Get Ready for a Historic Unveiling! The roar of engines is about to echo through Geelong as a legendary Supercars team prepares to debut a brand-new era.
Mark your calendars for February 7th, because the powerhouse Red Bull Ampol Racing team is set to pull back the curtain on their 2026 Ford livery at a special public event called ‘Ignition On’ in Geelong, Victoria. This isn't just any car launch; it's a significant moment for the team as they forge a new path with Ford.
But here's where it gets interesting... This event is more than just a car reveal. It's a celebration of a monumental shift for Triple Eight Race Engineering, the team behind Red Bull Ampol Racing. After a remarkable 16-year partnership with General Motors, they are making a sensational switch to Ford this year. This transition, announced back in January, marks a bold new chapter, with Triple Eight now taking on Ford’s Supercars homologation duties.
And this is the part most people miss... The choice of Geelong as the launch venue is steeped in history. Did you know that Ford's Australian operations officially began in Geelong just over a century ago? It’s a deliberate nod to the brand’s deep roots in the region. Furthermore, Ford shares a profound sporting legacy with Geelong through its long-standing sponsorship of the Geelong Football Club, a partnership believed to be the longest continuous sports sponsorship in the world. To honor this connection, players from the Geelong Football Club will also be present at the launch event!
Jamie Whincup, the managing director of Triple Eight, expressed his excitement: “This is a huge moment for Triple Eight and the Red Bull Ampol Racing team. We’re back with Ford after 16 years, and it’s an exciting time to have the Blue Oval on the car. To be able to take the car to Geelong, Ford heartland, where there’s so much history for that iconic brand and build an event that shows fans who we are, what we do, and how we’re racing in 2026 is a great opportunity. This is a race car that’s been designed and built by Triple Eight, has a Triple Eight power train under the bonnet, and is going to compete with the backing of Ford Racing globally and our valued partners. It’s exciting. It’s the start of the Triple Eight, Red Bull Ampol Racing, and Ford Racing story.”
The 'Ignition On' event promises a fantastic experience for the public, featuring sponsor activations, live demonstrations, and meet-and-greets with all four Red Bull Ampol Racing drivers: Broc Feeney, Will Brown, Scott Pye, and their new endurance signing, Nick Percat. The festivities will kick off on the Geelong foreshore, with the main event commencing at 9:30 am, and the pre-show for the highly anticipated livery unveiling beginning at 11 am on Hearne Parade.
Now, here’s a thought to ponder: With Triple Eight returning to Ford after such a long and successful stint with GM, and choosing a venue so rich in Ford's Australian heritage, does this signify a genuine revival of Ford's presence in Australian motorsport, or is it purely a strategic marketing move? What are your thoughts on this significant shift in the Supercars landscape? Let us know in the comments below!
