Roger Penske has hailed a double victory for his Shell V-Power Racing team and the Ford Mustang following the controversial parity changes as a ‘world class’ weekend.
While the visits were pre-arranged, they arrived after Supercars administered changes to the Mustang’s aero package to ensure technical parity across the Ford, Holden and Nissan models.
Despite the tweaks casting an unknown regarding the Mustang’s performance, championship leader Scott McLaughlin impressed in bagging the Armor All Pole Positions for both Friday’s and Saturday’s races at Barbagallo Wanneroo Raceway.
McLaughlin went on to win Race 12 from Triple Eight’s Jamie Whincup on Saturday night, a victory which arrived after a commanding one-two for Shell V-Power Racing on Friday headed by Fabian Coulthard.
The results that have arrived amid the parity debate warranted high praise from Penske.
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“It’s just been a great weekend,” said Penske.
“To see the reliability of the Mustang, the speed of the Mustang and all of the issues we had to get the car to where the officials wanted it… its dynamic duo with these two guys (McLaughlin and Coulthard), and with Ford’s support and the new Mustang what can we say – just a world-class weekend.”
Shell V-Power Racing’s success was also backed up by a strong showing from fellow Ford squad Tickford Racing, who played a role in a one-two-three for the Mustang on Friday with Chaz Mostert claiming the final place on the podium.
Cameron Waters followed up by scoring third in Saturday’s race and only a mechanical failure for Mostert denied Tickford from scoring top 10 results across all four of its drivers in both races.
Rushbrook admitted he was proud of the teams for the continued success of the Mustang in Perth.
“We have worked so hard alongside Shell V-Power Racing and Tickford Racing, so to come to Perth and see Mustang in such competitive form is such a great feeling,” said Rushbrook.
“We saw a stunning debut weekend in Adelaide earlier in the year, and it’s great to see that the teams haven’t stopped developing and honing their Mustangs to get more and more from them.
“It’s a testament to their skill and dedication, and we’re absolutely rapt at their focus and ability, which is why we’re such proud partners with them in Supercars.”
The sentiment was echoed by Hart, who praised the teams’ ‘grit’ and determination in light of the circumstances.
“This was a great weekend from the teams, and shows the dedication, hard work and professionalism of our partners in Shell V-Power Racing Team and Tickford Racing,” said Hart.
“The grit and determination saw a hard-fought victory and a stunning 1-2-3 in Friday night’s race.
“We’re so proud of the teams and what they have achieved with Mustang so far.”
The championship will head now head to Winton from May 24-26.
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