The Return of the Ford Mustang to Le Mans in 2024

Next year, the 24 Hours of Le Mans will witness the triumphant return of the Mustang, marking the end of its lengthy absence from the prestigious French endurance race. This blog post will explore the thrilling developments surrounding the new Mustang’s global racing program in various motorsports series. Customer racing and Ford’s ambitious plans will be emphasized throughout the discussion.

Ford CEO Jim Farley Unveils the Mustang’s Global Racing Program

Ford’s All-New Mustang S650 to Compete at Le Mans

The Mustang’s Return to Le Mans was marked by the seventh-generation S650 Mustang, launched by Ford last year. Making headlines, this new iteration of the Mustang swiftly announced its participation in the legendary Le Mans race. In a departure from the previous mid-engined GT factory-team program, the Mustangs will now be campaigned by customer GT3 teams. Aligned with Ford’s commitment to customer racing, this move takes inspiration from Porsche’s programs, guiding aspiring drivers to professional racing. Ford aims to tap into this approach, capitalizing on the Mustang’s long-standing reputation for affordable performance and power.

Introducing the First Mustang GT3 Customer Team

Proton Competition: Germany-based and Ready for Action

In an exciting development, Germany-based Proton Competition has emerged as the first Mustang GT3 customer team. In 2024, the Mustang Dark Horse-based race cars will participate in the esteemed U.S.-based IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the Europe-based FIA World Endurance Championship. Multimatic and M-Sport will lend their expertise to the car’s development, with M-Sport focusing on constructing the potent 5.4-liter Coyote-based V-8 engines. These Mustang GT3s will feature unique aero setups, carbon-fiber body panels, transaxle gearboxes, and bespoke short-long-arm suspension setups. Furthermore, Ford revealed a captivating Troy Lee Designs car livery. However, custom liveries tailored to the sponsors and supporters of each individual team are anticipated. Notably, the GT3-class competitors include renowned names such as Ferrari, Porsche, and the crosstown rival Chevrolet Corvette.

The Mustang’s Racing Program: Perfect Timing

The Mustang’s Racing Program in a Changing Landscape:

The timing of the new Mustang racing program’s launch is intriguing, especially considering the imminent departure of competitors such as the Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger and Charger production cars from the marketplace. With the Mustang’s new generation taking the spotlight, it is set to shine in various motorsports endeavors. Ford anticipates extracting maximum value from the S650 Mustang, highlighting its versatility and adaptability.

Exciting Partnerships: Ford’s Return to Formula 1

Ford’s Formula 1 Partnership with Red Bull Racing:

In addition to its ambitious plans for Le Mans, Ford grabbed headlines earlier this year by confirming its return to Formula 1 through a partnership with Red Bull Racing. This collaboration, named Red Bull-Ford Powertrains, began in the current year and will extend until the conclusion of the 2030 F1 season. This move showcases Ford’s commitment to pushing boundaries and achieving excellence in the world of motorsports.

Conclusion:

The return of the Ford Mustang  to Le Mans in 2024 signifies a thrilling chapter in the Mustang’s storied history. As Ford ventures into a global racing program, the Mustang’s involvement in diverse motorsports series, such as Le Mans and Formula 1, paves the way for an exciting future. With a renewed emphasis on customer racing, Ford strives to embody the essence of accessible performance and power that the Mustang has established over time. The S650 Mustang’s versatility and adaptability make it an exciting prospect for racing enthusiasts and fans worldwide.

Tags: Brattleboro Ford, buying a car, Ford Mustang, France, Jim Farley, Le Mans, new ford, Race, Race Program
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