Ford Mustang Makes History at Le Mans
Introduction:
Sixty years after its debut, the iconic Ford Mustang is set to make history once again at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race. With a rich racing heritage dating back to the 1960s, the Mustang has competed in various circuits around the world, including NASCAR and IMSA. Now, the seventh-generation Ford Mustang will take on the challenge of conquering the world’s pinnacle endurance racing event – Le Mans.
Ford Mustang and Racing
Racing is in the DNA of the Ford Mustang, as the car made its competitive debut during the 1964 Tour de France de Automobile, just five months after its introduction. Over the years, the Mustang has participated in various racing series, showcasing its speed and performance on tracks worldwide. Ford Motor Company CEO Jim Farley expressed excitement about racing the iconic coupe at Le Mans, highlighting Ford’s rich history at the event dating back to 1923.
Ford’s Le Mans History
Ford has a storied history at Le Mans, particularly with the Ford GT40, which famously defeated European competitors in the late 1960s. In 2016, the reborn Ford GT claimed victory in the LMGTE Pro category, marking a significant milestone for the brand. Now, Ford aims to continue its legacy at Le Mans with the Mustang GT3, showcasing its commitment to high-performance racing at the global level.
Proton Competition and Mustang GT3
Proton Competition, a successful Germany-based team, will run the Mustang GT3 at Le Mans, with three cars entered in the LMGT3 class. The driver line-up includes experienced racers such as Ryan Hardwick, Ben Baker, and Giorgio Roda, who will pilot the Mustangs during the endurance race. The collaboration between Proton Competition, Multimatic Motorsports, and M-Sport underscores the dedication to producing competitive racing machines for the track.
Off-Track Experiences
Aside from the racing action on the track, fans can enjoy off-track experiences at Maison de Mustang inside Manufacturer Village. The Mustang GTD, a roadgoing version of the Mustang GT3, will make its European debut, attracting fans with driver autograph sessions, merchandise, and a racing simulator competition. Additionally, fans can participate in a Paul Swift Precision Driving experience as passengers in nearby Arnage, adding excitement to the overall Le Mans experience.
Building the Ford Performance Community
Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance Motorsports, emphasizes the broader strategy around Mustang racing, including the Mustang Challenge Series, GT4, and more. The goal is not only to race to win but also to build the Ford Performance community, engaging fans with exciting experiences both on and off the track. With the Mustang GT3 leading the charge at Le Mans, Ford aims to showcase the performance and heritage of the iconic Mustang to a global audience.
In conclusion, the Ford Mustang’s participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans represents a significant milestone in the brand’s racing history. With a legacy of success on the track and a committed team behind the wheel, the Mustang is poised to make a mark at one of the most prestigious endurance races in the world. Fans can look forward to thrilling racing action and engaging off-track experiences, enhancing the overall Le Mans experience for Mustang enthusiasts globally.