FORD AUSTRALIA’s V8 racing outfit has launched a cheeky merchandise campaign targeted at capitalising on the current animosity between its supporters and Triple Eight Racing.

The company is offering Ford caps at a discount price of $10 for every person who exchanges a piece of Triple Eight Racing merchandise in the wake of the team’s defection to Holden for the 2010 season.

Since news of their defection broke, Triple Eight drivers Jamie Whincup and Craig Lowndes have received a frosty reception from Ford fans, who have let the duo know in no uncertain terms about their disappointment.

In response to the merchandise offer, Ford Performance Racing’s Mark Winterbottom commented on the growing divide between Triple Eight Racing and Ford supporters, suggesting fans aren’t willing to back a team which doesn’t represent them.

“Our fans are very passionate. They don’t want to wear something that doesn’t represent who they are going for. People are very upset at what has gone on. It doesn’t get more Ford than our team. We will be racing for them (fans),” he said.

Meanwhile, three-time Superbike World Champion Troy Bayliss has secured a drive for this season’s endurance events at Bathurst and Phillip Island.

The former Ducati rider will team up with V8 rookie Dean Fiore after testing for Triple Eight Racing, Kelly Racing and Triple F/Paul Morris Motorsport earlier in the year.

Bayliss said the races will prove to be a massive test of his ability to transition from two-wheels to four.

“I know the Phillip Island track quite well, I have had a lot of success there on a bike but it’s going to be different when I go there next month in a V8 Supercar,” he said.

“I have watched Bathurst on the couch since I was a kid, I can’t believe I am actually going to be there driving the mountain.”