The 2024 Sandown 500 was a challenge for the Supercars Ford teams. There were only two retirements from the race, one of which was the No. 26 Ford Mustang GT of Richie Stanaway, which suffered an apparent mechanical issue that rendered it unable to continue. Several other engine issues prompted The Blue Oval itself to launch an investigation to find out exactly what felled its race cars last weekend with hopes of finding a solution before the upcoming Bathurst 1000.
According to a report from Supercars.com, Ford’s engine supplier confirmed that it is looking into the engine issues that plagued several Mustang racers on Sunday. Stanaway’s engine issues were caused by a suspected crankshaft failure, prompting The Blue Oval to take a closer look at its power units, which are supplied by Motorsports Powertrains. Stanaway wasn’t the only racer affected – race cars from Dick Johnson Racing, Blanchard Racing Team, and Walkinshaw Andretti United also suffered suspected crankshaft issues.
“We know the failures can be attributed to a supplied part, and our team is working to understand the issue so we can be prepared for the Bathurst 1000,” said a Motorsports Powertrains spokesperson. “Damaged engines will be torn down and inspected to discover the magnitude of the issue, and how to repair it.”
At this time, Motorsports Powertrains and Ford have not released more information regarding the specific cause of Sunday’s engine failures. In other words, while the organization has confirmed that a third party supplied part was to blame for the mechanical issues, they have not specified what that part is, or where it came from.
As for Ford at Sandown, the best Supercars Ford team was the No. 19 Mustang duo of Garth Tander and Matt Payne, who finished fourth. Cam Waters and James Moffat wheeled the No. 6 Mustang to a sixth-place finish, while the No. 87 Chevy Camaro of points leader Will Brown took the victory. He leads Chaz Mostert, driver of the No. 25 Mustang, by 189 points in the championship.
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While other teams wrecked out.
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