Supercars: Blanchard squad reveals Gen3 Mustang progress

The Blanchard Racing Team has revealed progress of its first new Gen3 Supercar build.

The CoolDrive Racing squad’s third season will be its first with a brand new car.

It comes after the Box Hill team used former Tickford chassis in 2021 and 2022.

The 2023 season, the first of the Gen3 era, will see all teams run brand new cars.

For the Blanchard family team, it marks a first, with BRT showing off progress on chassis BRT001.

The single-car outfit enters 2023 with a new driver in Todd Hazelwood, who replaced the PremiAir Racing-bound Tim Slade.

However, it will also tackle the Dunlop Super2 Series for the first time with young driver Aaron Love.

Pictures of BRT001 show the new Gen3 Mustang and its subtle differences to its Gen3 predecessor.

Notably, the images show the new Gen3 bodywork, including a roof hatch and new wheels.

The new 5.4-litre engine has also been fitted into the car, which will make its racing debut in Newcastle in March.

“The new year is here and we are thrilled to show you our Gen3 car, the first built in house,” Blanchard said.

“Our brilliant little team led by Mirko De Rosa have worked tirelessly over the last few weeks to have this car on the ground and the engine in and plumbed.

“Whilst we are still waiting for some components to arrive in the coming weeks, we are proud to show our progress.

“This marks an important step in the development of BRT, as many components as possible have been designed and manufactured in house meaning BRT001 is truly a BRT car.

“Our spares package and Gen3 specific equipment is also well advanced as our preparation for the season ramps up.

“2023 brings a new driver, new car, some new faces and partners.

“We can’t wait to share the journey with everyone as we couldn’t be more excited for the year ahead.”

The first running for teams’ new cars will come for Queensland-based squads on January 30.

Two days later, Victorian teams — including BRT — will shakedown cars at Winton Motor Raceway.

Further test days at Winton (February 7) and Ipswich (February 9) precede an all-in Sydney test on February 22.

The 2023 Repco Supercars Championship will commence in Newcastle on March 10-12.