Ford shuns Stock and Super Stock support

Jesse Kershaw · 01-16-2020, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmrphil

I would be inclined to believe that being involved with the Force program certainly has to be much more costly (to Ford) than Wilkerson's car, or even Tasca, for that matter.

I have no idea what they give/pay Tim now but during my time there his package was minimal. He was IMO the best ROI we got in all our racing programs. He was always willing to help, always wore the Ford hat, and was good for a couple wins per season. That's not to say Force wasn't great also, just that Tim gave us a phenomenal value.

If Tim is getting a bigger payday now I'm sure he earns it. He's a genuinely good dude.

that said there is definitely a feeling of "abandonment" among Ford racers and enthusiasts I hear it from drag racers, road racers, drifters, and parts distributors. There's a reason I still get calls nearly 3 years after I've gone.

Superfan1 · 01-16-2020, 06:19 PM

Most, if not all, Ford fans miss you Jesse; I know I sure do!

troublemaker427 · 01-17-2020, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Superfan1

Most, if not all, Ford fans miss you Jesse; I know I sure do!

I do too, for sure. It hasn't been the same since you left....

Tom P · 01-17-2020, 03:36 PM

I wish Jesse was still there at Ford. I enjoyed talking to you at SEMA. I agree Tim Wilkerson seems like a good guy.
I'm not sure the extent of the involvement in Sportsmen drag racing. Is there anything like the "dollar cars" in the 60's?

Jim Caughlin · 01-17-2020, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom P

I wish Jesse was still there at Ford. I enjoyed talking to you at SEMA. I agree Tim Wilkerson seems like a good guy.
I'm not sure the extent of the involvement in Sportsmen drag racing. Is there anything like the "dollar cars" in the 60's?

Sure there are, Ford pretty much gave away the limited run GT40's to celebrities (not racers) who then sold them off at a profit.

Ralph A Powell · 01-16-2020, 06:35 PM

You forgot to mention the Ford Family connection to Tasca!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jesse Kershaw

I have no idea what they give/pay Tim now but during my time there his package was minimal. He was IMO the best ROI we got in all our racing programs. He was always willing to help, always wore the Ford hat, and was good for a couple wins per season. That's not to say Force wasn't great also, just that Tim gave us a phenomenal value.

If Tim is getting a bigger payday now I'm sure he earns it. He's a genuinely good dude.

that said there is definitely a feeling of "abandonment" among Ford racers and enthusiasts I hear it from drag racers, road racers, drifters, and parts distributors. There's a reason I still get calls nearly 3 years after I've gone.

jwsamuel · 01-16-2020, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jesse Kershaw

that said there is definitely a feeling of "abandonment" among Ford racers and enthusiasts I hear it from drag racers, road racers, drifters, and parts distributors. There's a reason I still get calls nearly 3 years after I've gone.

They are only going to be selling one car in the near future so it makes sense for them to divert dollars toward the truck market.

Jesse Kershaw · 01-16-2020, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwsamuel

They are only going to be selling one car in the near future so it makes sense for them to divert dollars toward the truck market.

They have enough resources to do both. Racing and performance parts is a win-win industry where people can be thrilled you have something to sell them and you can make great money doing it. The money Ford is leaving on the table right now has me salivating at the opportunities. The fruit hangs so low it's going to touch the ground and start rotting. I have to remind myself that I left because I was a battle to be allowed to pick the harvest.

impstocker · 01-16-2020, 11:37 PM

I know in the 90's my friend Pat Hennebery worked as a crew member on IMSA Dyson Racing Team. With a Riley/Scott car that ran a 5.0 Ford with electronic FI..
They won 24 Hours of Sebring..

4284spd · 01-17-2020, 02:21 AM

I met Mike D at the 50th Cobra Jet reunion and you could tell he knew nothing about Cobra Jet's or there history! He might be a nice guy, but having a Mopar guy following Jesse was a joke! It didn't mean a damn thing to him at that point!

01-16-2020, 06:19 PM	#2
Superfan1 VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Bridgeport,CT. Posts: 1,992 Likes: 1,664 Liked 2,633 Times in 439 Posts	Re: Ford shuns Stock and Super Stock support Most, if not all, Ford fans miss you Jesse; I know I sure do! __________________ Bill Seabrooks - superfan1 Bridgeport, CT

01-17-2020, 03:36 PM	#4
Tom P Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 707 Likes: 30 Liked 239 Times in 94 Posts	Re: Ford shuns Stock and Super Stock support I wish Jesse was still there at Ford. I enjoyed talking to you at SEMA. I agree Tim Wilkerson seems like a good guy. I'm not sure the extent of the involvement in Sportsmen drag racing. Is there anything like the "dollar cars" in the 60's?

01-16-2020, 11:37 PM	#9
impstocker Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Wingdale, NY Posts: 302 Likes: 27 Liked 53 Times in 16 Posts	Re: Ford shuns Stock and Super Stock support I know in the 90's my friend Pat Hennebery worked as a crew member on IMSA Dyson Racing Team. With a Riley/Scott car that ran a 5.0 Ford with electronic FI.. They won 24 Hours of Sebring..

01-17-2020, 02:21 AM	#10
4284spd VIP Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Longmont Colorado Posts: 1,709 Likes: 848 Liked 4,139 Times in 950 Posts	Re: Ford shuns Stock and Super Stock support I met Mike D at the 50th Cobra Jet reunion and you could tell he knew nothing about Cobra Jet's or there history! He might be a nice guy, but having a Mopar guy following Jesse was a joke! It didn't mean a damn thing to him at that point! __________________ Bob Smith