Ford Performance is set to bring an exciting addition to this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours with the Ford Mustang Challenge Invitational races. The event will feature a pair of sprint races on the renowned Circuit de la Sarthe, marking the European debut of the V8-powered Dark Horse R platform. Ford aims to attract a robust field of over 35 cars for this new venture, showcasing the growing popularity of the Mustang as both a road and race vehicle.
The introduction of the Dark Horse R model bridges the gap between the standard Dark Horse and the Mustang GT4, aligning with Ford’s strategy to strengthen its customer racing pyramid. This move comes on the heels of the successful debut of the Mustang Challenge series in the United States, which has garnered significant interest from drivers and fans alike.
Chris Ward, Ford Performance’s global one-make series manager, expressed enthusiasm for the Dark Horse R platform and the upcoming Le Mans Invitational. With more than 70 Dark Horse R race cars already produced to meet demand, Ford is gearing up for a thrilling showcase of Mustangs at Le Mans.
For the 2025 season, the Dark Horse R has undergone updates, including a new homologation kit that existing customers can acquire at an attractive price. These enhancements, such as the transition to an 18-inch tire size and the addition of adjustable rear camber arms, aim to enhance the racing experience without significantly increasing costs for newcomers.
Drivers participating in the Mustang Challenge and Cup series have access to the Ford Performance Tech Center driver-in-the-loop simulator, allowing them to refine their skills between races and prepare for challenging circuits like the 13.6 km Circuit de La Sarthe. The Mustang Challenge and Cup series serve as crucial components of Ford’s broader plan to guide aspiring drivers and teams through various racing tiers, potentially culminating in Hypercar competition.
The success of Ford’s racing programs is evident in the progression of drivers like Nicklas Nielsen, who transitioned from Ferrari Challenge to winning Le Mans overall. With the expansion of the Mustang Challenge and Cup series, Ford aims to replicate these success stories on a global scale, showcasing the Dark Horse R at events worldwide to explore new market opportunities.
As Ford continues to evolve its racing initiatives, the Mustang Challenge Invitational at Le Mans represents a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to performance and innovation. With a focus on customer satisfaction and driver development, Ford’s efforts in motorsport are poised to shape the future of racing for years to come.
📰 Related Articles
- Robert Noaker Secures Victory at Laguna Seca in Mustang Challenge Series
- Ford Performance Investigates Gen3 Mustang Setbacks at Australian Grand Prix
- Unveiling Harrison Ford’s Riveting Performance in “What Lies Beneath” Compared to Ford Performance
- Unraveling Pronunciation Quirks: Ten English Words That Challenge Linguistic Mastery
- Thrilling Horse Racing Action at Flemington and Doomben