Triple Eight announces Ford return from 2026
Triple Eight has confirmed rumours that it will make a return to the Ford stable from the 2026 Supercars season.
The team, which will continue to compete under the Red Bull Ampol Racing name, initially represented the Blue Oval when it first joined the grid in 2003, securing championship titles in both 2008 and 2009 – alongside three wins at Bathurst – before switching to Holden following a loss of manufacturer support.
Since then, Triple Eight has gone on to secure multiple titles with both Holden and then Chevrolet and has also held the role of homologation team for General Motors.
The team will now take up a similar role as homologation team for Ford as part of a ‘huge strategic commitment’ between the two parties.
“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,” team principal Jamie Whincup said.
“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.”
Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance, added his delight at bringing Triple Eight back into the fold on a major day for the brand, which also confirmed plans to challenge for outright honours at Le Mans with a new LMDh programme.
“We’ve always admired Triple Eight’s unwavering commitment to excellence,” he said. “Their engineering prowess and tireless pursuit of victory are almost incomparable. But more than that, there’s a shared history, a bond forged in the fires of competition, that makes this partnership feel so right.”
