Following the reveal of its two Mustangs on Monday, Ford newest Supercars team Walkinshaw Andretti United hit the track at Winton today for a shakedown with both Chaz Mostert and Nick Percat.
Debuting the Ford Mustangs comes after a controversial swap of allegiances last year due to its 30-year history with General Motors through initially being Holden’s factory team before just representing the marque on the Supercars grid after it lost this status in 2016.
Entering Fords for the first time isn’t the only shift for Walkinshaw Andretti United as the new Gen3 rules mark the sixth set of regulations it has built an Australian touring car for and also the team will move to new facilities away from its previous base in Clayton.
Team Principal Bruce Stewart is excited by Walkinshaw Andretti United’s new generation across the board.
“We’ve all been working towards these cars for so long now that to see it in the flesh, looking so good, is a bit surreal to be honest,” Stewart said.
“Our Team has been incredible with their dedication and commitment in getting here.
“We wouldn’t be in this position without the support of all our partners. 2023 is Mobil 1’s 30th year with our team which is just incredible, NTI have been a huge supporter of our team.
“But everywhere you look on these cars there are fantastic partners like Morris in their 13th with us now, who are intrinsically linked in the business and VALO who joined us mid last year and have done wonderful things for our sport.
“The fact we’ve had nearly every single partner recommit to us is the loyalty we love, and everyone in this business appreciated their support, as well as the new partners who have come on board who we are excited to work with.
“It’s getting very real now, I can’t wait to see the Mobil 1 NTI Racing Ford Mustang GT on track, and to get the season underway.”
Also confirmed were its endurance drivers as Fabian Coulthard returns to the team as he partners Nick Percat, while Repco Bathurst 1000 winners Lee Holdsworth and Chaz Mostert reunite, with both co-drivers getting familiar in the new Mustangs.
Other teams at Winton today included Brad Jones Racing, Tickford Racing and many Super2 squads.
The opening round of the Repco Supercars Championship season is in Newcastle on March 10-12.