Engine change for Love Ford after crash

The Blanchard Racing Team has opted for an engine change on the Aaron Love Ford Mustang amid repairs following the rising star's Sandown qualifying crash.

The rookie slid out of control and into the Armco barrier during Saturday’s Boost Mobile Qualifying session at Sandown.

The incident ruled Love out of qualifying the spot, triggering a red flag, with the CoolDrive Ford sustaining front and rear damage.

Love and co-driver Aaron Cameron will start Sunday’s 500km race from 26th and last, but they at least will make the grid following repairs.

The Box Hill squad quickly got to work repairing the car, with the front clip absorbing much of the impact in the crash.

While the chassis itself avoided damage, the team has opted to change the engine, given a small crack to the front clip and minor intake manifold damage.

The Love Ford is the second car to undergo an engine change this weekend, with David Reynolds’ Team 18 Chevrolet receiving an engine change after Friday’s action.

It was an otherwise promising day for the Blanchard team, with James Courtney qualifying a solid 12th, and Jack Perkins winning the Dunlop Series opener from pole.

Supercars action on Sunday will commence with the Warm Up at 9:55am local time.

The 161-lap race will commence at 2:05pm AEST on Sunday. The race will be broadcast live on Foxtel (Fox Sports 506) and streamed on Kayo. The Seven Network will provide highlights coverage of the race.