Ford Australia yesterday announced the appointment of Ray Price as the new Ford Racing Manager in Australia.

Most recently Ford Australia's Service Engineering Manager, Mr Price has an extensive engineering and technical background, built up over more than 17 years with the company.

Ford Australia President Tom Gorman said he was delighted to have a manager of Price’s calibre overseeing the chase for a fourth consecutive V8 Supercar championship.

"Ray worked very closely with Howard Marsden on Project Blueprint, developing the BA Falcon race car that has proved so successful on Australian race tracks. He has a long history of involvement and interest in motor racing and will bring a wealth of talent and energy to this important role."

“We have worked hard over the past few years to put Ford back where it belongs in Australian motor sport, and Ray Price is the right choice to keep Ford Racing at the top of the tree."

“We look forward to the 2006 V8 Supercar season with renewed optimism, aiming for a fourth successive V8 Supercar title and also looking for success in the Australian Rally Championship,” Mr Gorman said.

Price's involvement in motor sport dates back to 1979 and his role as a mechanic for Allan Moffat Racing between 1979 and 1992, helping the four-time touring car ace on various Ford racing cars including the XD Falcon, the Sierra Turbo and the legendary EB GT.

Price joined Ford Australia in 1989 and, with his technical and engineering background filled a number of service centre roles culminating in his appointment as Service Engineering Manager in 2002.

“I’m very excited about taking over as manager of Ford Racing in Australia. We have some challenges ahead, but I’m confident we can build on the success of recent years," said Price.

“We have a number of Ford teams ready to take the next step in the V8 Supercar series, and exciting new talent such as James Courtney and Will Davison keen to make their mark.

“I look forward to providing a technical interface between the race teams and Ford and giving my total support to keeping Ford at the top of local racing.”