FORD’S WAIT CONTINUES
WHILE CHEVROLET AND TOYOTA WILL race 2018 versions of their road cars,
Ford continues with the ageing Ford
Fusion. But while on face value that seems a large disadvantage, there is a potential reward for its drivers, even if they’re struggling to be patient.
It’s still likely to be 2019 before Ford introduces a new car, with rumours persisting that it could abandon the Fusion for the new Mustang. But being the last to update could be an advantage, as Stewarthaas Racing’s Kurt Busch acknowledges.
“You hope that they do their homework and you watch Chevrolet; then when you’re going to a [new] design, you see the other team show their hand and so you can capitalise on it,” he says. “We can still be competitive, we have to go to work and not be disappointed by the different politics or what cars get approved or not approved and, for that matter, even the parts.”
Like Chevrolet, Ford is also hoping that the new inspection process will level the playing field to allow it to punch above its weight, but a first manufacturer title since 2002 looks unlikely. “I would love to have it right now,” says Busch about the prospect of a new Ford. “I would love to go with any new technology. I was surprised we had a ’18 Camry racing in ’17. With the Camaro this year, Chevy will get its chance, but that’s all part of the game behind the scenes.”
In the meantime, minor updates at the request of its teams will have to tide Ford over. It certainly didn’t seem to hurt at the season-opening Daytona Clash last weekend, in which Fords finished 1-2-3-4…