Sixty years after the Ford Mustang first roared onto the automotive scene, the iconic seventh-generation Mustang is poised to tackle one of the world’s most prestigious endurance racing events: the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This month, the Mustang GT3 will compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) circuit, marking a significant moment in Ford’s storied racing history.
A Legacy of Racing Excellence –
Racing has been an integral part of the Mustang’s DNA since its inception. The car made its competitive debut just five months after its introduction in the 1964 Tour de France Automobile. Over the decades, the Mustang has proven its mettle in various racing circuits, including NASCAR, NHRA, IMSA, Australian Supercars, and Formula Drift.
“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,” said Jim Farley, CEO of Ford Motor Company. “Ford has a rich history at Le Mans dating back to the first race in 1923 and we are excited to return to the global stage in what promises to be one of the most exciting races of the modern era.”
Historic Return to Le Mans –
While the Mustang has had a presence at Le Mans before—with a single entry in 1967 and two more in 1997—2024 marks the first time it competes with specific intent in the World Endurance Championship circuit. This endeavor is supported by longtime collaborators Multimatic Motorsports and M-Sport, with the team managed by the successful Germany-based Proton Competition.
Ford’s history at Le Mans is legendary, highlighted by the dominance of the Ford GT40, which won four consecutive years in the late 1960s, and the triumphant return of the Ford GT in 2016, securing victory in the LMGTE Pro category 50 years after the original win.
The 2024 Le Mans Challenge –
The 92nd edition of Le Mans, scheduled for June 15-16 at Circuit de la Sarthe in France, is the fourth race of the FIA World Endurance Championship season. Proton Competition will field three Mustang GT3 cars among nearly two dozen LMGT3 entrants.
The No. 77 Mustang GT3 will be driven by Ryan Hardwick, Ben Barker, and Zacharie Robichon. The No. 88 car will feature Giorgio Roda, Dennis Olsen, and Mikkel O. Pedersen. Additionally, the No. 44 Mustang will be piloted by Christopher Mies, John Hartshorne, and Ben Tuck.
Off-Track Excitement –
Beyond the track, the Mustang GTD1—a road-going version of the Mustang GT3—will make its European debut at Maison de Mustang in the Manufacturer Village. This fan zone will include driver autograph sessions, merchandise, and a racing simulator competition offering Mustang prizes.
Fans can also experience the Paul Swift Precision Driving experience as passengers in Arnage. Up to 1,000 participants can book this thrilling ride upon arrival at the track.
“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,” said Mark Rushbrook, Global Director, Ford Performance Motorsports. “We race to win and also to build our Ford Performance community, and our hope is that fans at Le Mans get as much excitement from the off-track experiences as they get from attending the race itself. This is an exciting time to be a fan of Mustang.”
As the Mustang GT3 gears up for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Ford enthusiasts and racing fans worldwide eagerly anticipate the return of this legendary car to one of motorsport’s most challenging arenas. With a rich heritage and a commitment to excellence, the Mustang GT3 is set to extend Ford’s legacy at Le Mans and inspire a new generation of racing fans.
For more updates and information on Ford’s racing ventures, visit the official Ford Performance website.
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