Sixty years after the iconic Ford Mustang made its debut, the seventh-generation Mustang is ready to take on one of the most grueling and prestigious endurance races in the world: the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This historic race, known for testing the limits of automotive endurance and engineering, will see the Mustang GT3 making a bold statement on the global stage this month.
The Mustang's connection to racing is deeply embedded in its DNA. The car's competitive debut came just five months after its introduction to the world in 1964, during the Tour de France de l'Automobile. Since then, the Mustang has become a mainstay in various racing circuits, including NASCAR, NHRA, IMSA, Australian Supercars, and Formula Drift. Its presence in these diverse racing environments has solidified the Mustang's reputation as a versatile and powerful race car.
Jim Farley, CEO of Ford Motor Company, emphasized the significance of this return to Le Mans. "The Ford Mustang has raced in circuits across the world for decades, and now is the time for us to race our iconic coupe at the most important race in the world," Farley stated. Ford's history at Le Mans dates back to the inaugural race in 1923, and the company is eager to reclaim its position on this prestigious platform.
Although the Mustang has previously competed at Le Mans, with entries in 1967 and 1997, the 2024 race marks the first time the Mustang is specifically aiming to compete in the World Endurance Championship circuit. This endeavor is supported by Ford's long-time collaborators, Multimatic Motorsports and M-Sport, and the racing team is managed by the successful Germany-based Proton Competition.
Ford's legacy at Le Mans is highlighted by the legendary Ford GT40, which dominated the race in the late 1960s, securing victories for four consecutive years. This remarkable achievement was a significant milestone in motorsport history, as the GT40 outperformed its European competitors on their home turf. In 2016, 50 years after the GT40's first victory, a revived Ford GT clinched the top spot in the LMGTE Pro category, reaffirming Ford's prowess in endurance racing.
The sold-out 92nd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the fourth race of the FIA World Endurance Championship season, is set to take place on June 15-16 at the Circuit de la Sarthe in France. Proton Competition will field three Mustang GT3 cars among nearly two dozen LMGT3 Le Mans entrants. The driver lineup for Proton Competition's two regular-season FIA World Endurance Cup LMGT3 class cars includes Ryan Hardwick, Ben Baker, and Zacharie Robichon in the No. 77, and Giorgio Roda, Dennis Olsen, and Mikkel O. Pedersen in the No. 88. Additionally, the No. 44 will be piloted by Christopher Mies, John Hartshorne, and Ben Tuck.
Beyond the thrilling on-track action, the Mustang GTD1 – a road-going version of the Mustang GT3 – will make its European debut. This highlight will be showcased at Maison de Mustang inside the Manufacturer Village, a fan zone featuring driver autograph sessions, merchandise, and a racing simulator competition offering Mustang-themed prizes.
Fans will also have the opportunity to participate in a Paul Swift Precision Driving experience as passengers in nearby Arnage. This immersive experience can be booked upon arrival at the track and promises to add to the excitement of the event.
Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance Motorsports, underscored the broader strategy behind Mustang racing. "While Mustang GT3 is the pinnacle of our sports car racing around the world, it is only one part of a far broader strategy around Mustang racing that includes our recent Mustang Challenge Series as well as GT4 and much more besides," Rushbrook explained. He emphasized that racing is not only about winning but also about building a community around Ford Performance. The aim is to ensure that fans at Le Mans experience as much excitement from the off-track activities as they do from the race itself.
As the Mustang GT3 gears up for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it carries with it a rich legacy of racing success and a promise of thrilling performance. This return to one of the world's most challenging races underscores Ford's commitment to excellence in motorsports and its dedication to engaging with fans. With a blend of historic achievements and modern advancements, the Mustang GT3 is set to make a memorable impact at Le Mans, thrilling both racing enthusiasts and the broader Ford community.
Want to keep with all things Ford? Be sure to continue reading our blog to stay on top of the latest news, and be sure to visit Dunphy Ford today to try out one of our amazing vehicles for yourself.
Categories:
News
