V8 Supercars, Prodrive sells Ford Performance Racing

Prodrive, the British automotive engineering company, has sold its Australian racing business Prodrive Racing Australia, which competes in the V8 Supercar series under the Ford Performance Racing (FPR) banner.

The business - and therefore the team - has been acquired by two Australians, Rod Nash and 'Rusty' French.

The team's sporting plans for 2013 are unaffected by the change in ownership, although Nash, who has been a customer of the company for the past two years, will have a more active role in the running of the organisation.

No financial details were revealed.

Rusty and I are pleased weve been able to acquire a business as strong as FPR which is not only an icon of Australian sport, but one of this countrys leading specialist engineering firms, said Nash.

We are making a long-term investment in a great local business which allows us to assist with developing all aspects of the team."

Prodrive created Prodive Racing Australia in 2003 and has run Ford Performance Racing, which is backed by principal sponsor Ford Australia, ever since.

In a statement announcing the news Prodrive said Ford Performance Racing 'will continue to be part of the Prodrive family and its strong strategic and technical links with the company remain unchanged'.

David Richards, Prodrive's chairman and chief executive, added: Last season was the most successful in the ten year history of FPR and we are pleased to be handing it over in such good competitive and commercial health, reinforced at the end of last year by the announcement of a major new partnership with Pepsi.

Over the last decade, I have really enjoyed being part of the Australian V8 scene and developing FPR to the competitive status it enjoys today."

He added: "The races are always close and the passion the Australian fans have for the FPR team and the series itself is something I have rarely seen in any other form of motorsport.

FPR finished second in last seasons V8 Supercar championship.

Source: SportsPro


Related Motorsport Articles

84,521 articles