CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Ford Performance has announced a significant move to expand its reach around the globe. The motorsports division is reuniting with a top Supercars team.
The announcement took place Thursday night in Charlotte as Ford Performance held its annual racing season launch party. Global Director of Ford Performance Mark Rushbrook told more than 2,000 attendees that the company will partner with Triple Eight Engineering starting in 2026. The race team will continue as Red Bull Ampol Racing as it begins fielding Mustangs.
"We are so excited about this," Rushbrook said. "Like I said, we race to win, and we've got great teams, and we want like-minded partners, and that's exactly what Triple Eight is.
"They are a race team built around an engineering company so they know how to design the car, they know how to set up the car, they know how to win. They've shown it with their race wins and championships."
In 2026, @tripleeightaus will again race for the Blue Oval 💪 @FordPerformance #RedBullAmpol #FordPerformance pic.twitter.com/39M88SVAOM
— Red Bull Ampol Racing (@redbullampol) January 31, 2025
The partnership between Ford Performance and Triple Eight Engineering marks a reunion for the two companies. They previously joined forces in Supercars competition in 2003 and celebrated multiple championships and Bathurst 1000 wins. However, Triple Eight defected to General Motors starting with the 2010 season.
Triple Eight has won seven Bathurst 1000s, nine drivers' championships, and 11 teams' championships while working with General Motors. The team won last season's championship with Will Brown as the driver. Brown and teammate Broc Feeney are both under contract with the team into the 2026 season.
"Triple Eight's success is first and foremost down to our people and a relentless, shared desire to win that has set us up for this partnership," said Triple Eight Team Principal Jamie Whincup in a statement.
"Our return to the Blue Oval isn't just about winning; it's about that feeling of shared purpose and determination that's backed up by an exciting road car portfolio.
"What excites me most about our future together is the commitment Ford is demonstrating to our sport, to Triple Eight, and to all Supercars fans through this long-term partnership. This is a huge strategic commitment that we are very proud to share.
"We're very excited to be a part of the Ford Performance ecosystem and the potential opportunities this partnership will present."