Ford unveil ‘Dark Horse’ 2024 NASCAR Mustang

Ford Performance have released its 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Mustang, aesthetically moulded to match the design of the road going Dark Horse Mustang.

Under the hood is still the 5.8L V8 engine, but the wind tunnel tested body is much closer in design to the road going Dark Horse Mustang that was released last year, with more slender headlights, an aggressive looking grill, and dual ventilated hood.

It joins the other iterations of the Dark Horse in 2024 with the GT3 and GT4 ‘Dark Horse’ Mustangs, as well as the Australian Supercars Gen3 model.

“Our Ford Performance staff, together with our NASCAR race teams, have worked tirelessly in the wind tunnel developing this car, and I can’t wait to finally see it race on the track next season,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Performance Motorsports.

The new NASCAR Mustang will hit the trackl at the preseason Clash at the Coliseum in 2024. Image: Ford Media

“What a crazy year it has been revealing our new global Mustangs for racing. The positive response from our fans around the world has been amazing, and we’re confident that this Mustang ‘Dark Horse’ Cup car will be no different and that NASCAR fans will be excited to cheer us on next year.”

The Mustang has been a competitive NASCAR feature since 2019 after it was a dominant force in XFinity since 2011, and has since its debut year in the American top flight it has won a manufacturers and drivers crown, as well as two Daytona 500’s.

Driver and co-owner of Ford NASCAR team Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, Brad Keselowski, gave his thoughts on the new Pony.

“If she gallops as fast as she looks, it’s going to be a good year, Mustang is an iconic American car made famous around the world,” the 2023 playoff driver said.

“I think of how Mustang has evolved over the years and how NASCAR has evolved along with it and they’re just two brands that go together. I’m proud to get to drive it and proud to be able to compete for the win in this car.”

Fords new NASCAR Pony is closer in design to its road going Dark Horse Mustang. Image: Ford Media

Another front runner in the current NASCAR Mustang and recent Martinsville playoff winner Ryan said that:

“We’re excited to debut this new Mustang Dark Horse next year. I’m really pumped because Ford did an amazing job with it,” said Blaney of Team Penske. 

“I can’t wait for this to debut and drive it next year at the Coliseum and, hopefully, I can be the one to get the first win. That would be a cool accomplishment.”

Additionally Stewart-Haas racing driver Chase Briscoe loves that it looks closer to the street going machine.

“It’s the best-looking Cup car out of the three manufacturers. I feel like the Ford Performance team does a great job of making our car to where it can still perform on the race track, but also tie into that look of the street car.”

The seventh Generation will make its debut in the preseason exhibition Clash race at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on February 4, 2024.

AUTO ACTION’s latest issue #1873, is out now in its digital form downloadable right here, and available in all good newsagents and stockists near you on Thursday, continuing on as Australia’s most trusted independent voice in motorsport.

For more of the latest motorsport news, pick up the latest issue of AUTO ACTION or subscribe HERE

Latest podcast: When Ford wins, you win!

Have we finally reached parity in Supercars with two Ford wins on one weekend, or was it just the nature of the track? It’s a no-holds-barred discussion with Auto Action’s Andrew Clarke, Bruce Williams and Paul Gover. #Supercars #F1 #AutoAction

Listen to our latest podcast episode here or on your podcast app of choice.