Ford Performance has officially announced the forthcoming launch of the Mustang Cup Australia for the year 2026. This expansion marks a significant step for the Ford Mustang Dark Horse R platform, with the new series set to debut alongside regional partner Driving Solutions. The decision to introduce Mustang Cup Australia follows the recent global premiere of the Mustang Challenge Le Mans Invitational, signaling the series’ expansion beyond its existing U.S.-based Challenge and Cup events.
Set to take place during the Shannons SpeedSeries weekend under the sanction of Motorsport Australia, Mustang Cup Australia will be facilitated through Ford Performance’s licensing partner, Driving Solutions, known for its longstanding collaboration with Ford Australia. Race weekends will feature multiple practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and races, with the unique feature of accommodating different drivers within a single vehicle over the event, enabling shared driving duties in the Mustang Dark Horse R.
Chris Ward, the global one-make series manager at Ford Performance, expressed enthusiasm for the introduction of Mustang Cup Australia, highlighting the series’ role in Australian motorsport as a bridge between entry-level racing and professional competitions like Supercars and GT3 events. Ward emphasized the significance of the Mustang Dark Horse R in the racing landscape and Ford’s legacy in Australian motorsport dating back to the 1960s.
The addition of Mustang Cup Australia is expected to provide a feeder system for aspiring racers and contribute to the growth of motorsport culture across the continent. Ford’s involvement in various racing series in Australia, including the Mustang GT4 in Monochrome GT4 Australia and the Mustang Supercar in the Repco Supercars Championship, underscores the brand’s commitment to motorsport development.
Following the successful debut of the Mustang Challenge Le Mans Invitational, which saw Australian driver Cameron McLeod clinch victory, the anticipation for Mustang Cup Australia’s launch in 2026 continues to build. The series is poised to enhance the motorsport landscape in Australia and offer new opportunities for emerging talents to showcase their skills on a competitive platform.
As Ford prepares to unveil more details about Mustang Cup Australia in the coming months, the motorsport community eagerly anticipates the inaugural season of this exciting addition to the Australian racing scene.
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