Ford pulls back on their racing budget in V8 supercars

Dick Johnson was tossed on the tip by Ford in a dramatic move yesterday.

After more than 30 years as a blue oval battler, often fighting single-handed against a horde of Holdens, he was left behind in a dash for cash when his team Dick Johnson Racing was stripped of its Ford support.

Ace driver Craig Lowndes will also be caught in the crossfire from a decision by Ford to centralize its cash commitment with just two V8 Supercar teams, Ford Performance Racing and Stone Brothers Racing.

Lowndes' team, Triple Eight, was dumped by management at Broadmeadows in a money move that also affects former Bathurst winner Jason Bright's team.

The decision is likely to save Ford about $3 million – a significant sum as it battles falling sales of its flagship Falcon.

"This is a weird one," a stunned Johnson said when told yesterday of the Ford decision.

"It's a bit disappointing. We always knew things were up for negotiation. I'm 63, but right now I feel more like 190. It's already been a tough year."