Ford has announced its commitment to introducing the Mustang Cup to Australia in 2026. This new one-make series will showcase factory-built Ford Mustang Dark Horse R race cars, designed to offer high performance and durability for competitive racing right from the start. The series will be managed by James Stewart and Jo Higson of Driving Solutions, with Liam Curkpatrick appointed as the category manager.
Set to feature in six rounds of the Shannons SpeedSeries, the Mustang Cup Australia had been anticipated following Ford’s previous hints and has now been officially sanctioned by Motorsport Australia and the Australian Motor Racing Commission. Originating as a popular series in the United States, the Mustang Cup has been part of the IMSA SportsCar Championship support card.
At the recent 24 hours of Le Mans, Cameron McLeod, a co-driver in Supercars, clinched victory in a double-header weekend, drawing praise from Ford Performance global director Mark Rushbrook. Rushbrook lauded the Mustang Dark Horse R for providing an accessible and thrilling racing experience, highlighting McLeod’s success as a testament to the car’s capabilities. Rushbrook emphasized the importance of bringing such competitive racing to Australia to enrich the global Mustang racing scene.
Stewart expressed enthusiasm about the introduction of the Mustang Cup Australia, foreseeing its popularity within the Australian motorsport community. He emphasized the exceptional qualities of the Mustang Dark Horse R and envisioned the one-make series as a significant attraction for both drivers and fans. Stewart outlined plans to create a professional and competitive environment that would offer valuable opportunities for drivers to enhance their skills.
Ford Australia’s President and CEO, Andrew Birkic, hailed the Mustang Cup as a vital component of the Australian racing landscape, serving as a stepping stone for aspiring drivers. Birkic highlighted the special connection Australians have with the Mustang brand and anticipated the championship as a thrilling addition to the country’s racing heritage. He expressed eagerness for the 2026 debut, envisioning intense competition on tracks across Australia.
The announcement of the Mustang Cup Australia has generated considerable interest among prospective competitors, with Driving Solutions already accepting expressions of interest from those keen to participate in the series. The introduction of this championship marks a significant development in the Australian motorsport scene, offering a unique platform for drivers to showcase their talents and compete in high-performance racing.
As the countdown to 2026 begins, anticipation is building within the motorsport community for the debut of the Mustang Cup Australia. With Ford’s commitment to fostering a competitive and accessible racing environment, the series is poised to become a cornerstone of Australian motorsport, providing a platform for drivers to excel and enthusiasts to witness thrilling racing action.
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