TRIPLE Eight managing director Jamie Whincup has lashed out at claims by international aerodynamicist Nick Wirth that the Englishman bent the rules during homologation of the Holden ZB Commodore Supercar.
The ZB debuted in 2018, one year before DJR Team Penske introduced its all-conquering Gen2 Mustang.
Wirth claims, via an interview with The Hard Compound YouTube channel, that he manipulated the VCAT aero parity testing process to give the ZB Commodore two-and-a-half times the downforce in race trim – something which he says Triple Eight never knew.
Whincup, who was driving for Triple Eight at the time, responded with a strongly worded statement today.
“We’re super excited to be back in the workshop this week and full steam ahead in building our brand-new Mustang race cars and engines,” he said.
“While we’re completely engulfed in innovation and striving forward, we also need to make sure our integrity is respected and any comments in the media are justified.
“This week we’ve had a supplier Triple Eight have used in the past make comment about work they performed many years ago and a local media outlet recklessly running a story on it without giving us an opportunity to comment or provide support evidence.
“We find these comments disturbing and are bitterly disappointed that if interpreted incorrectly it may raise questions on our integrity – something that is so important to us.
“Triple Eight have always respected Supercars testing processes and gone over and above in working with the governing body to achieve technical parity.
“We would never be associated with any person or company that contradicts this and if what Nick Wirth is saying on a podcast is correct he should never be welcomed to work in the Supercars pitlane again.
“It’s important to address this situation so bluntly, especially out of respect to the hard-working staff at Triple Eight and our fans.
“Our focus is on going racing and delivering you guys lifelong memories this season and beyond!”
Triple Eight has returned to Ford for 2026 as the Blue Oval’s new homologation team and engine supplier.