The Repco Supercars Championship’s next generation is will be a big positive according to the only driver to have piloted both the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, Zane Goddard.
Goddard was joined by Triple Eight Race Engineering pair Shane van Gisbergen and Broc Feeney, in addition to Dick Johnson Racing’s Will Davison and Erebus Motorsport driver Will Brown at Queensland Raceway to continue testing of the two Gen3 models.
Upgrades were completed after Bathurst to the suspension and engine components including a control oil tank, which was monitored with a camera across the two-day test.
“It’s pretty cool to see how close they already are, obviously there is some work here and there, but it’s a really promising way to start it all off,” said Goddard.
“It’s an experience I’ve really enjoyed and one I haven’t had before testing cars back-to-back that are brand new, and being a part of the process.
Goddard is currently on the market for a Supercars seat after parting ways with Matt Stone Racing at the end of last season and was installed by category management to complete the test as he believes fans will enjoy the racing in Gen3.
“It’s a fair bit different, but it still got the same DNA as a Supercar now, which is I think really important,” Goddard remarked.
“It’s quite a spectacle watching the Supercars race, cars bouncing off kerbs nose-to-tail, it’s something great for the fans to watch and provides fun racing, so that sides really positive.
“I think the lack of downforce has definitely made it a bit more tricky for the driver, but that’s another positive when it comes to racing because the racing will be closer and there will be plenty of overtakes.
“From my first taste in the Gen3, it’s all in the right direction and what Supercars is wanting to do, so a big positive.”
Davison further expanded on what his impressions of how the Gen3 Mustang handles.
“I would say, immediately, they are a grunty, rear-wheel-drive car,” he enthused.
“They are still a touring car, but in terms of some of the finite details, [they are] very, very different cars.
“Nothing will translate, I think to what we know in the past, how we drive the car will be different, how we set the car up will be different.
“They are a handful; you’re busy behind the wheel, but it’s kind of exciting.
“It’s a very, very different machine, very different beast, a lot of different componentry in the cars to what any of us has ever used before.
“Everyone’s got the same opportunity, and we’re going to have to man-handle these cars a lot.”
Don’t forget, you can go into the draw to experience Gen3 first hand in Newcastle via the link on the home page.