In announcing the various models of the new 7th generation Ford Mustang, which includes a dedicated and brand-new track ready version – The Dark Horse, Global Director of Ford Performance Motorsport, Mark Rushbrook, reiterated Ford’s commitment to global motorsport using the Mustang platform.
Rushbrook confirmed a massive 7th Generation Mustang motorsport program for the new Mustang, with a big focus on a global sports car program with the Mustang GT-3 and GT-4.
He also confirmed Ford’s commitment to Supercars in Australia, NASCAR and other motorsport programs including NHRA drag racing and, announced a one-make Ford Mustang race series.
However, it was left to Ford’s Executive Chair, Bill Ford, to announce that Ford will take on the best of the world’s auto giants and compete in motorsports toughest endurance race, the Le Mans 24 Hour in 2024.
Bill Ford told the gathered crowd at the ‘Stampede’ – Ford’s global Mustang launch event, that “Mustang really is Ford’s icon, on the street and on the track.
“Mustang has raced at all the great tracks around the world, but there is no race or track that means more to our history than Le Mans.
“It is where we took on Ferrari and won in the 1960’s and returned 50 years later and shocked the world again.”
Ford took a famous 1-2-3 win at the 1966 Le Mans 24hrs against the favourites in Ferrari, with the GT40 driven by Formula 1 Champions Chris Amon and Bruce McLaren, taking the first win for Ford.
Chris Amon waves to the fans as he celebrates victory – Ford Mk II shared with Bruce McLaren during the 24 Hours of Le Mans, June 20, 1966. (Photo by Rainer Schlegelmilch)
Ford backed up their first win in ’66 with another in 1967 using a far more powerful and upgraded version – the Ford Mk IV – driven by the American pairing of A.J. Foyt and Dan Gurney.
Ford again took victory in 1968 with Pedro Rodriguez and Lucien Bianchi, and in 1969 the Ford GT 40 delivered Jacky Ickx and Jackie Oliver a first place.
The Ford GT 40 factory race car went on to deliver many more victories in sports car races around the world.
“Tonight, I’m announcing that we are going back to Le Man’s with this Mustang and once again, we are going to go like hell.” Bill Ford confirmed.
Ford has had more recent success in global sports car racing with the Ford GT program.
Ford GT – Photo: LAT
The Ford GT was a modern take on the classic GT40 from the 60’s that delivered the Dearborn headquartered Ford class victories at Le Mans in 2016, and in the IMSA and WEC championship races.
It was the highly coveted 2016 class triumph at the 24 Hours of Le Mans by IMSA drivers Joey Hand, Dirk Mueller and Sebastien Bourdais – coming 50 years after the historic win by a Ford GT in the world-famous endurance race, that gave Ford the biggest result.
The Ford GT accumulated 19 race wins and 22 pole positions. Fourteen of those victories came in the IMSA WeatherTech Championship GT Le Mans (GTLM) events.
With confirmation some months ago that Ford Performance Motorsport had been developing both GT-3 and GT-4 versions of the now released 7th generation of the iconic Mustang, the program will begin testing the cars for the endurance classic, and for the other World Sports Car programs that run around the world – including here in Australia.
It will be determined if the Mustang GT-3 in its new form will be eligible to compete in the 2023 Bathurst 12 Hour race.
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