Supercars changes make instant impact with Ford clean sweep but Bathurst 'the real test'
Ford may have claimed its first enduro podium sweep since 2017 at The Bend on Sunday but despite the commanding performance, the manufacturer is under no illusions about Chevrolet's potential advantage at Bathurst.
The Shell-V Power Mustang of Brodie Kostecki/Todd Hazelwood led the charge, followed by Tickford's Cam Waters/Mark Winterbottom and Grove Racing's Matt Payne/Garth Tander.
The impressive result followed several parity changes to the Mustangs ahead of the race weekend. The changes, which included aerodynamic tweaks and a shift-cut offset giving Ford a slight boost during gear changes, were a direct response to data showing the Mustangs had a straight-line speed deficit to the Camaros. This performance gap is particularly critical around Mount Panorama.
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Ford Racing Australian motorsport manager, Brendan McGinniskin, says the result shows the parity tweaks have worked.
Brodie Kostecki and Todd Hazelwood celebrate victory at The Bend Enduro. Getty
"It's a happy day for Ford and Ford Racing with three Mustangs locking out the podium," he said.
"It was great to see we could compete with Chevrolets in a straight line, as that's been a long time coming."
However, McGinniskin is not yet certain the pace will carry over to 'The Great Race', which will be staged from Thursday October 9 to Sunday October 12.
"We're under no illusions. The Bend isn't Bathurst, and now we're full steam ahead to ensure we're in the same fighting position at Mount Panorama," he said.
That sentiment is shared by the Ford drivers, including third-place finisher Matt Payne, who said post race that The Bend has always been a 'happy hunting ground' and agreed Bathurst would be the real gauge.
Brodie Kostecki driver of the #38 Shell V-Power Racing Ford Mustang GT, Cameron Waters driver of the #6 Monster Castrol Racing Ford Mustang GT during The Bend Enduro, part of the 2025 Supercars Championship, at CARCO.COM.AU Raceway on September 14, 2025 in Tailem Bend, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images) Getty
"I had a pretty good round here back in 2023 when we first came here with these cars," Payne said.
"There were a couple of cars that didn't really have a shot (at winning) so I honestly wasn't really following anyone so I'm not really sure but I think the real test is when we get to Bathurst."
With the Bathurst 1000 just weeks away, the focus shifts to whether Ford's recent performance gains will be enough to secure a victory at 'The Great Race' for the first time since 2019.
