2015 Silly Season

[Mixer]

I don't believe in coincidences! Then again maybe DJR rolling out the red carpet trying to make something happen.

If it does happen could Tim Cyndric come out to run it?

I know some people don't like the "pommy" invaders but lets face it both 888 and HRT are a class act. The Prodrive thing didn't really work out but Penske in the series facing up to the best of the current teams makes me salivate...

With the history Penkse bringing Shell back is absolutely not impossible and I can't see too many drivers turning that opportunity down given the opportunity.

From Dick's perspective, if he can get out with some compensation, a consultant/figurehead role with super strong and capable owners, and Shell on the side of the car, surely you couldn't wish for more than that?

[one five five]

Originally Posted by Mixer

If it does happen could Tim Cyndric come out to run it?

Cindric is far too high up the Penske chain (second in charge and will ultimatly take the whole thing over) to be sent faraway down here.

I'd expect a "Tim Edwards" type to run the team, while Cindric had a "David Richards" type of role.

[Mixer]

Originally Posted by one five five

I'd expect a "Tim Edwards" type to run the team, while Cindric had a "David Richards" type of role.

I would guess that any Penske fans would be hoping for a bit less bluster and a few more results... No doubting Mr Edwards pedigree but 8 years for any real measurable success with a Bathurst win and perhaps the best shot yet at the title this year is a long wait and a testament to his loyalty.

[eduardo1]

Originally Posted by Mixer

I would guess that any Penske fans would be hoping for a bit less bluster and a few more results... No doubting Mr Edwards pedigree but 8 years for any real measurable success with a Bathurst win and perhaps the best shot yet at the title this year is a long wait and a testament to his loyalty.

Kind of hard to determine if they've been a success or failure.

They're inarguably the second-best team across the past five years but as far as winning the big two (Title or B1000) only picked up a single trophy.

Their direct equivalent is HRT, which they've comprehensively outperformed - but HRT has an extra Bathurst title to their name.

Their ability to shoot themselves in the foot is legend, but do they actually make more mistakes, or do FPR's get more prominence because they occur in more competitive positions than their non-T8 rivals?

[one five five]

Originally Posted by Mixer

I would guess that any Penske fans would be hoping for a bit less bluster and a few more results... No doubting Mr Edwards pedigree but 8 years for any real measurable success with a Bathurst win and perhaps the best shot yet at the title this year is a long wait and a testament to his loyalty.

My use of 'Tim Edwards' was just using as an example the pre-2013 FPR setup, where it was owned from afar under David Richards (in this case Penske/Cindric) with a local running the day-to-day.

[Mixer]

Originally Posted by one five five

My use of 'Tim Edwards' was just using as an example the pre-2013 FPR setup, where it was owned from afar under David Richards (in this case Penske/Cindric) with a local running the day-to-day.

He's exactly the kind of person Penske could and should attract. You couldn't ask for a better background or experience to run a v8 team.

[Sandgroper]

This guy could be in the mix "supposedly"

http://www.speedcafe.com/2014/06/17/...g-race-brands/

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA Classic

[bluesport]

Ford's future?:

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/motorspo...620-zsgt4.html

[Airhead]

Doesn't really shed any light though does it. Down to a measly six cars, who would have thought it...

[mikuni]

The most interesting part of that article is that it implies they know what they are doing, but they say they can't release a statement until nearer the end of the season. If it was good news, I can't see why they wouldn't just say it now.

The only thing I can think of, bearing in mind that they are currently laying staff off, is that they want to get all the firing out of the way before they announce that they are going to continue with motor racing.

Or is it more simply that they don't know what model they will be running and are waiting for further word from headquarters on this?

[bluesport]

Originally Posted by mikuni

The most interesting part of that article is that it implies they know what they are doing, but they say they can't release a statement until nearer the end of the season. If it was good news, I can't see why they wouldn't just say it now.

The only thing I can think of, bearing in mind that they are currently laying staff off, is that they want to get all the firing out of the way before they announce that they are going to continue with motor racing.

Or is it more simply that they don't know what model they will be running and are waiting for further word from headquarters on this?

It will be a waste of money running a car based on a Mondeo IMO.........looking at their proposed model line-up after 2016 it's Mustang or nothing.

[GTRMagic]

Originally Posted by Airhead

Doesn't really shed any light though does it. Down to a measly six cars, who would have thought it...

Only takes one to win.. Which is happening..

[mikuni]

Originally Posted by bluesport

It will be a waste of money running a car based on a Mondeo IMO.........looking at their proposed model line-up after 2016 it's Mustang or nothing.

A rule change would be required for this, and I imagine the other manufacturers won't bend over and comply unless there is something in it for them.

It does matter what Fords long term plan is. If the aim to bring in a larger sports sedan to replace the Falcon, then they may see fit to continue with that model. It's only body panels, so if the last Falcon is similar dimensionally it wouldn't matter a great deal rehomolgating in a further 2 years.

[fomoco]

Originally Posted by bluesport

It will be a waste of money running a car based on a Mondeo IMO.........looking at their proposed model line-up after 2016 it's Mustang or nothing.

It will be interesting, to see which way they go, in the US of A, the Stang is for Gt racing , in Europe Ford are pushing the noddy box and Mondeo, for Australia, yes it would be nice to see the stang, and then Holden will bring in the Camaro, Chrysler could come back with the Challenger,
I think ford Aust will go with the Mondeo, as it aims at family, where as the stang suits "dinks", try and fit and get a couple of babies and the portable cot, etc etc , no an ideal car for that role .

[bluesport]

Better for the category to allow 2-doors cars than to risk losing a manufacturer.

[Mixer]

Originally Posted by bluesport

Better for the category to allow 2-doors cars than to risk losing a manufacturer.

I don't see Ford thinking this way... There is not enough money in Mustang sales for a racing program IMO and Ford will want to sell cars, not just spend millions for a halo marketing program.

If they continue I would think it will be something they think they can sell.

Unfortunately the Mondeo seems to exist between segments, I am not sure that it is the car.

[bluesport]

Originally Posted by Mixer

I don't see Ford thinking this way... There is not enough money in Mustang sales for a racing program IMO and Ford will want to sell cars, not just spend millions for a halo marketing program.

If they continue I would think it will be something they think they can sell.

Unfortunately the Mondeo seems to exist between segments, I am not sure that it is the car.

I think they need a car with a performance image that will help them sell more Fords, and I don't see anything else in their range that can do that.

[one five five]

Originally Posted by bluesport

I think they need a car with a performance image that will help them sell more Fords, and I don't see anything else in their range that can do that.

Performance model like a Volvo S60 or a Nissan Altima?

Volvo have shown that racing a vehicle based on a normal FWD family car does translate into sales. Ford are better racing their mass market car, not an upper range model.

As i've said before, Ford staying or leaving will not depend on whether they can run a Mustang or not.

[bluesport]

Originally Posted by one five five

Performance model like a Volvo S60 or a Nissan Altima?

Volvo have shown that racing a vehicle based on a normal FWD family car does translate into sales. Ford are better racing their mass market car, not an upper range model.

As i've said before, Ford staying or leaving will not depend on whether they can run a Mustang or not.

What worked for Volvo doesn't necessarily mean it will work for Ford or holden.........when the Ford company have been involved in racing in Aust they have always had a performance variant of the model they have been racing, eg Falcon GT, XR8 etc.........and I think that's what the Aust motoring public expect from them.

[ForumNick]

Originally Posted by one five five

.....Volvo have shown that racing a vehicle based on a normal FWD family car does translate into sales....

A Polestar S60 (ie. the model the V8SC is actually based on) @ $120k+ could hardly be called a 'normal FWD family car'?

[peckstar]

Childress wants V8 Supercars deal

Penske not the only NASCAR team in the hunt

Childress and Richard Gilmore, COO at Earnhardt Childress Racing Engines, then confirmed they have been looking to buy a team or at least establish a technical partnership with an Australian V8 Supercar team.

[one five five]

Originally Posted by bluesport

What worked for Volvo doesn't necessarily mean it will work for Ford or holden.........when the Ford company have been involved in racing in Aust they have always had a performance variant of the model they have been racing, eg Falcon GT, XR8 etc.........and I think that's what the Aust motoring public expect from them.

When Moffat & Geoghegan were racing Mustang's Ford were only interested in Falcon's.

When Johnson and Seton were racing Sierra's Ford were more interested in backing six-cylinder Group E production cars.

Ford have a history of putting their mass market car on the race track, not a niche vehicle.

Originally Posted by ForumNick

A Polestar S60 (ie. the model the V8SC is actually based on) @ $120k+ could hardly be called a 'normal FWD family car'? .

Joe-Blow on the hill just see's a Volvo S60 running around, just like he see's a Holden Commodore or a Ford Falcon

Please explain how the V8SC vehicle is based on the Polestar S60 more than it is based on a normal Volvo S60??

[eduardo1]

Originally Posted by peckstar

Childress wants V8 Supercars deal

Penske not the only NASCAR team in the hunt

Really interesting that the only direct quotes are around having access to some of the technology that is currently in V8 Supercars. If NASCAR are incorporating those into their series, it makes sense for RCR to get a link up with a V8 team to save them the cost of developing that themselves.

But there is nothing as far as quotes about them wanting to purchase a team. That is all speculation and supposition and what they suggested was flat out denied by Webb anyway.

I can't believe that if RCR were interested in joining V8s that Warburton wouldn't know about it. If there was genuine intent they would absolutely be talking to V8SA and getting the info they needed.

[Airhead]

Originally Posted by one five five

When Moffat & Geoghegan were racing Mustang's Ford were only interested in Falcon's.

When Johnson and Seton were racing Sierra's Ford were more interested in backing six-cylinder Group E production cars.

Ford have a history of putting their mass market car on the race track, not a niche vehicle.



Joe-Blow on the hill just see's a Volvo S60 running around, just like he see's a Holden Commodore or a Ford Falcon

Please explain how the V8SC vehicle is based on the Polestar S60 more than it is based on a normal Volvo S60??

My thoughts exactly, Ford Australia have a habit of withdrawing from Motorsport and leaving the main competitors and their fans high and dry.

[bluesport]

Originally Posted by one five five

Ford have a history of putting their mass market car on the race track, not a niche vehicle.

And the mass market car always had a performance variant (Falcon GT, XR8 etc).........Mondeo (or whatever) won't have that........we don't want another Nissan Altima clone.