It’s no secret that the blue oval has always attracted the loyalists throughout its long history and has been no different within Australian Pro Stock.
With the way the rules are written, Ford has a disadvantage compared to the Chev and Mopar’s. When John Barbagallo, driver of the JB Automotive Ford Escort was told It’s the most disadvantaged engine make in the class, “I figured I would persist with it. I Love a challenge”. Likewise, Scott Porter said, “we are different than the others, we don’t worry about peer pressure and just want to be proud that a Ford is as fast as those common Chev’s”. However, an amazing 6.905 from the Porters Racing team is not too far off the top dogs of the class, and also a world record.
The driver of the worlds quickest naturally aspirated small block ford door car in the world is Ford through and through. When talking about the rivalry between Ford and Chev/Holden and where his loyalty lies, he also stated “I always want a Ford up there as too many Chevs dominate”. Similarly, every other Ford driver stated the same when asked if they support other Ford’s.
Tony Polito: “Yes of course, everyone loves an underdog”
Bill Perdikaris: “Yeah I do support other Fords”
Darryl Stephen: “Yes I do support all the other Fords in Pro Stock when we are not racing”
John Barbagallo, who has been out of the driver’s seat a little over a year started apprenticeship at a Ford dealership and then went straight into superstock with a XF Falcon. Having raced a Ford from the beginning of his drag racing career he plans to stick with the manufacturer when he claimed, “I will retire in a Ford”. Whilst clearly showing loyalty to the Ford brand, one difference between him and the other drivers is that his daily driver is a Nissan as he laughed and thanked former Pro Stock racer Dave Newcombe. Darryl Stephen, Tony Polito, Scott Porter and Bill Perdikaris all have Ford’s as Daily Drivers showcasing their loyalty to Ford on and off track.
Every current Pro Stock driver who races under the Ford badge shows clear loyalty for the brand and respects other drivers for undertaking the challenge that is winning in Pro Stock with a Ford. The last Champion crowned in Pro Stock with a Ford was Jason Grima, who clinched the championship in 2013.
Coming into the Nitro Champs it will be Tony Polito in his Escort and Darryl Stephen in his Mustang flying the Ford badge against a full field of Pro Stock cars.
NDRC – National Drag Racing Championship
