The powerhouse Supercars squad will host an event called ‘Ignition On’ in the Victorian town on February 7 where the covers will come off its 2026 Red Bull Ampol Racing livery.

The event, open to the public, will feature sponsor activations, live demonstrations and appearances from all four RBAR drivers – Broc Feeney, Will Brown, Scott Pye and new enduro signing Nick Percat.

Triple Eight takes over Ford’s Supercars homologation duties this year as part of a sensational switch from General Motors, announced last January.

The significance of Geelong as the 2026 launch venue is that Ford’s Australian operations were officially founded in the town just over 100 years ago.

Ford also has a deep sporting connection to the town with its backing of the Geelong Football Club thought to the longest continuous running sports sponsorship in the world.

Marking that connection, Cats players will also be in attendance at the Triple Eight launch event.

“This is a huge moment for Triple Eight and the Red Bull Ampol Racing team,” said T8 managing director Jamie Whincup.

“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.”

Ignition On will take place on the Geelong foreshore, with the event itself starting at 9:30am and the pre-show for the livery unveil starting at 11am on Hearne Parade.