Ford Performance unveiled a new version of the Mustang based on the seventh-generation Mustang Dark Horse that is set to race in the NASCAR Cup Series starting next season.
Ford Performance has revealed a race car which is modeled around the road-going Mustang that will compete in the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series. This furthers the Series’ goal of having more realistic cars, which is a positive step.
The car is based on the Mustang Dark Horse and has a sharp grille and slim headlamps that make it look like the roadgoing version. These features are complemented by a dark horse logo, a Mustang-inspired back end with easily identifiable taillights, and a vented hood.
Although Ford hasn’t revealed much about the car, it’s expected that it will make its track debut at the Clash at the Coliseum on February 4. The car’s arrival will add to Ford’s family of Mustang cars that compete around the world in all forms of motorsports.
“What a crazy year it has been revealing our new global Mustangs for racing,” said Ford Performance Motorsports global director Mark Rushbrook. “The positive response from our fans around the world has been amazing, and we’re confident that this Mustang ‘Dark Horse’ Cup car will be no different and that NASCAR fans will be excited to cheer us on next year.
“Our Ford Performance staff, together with our NASCAR race teams, have worked tirelessly in the wind tunnel developing this car, and I can’t wait to finally see it race on the track next season.”
Just over a year ago, Ford officially presented the Mustang Dark Horse, marking the car’s first new performance brand since 2001. It served as inspiration for today’s range of Mustang cars, which debuted in the Formula Drift series and the Australian Repco Supercars this year.
Nevertheless, the Mustang is certainly not new to NASCAR, having joined the Xfinity Series full-time in 2011. Furthermore, Ford indicated that the Mustang captured manufacturer’s titles in 2011 and 2013 and won a driver’s or owner’s championship in nine of 12 seasons in that series.
In 2019, the Mustang made its Cup Series debut after experiencing success in the Xfinity Series. It has achieved many outstanding achievements such as two Daytona 500 victories, a manufacturer’s championship, and a driver’s championship with Joey Logano.
“If she gallops as fast as she looks, it’s going to be a good year,” said driver and co-owner of Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Brad Keselowski. “Mustang is an iconic American car made famous around the world.
“I think of how Mustang has evolved over the years and how NASCAR has evolved along with it and they’re just two brands that go together.
“I’m proud to get to drive it and proud to be able to compete for the win in this car.”
Stewart-Haas Racing driver Chase Briscoe claimed that the Ford Mustang model was the most visually appealing of the three manufacturers’ Cup cars.
“I feel like the Ford Performance team does a great job of making our car to where it can still perform on the race track, but also tie into that look of the street car,” he said.
Other Mustang Dark Horse racing versions will be able to race internationally in GT3 and GT4 classes, and Dark Horse R will be able to participate in numerous grassroots racing events as well as the Mustang Challenge Series.
