Ford Launches the Mustang Cup: A New Era of Accessible Racing

Ford Launches the Mustang Cup: A New Era of Accessible Racing

Ford Performance Opens the Door to Competitive Racing for Enthusiasts

Ford has officially unveiled the Mustang Cup Series, an entry-level racing championship designed to give aspiring drivers a direct path into professional motorsports. Set to debut in the spring of 2025, this series will feature a competitive field of track-ready Mustangs, offering a structured environment for both amateur racers and seasoned enthusiasts looking to elevate their skills.

A New Chapter in Ford’s Racing Legacy

With a long history in motorsports, Ford Performance has continuously pushed the boundaries of accessible racing. Partnering with the United States Auto Club (USAC), Ford has developed the Mustang Cup Series as a gateway for drivers eager to step into a professionally managed competition. While it won’t feature top-tier NASCAR or IMSA talent, this series provides an opportunity to build experience in a structured, high-performance setting.

The Competition Format

The Mustang Cup Series will feature a six-round championship, with race weekends structured to offer extensive track time and competitive racing. Each event includes:

  • Three 30-minute practice sessions for drivers to fine-tune their skills and car setup.
  • Two 15-minute qualifying sessions to determine grid positions.
  • Two 40-minute races per weekend, ensuring intense on-track battles.

And where are these races happening? Only some of the coolest tracks in America:

  1. NOLA Motorsports Park (LA) (April 11-13)
  2. Circuit of the Americas (TX) (May 16-18)
  3. Ozarks International Raceway (MO) (July 4-6)
  4. Road America (WI) (August 8-10)
  5. Lime Rock Park (CT) (October 17-18)
  6. Virginia International Raceway(VA) (November 7-9)

These venues provide a diverse mix of high-speed straights, technical corners, and elevation changes, ensuring a test of both skill and racecraft.

The Mustang Dark Horse R: A True Track Machine

The official race car of the series is the Mustang Dark Horse R, a purpose-built racing variant engineered specifically for track performance. Equipped with a naturally aspirated 5.0L V8, it delivers over 500 horsepower, paired with a Borla® racing exhaust, Brembo™ brakes, and Multimatic DSSV dampers for precision handling. Unlike street-legal Mustangs, the Dark Horse R is designed exclusively for competition, offering a level of performance typically reserved for higher-tier racing series.

Who Can Compete?

The Mustang Cup Series is aimed at:

  • Aspiring racers seeking a structured introduction to competitive motorsports.
  • Track-day enthusiasts looking to transition from club events to an organized series.

This championship serves as an entry point in Ford’s motorsport development ladder, with top competitors potentially progressing to the Mustang Challenge and beyond, including GT4 racing.

Ford’s Vision for the Future

Ford Performance’s commitment to grassroots motorsports is evident in this new initiative. By creating a clear pathway from amateur racing to professional competition, the Mustang Cup Series reinforces Ford’s presence in the racing world while offering accessible opportunities for the next generation of drivers.

With its combination of competitive racing, high-performance machinery, and legendary circuits, the Mustang Cup Series is set to become a premier stepping stone for those looking to establish themselves in motorsports.

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