All change at Ford Motorsport?

**GTRMagic** · 20 Mar 2005, 05:06 (Ref:1256468)

It seems that whispers coming out of Adelaide suggest that Ford Motorsport head honcho Mr Steve Kruk is no longer the head of that organisation.

Details remain sketchy, however it seems Mr Kruk may have been moved on at the request of the upper levels of Ford Australia.

This comes on the back of some stresses caused by a particular team running Fords at the moment that have said to have been in heated dialog with senior Ford factory chiefs, and well as Mr Kruk.

Its all getting veerry interesting...

Just Do It! · 20 Mar 2005, 06:29 (Ref:1256490)

WPS to blame?? Stephen is a man of the highest regard and integrity.

**GTRMagic** · 20 Mar 2005, 07:09 (Ref:1256501)

The team you mention has allegedly been involved in some very public incidents recently involving the top level of the Ford factory. It is said that some email hijinks have happened in the last month or so with contents that would make a sailor blush...

Motorsport is a very expensive program.. when money is being committed across multiple teams, and only one of those is winning, you have to ask yourself whether the spend level is justifiable....

Beatcha · 20 Mar 2005, 09:34 (Ref:1256630)

Maybe Ford should pay on results, so much money for position in races and end of year money for position in championship, some teams will get lots, the team you mention would get what they deserve. How long u think Bairdo will be there? going on that teams past form maybe not see the month out.

Just Do It! · 20 Mar 2005, 09:48 (Ref:1256657)

I would be nervous if I was Bairdo after the weekend, not because he is a bad driver or anything, but more so because of the 2004 season seat time, or lack of it, that some drivers got.

If the said team carried out some of the alleged allegations, then I would be severely angry as an employee of a manufacturer. The said team doesn't really need manufacturer support, and the rival manufacturer seem to be hardly embracing them with open arms either. When you have the choice of two and neither of you want you, well.....

Anyway, all that aside, if the events above have occurred, then we need to be very afraid. Close colleagues of mine would argue that when you are representing a party - with or without their official support - you act gracious and dignified in an effort to secure it.

The alleged team are spreading their wings far and wide and embracing our sport handsomely. Sadly this seems to be somewhat one way on some cases, but others that have gone before them have danced to manufacturer tunes without manufacturer support, including one who....well we won't go there, but the facts have been documented in the press this year.

If Stephen Kruk has been rolled, bowled, and....... due to the alleged team, then one has to wonder where the manufacturer's loyalty may actually lie.

I am deeply saddened by all this, and yes, passion is simmering.

Also a Believer · 20 Mar 2005, 10:27 (Ref:1256725)

If Mr Gore is indeed responsible for the demise he will see it as a feather in his cap and there will be no remorse,,, dont **** with the craigster.

Just Do It! · 20 Mar 2005, 10:48 (Ref:1256763)

But will it lead to support? Who will back the renegade? Holden don't want him and Ford...well, we have seen enough to know that the relationship isn't exactly ripe. I mean just ask where he will acquire parts from? Mind you, Eddie Jordan ran like that in F3 for years - one man's junk is another man's treasure

Chucky · 20 Mar 2005, 22:50 (Ref:1257507)

I think their were major gripes from much more than that one team and , for that matter, more than that category!

retro · 23 Mar 2005, 08:02 (Ref:1259518)

Gore is looking at going to the ACCC over the Ford sponsorship. He is claiming Ford are making very difficult for his team to get parts.

Also he is claiming extortation with a certain party in the Ford organisation.

His personal sponsorship is running at $20M.

**GTRMagic** · 23 Mar 2005, 08:17 (Ref:1259529)

Quote:

Originally Posted by retro

Gore is looking at going to the ACCC over the Ford sponsorship. He is claiming Ford are making very difficult for his team to get parts.

Also he is claiming extortation with a certain party in the Ford organisation.

His personal sponsorship is running at $20M.

Mr Gore may be correct, but there is allegedly a very good reason for such things happening. And I dont call a manufacturer allegedly supporting a team contingent on a particular driver occupying a seat in the team as extortion...

You say to-mat-o, I say to-mate-o....

Beatcha · 23 Mar 2005, 09:54 (Ref:1259594)

Wasnt Alex Yoong in that team due to Ford wanting him there? Is this what you are talking about GTR?

**GTRMagic** · 23 Mar 2005, 09:55 (Ref:1259595)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beatcha

Wasnt Alkex Yoong in that team due to Ford wanting him there? Is this what you are talking about GTR?

Allegedly

retro · 23 Mar 2005, 10:47 (Ref:1259634)

Quote:

Originally Posted by retro

Gore is looking at going to the ACCC over the Ford sponsorship. He is claiming Ford are making very difficult for his team to get parts.

Also he is claiming extortation with a certain party in the Ford organisation.

His personal sponsorship is running at $20M.

\

there should be an it where it says Ford are making it very
...and I am not sure on the spelling of extortion

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