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Matt Stone Supercars outfit makes mid-season Ford to Holden switch

Australian Supercars outfit Matt Stone Racing has ditched its Ford in favour of a Holden for the remainder of the current season, ahead of a 2019 partnership with Triple Eight

The rookie squad claimed last year's Super2 title with driver Todd Hazelwood in an ex-T8 VF Commodore, before graduating to Supercars with an ex-DJR Team Penske FG-X Falcon.

But after a lean run of results, the team has decided it will switch back to the title-winning previous-generation Holden for the remainder of this season, and then plans to use one of Triple Eight's current ZB Commodores in 2019.

That deal includes a technical alliance with Triple Eight - a level of support the team did not have with Penske.

It also means there will be on less Mustang on the grid next season, as MSR was set to reshape its Falcon into the all-new bodyshape.

"The team have decided to run a ZB Commodore in 2019 and feel that racing the VF model starting at The Bend [Motorsport Park in South Australia] will better prepare us for next year's season," said Stone.

"We are excited about this new partnership, which will see us form a technical support package with Triple Eight next season."

Hazelwood added the decision to make a mid-season switch came after months of deliberation.

"I believe this new direction will help us move forward as a team, this was no overnight decision and I feel very confident with the changes put in place," said Hazelwood, who has scored a best finish of 18th so far in 2018.

"I am fortunate that I have very smart and successful people in my corner who were able to help analyse the best direction for the team."

The move means the team's pair of Penske Fords will be mothballed for the time being, while its Super2 driver Bryce Fullwood will move out of the ex-Hazelwood Holden and into a spare VF.

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