Ford engine supplier to investigate Sandown issues

Ford's Supercars engine supplier has confirmed it will investigate an engine issue ahead of the upcoming Repco Bathurst 1000 following a number of failures at Sandown.

Penrite Racing driver Richie Stanaway was an early retirement from Sunday’s Penrite Oil Sandown 500 due to an engine issue, caused by a suspected crankshaft failure.

Teams returned to Sandown for a ride day on Monday, with three Mustangs from Dick Johnson Racing, Walkinshaw Andretti United and Blanchard Racing Team respectively, sidelined with engine issues that appear similar to Stanaway’s crankshaft failure.

Motorsport Powertrains distribute engines to all Ford Supercars teams, with KRE Engines the supplier to Chevrolet teams.

The Chevrolet camp has already undergone a mid-season change, with a new specification of thrust bearing leading to KRE servicing a batch of motors after Darwin.

In the wake of the Sandown failures, Motorsport Powertrains confirmed an investigation is already taking place.

“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,” a spokesperson said.

“Damaged engines will be torn down and inspected to discover the magnitude of the issue, and how to repair it.”

The 2024 Repco Supercars Championship will resume at the Great Race, the Repco Bathurst 1000, on October 10-13. Tickets for the event are on sale now.