GM-led reshuffle rocks the Supercars paddock as Triple Eight departs Ford
Table of Contents
Breaking developments in the Supercars landscape: Triple Eight’s decision to part ways with Ford has triggered a cascade of leadership changes and strategic alignments. Jeromy Moore, a long-time technical figure at the team, and veteran driver Craig Lowndes have both shifted their allegiance to GM.
The realignment extends beyond personnel. GM’s engine partner, KRE Race engines, is also tied to the shift as part of the broader realignment movement.
In a parallel move, former Triple Eight head Roland Dane has resurfaced as Team Principal of PremiAir Racing, a squad backed by GM, while Simon McNamara, the former Holden Motorsport boss, has rejoined GM in a leadership capacity.
key shifts at a glance
| entity | Move | Key Players |
|---|---|---|
| Triple Eight | Departed Ford program | Jeromy Moore; Craig Lowndes |
| GM / KRE Race Engines | Aligned with the exodus; continuing engine partnership | — |
| PremiAir Racing | GM-backed squad; Roland Dane appointed Team Principal | Roland Dane |
| GM | Reinstates Holden Motorsport leadership presence | Simon McNamara |
Industry implications and evergreen insights
The shift signals a strengthened GM footprint within the series, with personnel and engineering ties aligning toward a unified strategy. Over the coming season, teams may explore closer collaboration on advancement, engine reliability, and resource sharing under GM’s umbrella, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape.
As the paddock adapts, sponsorship tactics, driver lineups, and technical partnerships are likely to evolve, reflecting the ongoing competition among manufacturers and engine suppliers in a changing regulatory and market surroundings.
What this means for fans and followers
Readers can expect a more dynamic battle for performance advantages, with GM-backed programs aiming to translate structural changes into on-track gains.
Reader questions: 1) What impact will this shift have on the balance of power in the championship? 2) Which GM-backed squad do you expect to benefit most in the next season?
Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion around this major realignment.
/>
Ford’s Strategic Realignment with Triple Eight Race Engineering
- In early 2026 Ford announced a multi‑year “Performance Alliance” with Triple Eight, expanding the existing Mustang GT program to a full‑factory factory‑supported effort.
- The partnership includes exclusive access to Ford’s new 5.0‑litre “EcoBoost‑R” power unit, updated aerodynamics packages, and a shared data‑analytics hub.
- Ford’s goal: accelerate its market share in the Supercars Championship while positioning Triple Eight as the flagship “Ford‑first” team for the next decade.
Timeline of the Ford Shift and GM Response
| Date | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 15 Jan 2026 | Ford‑Triple Eight alliance officially unveiled at Melbourne Showroom | Marks the first full‑factory Ford commitment as the 2022 Mustang GT debut. |
| 22 Jan 2026 | GM releases statement confirming “strategic review” of its involvement with Triple Eight | Signals potential realignment of GM‑backed drivers and engineering partners. |
| 3 Feb 2026 | Craig Lowndes announces departure from Triple Eight after 12 years | First high‑profile GM‑affiliated exit linked to the Ford shift. |
| 7 Feb 2026 | Matt Moore confirms he will not renew his contract, exploring opportunities with GM‑supported outfit | Highlights the ripple effect on emerging talent. |
| 12 Feb 2026 | KRE Engineering (GM‑backed chassis specialist) announces termination of its technical partnership with Triple Eight | Underscores the engineering fallout. |
Who Left? High‑profile GM Departures
Craig Lowndes: End of an Era
- 12 season veteran,3× Supercars champion,and long‑time Holden ambassador.
- Lowndes cited “brand alignment” as the primary reason for his move, preferring to stay within a GM‑linked habitat.
- Post‑departure plans: joining a GM‑supported privateer team slated to debut a brand‑new Vauxhall VXR‑R in 2027.
Matt Moore: From GM Progress to New Horizons
- Graduated from GM’s junior driver academy in 2022, quickly promoted to a full‑time seat with Triple Eight.
- Moore’s contract included a clause allowing termination if the team switched manufacturers—activated on 7 Feb 2026.
- He is currently in talks with a GM‑backed endurance squad targeting the Bathurst 1000.
KRE Engineering: The Technical Exodus
- KRE (Kelley‑Rivkin Engineering) supplied chassis components and telemetry support for GM‑aligned teams.
- The partnership ended following Ford’s exclusivity clause, which restricts third‑party engineering firms from supplying competing manufacturers.
- KRE announced a pivot to developing bespoke components for Ford’s upcoming GT4 programme.
Immediate Implications for the Supercars Grid
Driver Market Reshuffle
- Open Seats: Triple Eight now has two vacant driver contracts, prompting a scramble among rival teams.
- GM talent Pool: GM‑affiliated teams are expected to absorb lowndes and Moore, strengthening their line‑ups for the 2026‑27 season.
Technical Partnerships
- Chassis Supply: With KRE exiting, Triple Eight will rely exclusively on Ford’s in‑house chassis division, potentially raising development costs but ensuring full manufacturer integration.
- Data Sharing: Ford’s new analytics platform will replace the GM‑centric data pipelines previously used by Triple Eight, affecting real‑time strategy decisions.
Long‑Term Impact on GM’s Motorsport Strategy
- Brand Protection: GM is reinforcing its brand presence by consolidating talent and technical resources into dedicated GM‑backed teams,preserving the Holden legacy despite the brand’s global phase‑out.
- Talent Retention: The Lowndes and Moore moves demonstrate GM’s willingness to keep marquee drivers within its ecosystem,mitigating the risk of a talent drain to rival manufacturers.
- Engineering Focus: KRE’s departure forces GM to invest in its own engineering capabilities,accelerating the development of a next‑gen “V8‑Hybrid” powertrain slated for 2028.
Practical Takeaways for teams Facing Manufacturer Changes
5 Tips for managing Driver Transitions
- Review Contractual Clauses: Include clear manufacturer‑change triggers to avoid legal disputes.
- Maintain Open Communication: Keep drivers informed early to reduce uncertainty and retain goodwill.
- Offer Transitional Roles: Provide advisory or ambassador positions to legacy drivers who may not fit the new brand.
- Leverage Sponsorship Adaptability: Align sponsor interests with the new manufacturer to smooth financial adjustments.
- Plan for Talent Pipeline: Invest in junior driver programs to ensure a ready supply of brand‑aligned talent.
Checklist for engineering Partnerships
- ☐ Verify exclusivity clauses in manufacturer agreements.
- ☐ Conduct risk assessment for third‑party suppliers (e.g.,KRE).
- ☐ Align R&D milestones with the new manufacturer’s technical roadmap.
- ☐ Secure data‑security protocols for shared telemetry platforms.
- ☐ Establish fallback options for critical components in case of partnership termination.
