05/07/2008 02:01. MOTOR racing legend Mark Skaife last night claimed one of Australia's great sporting rivalries was under threat in the wake of Ford's decision to cut funding to three V8 Supercars teams.

The Holden star opened up about the future of the sport after a blistering round of practice at Hidden Valley yesterday, declaring the time was right for another car manufacturer to challenge Ford and Holden's 25-year reign on the V8 circuit.

"We have for a long time gone ahead and said it is a Ford V Holden battle," Skaife said.

"It is a two-horse race and we are in a good position, but we can't take that for granted.

"It is the biggest issue because we need to provide for the manufacturers.

"I think there has been a real change to the landscape of V8 Supercar racing.

"Five or seven years ago,... // Daily Telegraph