Motorsport, Tim Edwards, confirmed that testing of the updated Ford crankshaft and AVL testing updates for Chevrolet engines will be conducted at Queensland Raceway before the Bathurst event. The testing is crucial to validate the findings from recent AVL testing conducted in the United States, ensuring the engines are primed for the demanding race at Bathurst.
The AVL testing program and subsequent updates to the Ford and Chevrolet engines aim to enhance their performance and reliability on the track. Any modifications resulting from the testing will be finalized before the Repco Bathurst 1000, ensuring that the engines are optimized for the challenging conditions of the iconic race.
Looking ahead, the Repco Bathurst 1000 marks a significant milestone in the 2024 Repco Supercars Championship, with teams gearing up for a highly competitive and action-packed event. Fans eagerly anticipate the thrilling races and the intense battles that unfold at Bathurst, making it a highlight of the motorsport calendar.
With tickets already on sale for the event, anticipation is building for the showdown at Bathurst, where drivers will push themselves and their machines to the limit in pursuit of victory. The updates and enhancements to the engines underscore the commitment of teams and manufacturers to deliver top-tier performance in one of the most prestigious races on the Supercars calendar.