DEARBORN, Mich. – Hot off the heels of a summer of exciting Mustang race car reveals, Ford Performance is pleased to share a selection of further details regarding the upcoming inaugural season of Mustang Challenge, set to begin in June 2024.
* The Mustang Challenge schedule as announced in early August features two notable updates, including a date change for Watkins Glen International and location change for the finale, now at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
* Each IMSA-sanctioned event will feature two practice sessions, one qualifying session and two sprint races.
* Mustang Challenge will feature an innovative prize structure intended to foster an atmosphere of progression within the Mustang racing ladder, including a $100,000 scholarship towards a Mustang GT4 or GT3 racing effort.
The series will be the home of the Mustang Dark Horse R, the latest turnkey racecar from Ford Performance that begins a potential ladder of opportunity up to Mustang GT4 and on to the ultimate expression of the Mustang racing line up, the Mustang GT3.
Schedule Updates
In August, the initial IMSA-sanctioned Mustang Challenge schedule was announced, featuring a five-round, 10-race calendar beginning in June at Mid-Ohio Sportscar Course. Since then, two updates have followed, allowing Ford Performance to now share a more detailed schedule. The second round at Watkins Glen International has moved up in alignment with IMSA’s schedule change. Additionally, Ford is excited to share that the Mustang Challenge finale will now be held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway as a precursor to the SRO Indianapolis 8-Hour presented by AWS endurance race, as part of the Intercontinental GT Challenge championship.
2024 Mustang Challenge Schedule
Date Track Host
6/7 - 6/9 Mid-Ohio Sportscar Course IMSA
6/20 - 6/23 Watkins Glen International IMSA
8/2 - 8/4 Road America IMSA
8/31 - 9/1 Circuit of the Americas FIA WEC
10/4 - 10/6 Indianapolis Motor Speedway SRO
Racing Format, Classes & Support
Each IMSA-sanctioned event will feature two 30-minute practice sessions, one 15-minute qualifying session and two 45-minute sprint races. The field of up to 40 full season entries, with additional entries possible at rounds two through five, will be split into two classes – Dark Horse and Dark Horse Legends, the latter being an optional classification eligible to bronze-level drivers 45 years old and over.
Michelin has developed an all-new bespoke race tire for the series, and teams will be eligible to purchase three new sets of these 295/30R19 Michelin race tires per weekend.
Ford Performance and Michelin will also have personnel onsite at each race weekend to directly support entrants of the series. Parts will be available at the track, however as this is also a production-based car, many parts will be available through local Ford dealers.
Prize Structure
Each race will feature a podium celebration for both classes, as well as prize money awarded to overall 1st through 3rd place finishers.
Ford Performance will be offering an innovative championship prize structure for Mustang Challenge, encouraging progression in the Mustang sports car racing stable.
Dark Horse season champions will have two paths to choose from for prizes:
Cash prize of $40,000
OR
$100,000 Scholarship towards a Mustang GT3 or Mustang GT4 seat the following year.
Both paths will be accompanied by a test day in a Mustang GT4.
Series tire partner Michelin is also supporting the Mustang racing ladder with overall championship prize of a set of tires per weekend for any driver racing a Mustang Dark Horse R, Mustang GT4 or Mustang GT3 in a Michelin series the following year.
Those finishing 2nd and 3rd overall in the championship will also receive cash payouts of $20,000 and $10,000 respectively.
Dark Horse Legends champions will receive a cash prize of $20,000 or a test day in a Mustang GT4.
Additional Details
Pricing for Mustang Dark Horse R starts at $145,000. Deliveries are planned to begin in 2024, prioritizing customers competing in the full Mustang Challenge season. For more information or to order a Mustang Dark Horse R, visit (https://www.ford.com/performance/mustang-dark-horse-r/).
For more details and information on the Mustang Challenge as it becomes available, please visit (https://performance.ford.com/series/mustang-challenge/news/articles.html) or email MC@FPRSMotorsports.com.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough EVs along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford is pursuing mobility solutions through Ford Next, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 177,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.
