Ford vs Holden
Thu 25 May 2006
Jonathan Williams, Journalism
Australians are embracing the V8 supercar culture and following the sport in ever-increasing numbers.
V8 supercar chairman Tony Cochrane said the V8 supercar series is very conscious of its appeal to the youth market.
"The V8 Supercar brand is now well established in the Australian market place as a leader in sport, entertainment and business. It is a bold brand that touches many Australians with a message of strength, power and speed,” Mr Cochrane said.
2006 celebrates the 10th anniversary of the V8 supercars and the concept continues go from strength to strength. Last year more than 1.7 million people came through the gates at the events, while television ratings went through the roof.
Perhaps the main reason for the Supercars longevity in the public eye and its increasing popularity is the rivalry between Holden and Ford. It is a love/hate relationship that has been raging between Australian car enthusiasts for decades and one that is not likely to fade any time soon.
It is a rivalry that compares with any in the world and is felt from the manufactures trying to out do each other’s product, down to the staff and die-hard fans where either Holdens or Fords are a way of life.
Brothers Mat and Pat Clark are prime examples of this passion. The Sunshine Coast locals are not only motor sports tragics, but also have a friendly, yet bitter rivalry come supercar season. Pat is a true blue Holden lover, his brother on the other hand is a Ford fan.
“It is pretty funny, because most of the time we don’t really agree on things as most brothers do, but when it comes the supercars I can’t even look at him. I can’t believe he’s a Ford fan, it’s disgusting, he’s definitely the black sheep of the family,” Pat said.
“Yeah, we’ve got a funny relationship, you should see us around Bathurst time, it gets even worse. It’s all in good fun at the end of the day, just a difference of opinions that’s all,” Matt said.
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