The IMSA-sanctioned Ford Mustang Challenge roared into its second round at Watkins Glen International, treating fans to a spectacle of high-octane racing and competitive spirit. The event, featuring 27 Ford Mustang Dark Horse R race cars, showcased thrilling action across two intense 45-minute sprint races.
Tyler Maxson of Robert Noaker Racing emerged as the dominant force, clinching victories in both races to complete a flawless weekend sweep. Reflecting on his performance, Maxson credited his team for delivering a competitive edge:
“These performances are really a testament to the guys’ work at the shop to get these cars prepared for each race. The package we’re showing up to the track with has been very quick, and we’ve been able to go out there and execute.”
Maxson’s teammate, Robert Noaker, echoed the sentiment despite finishing third in Race 2:
“That’s a win in my book – even if I was third. It all feels the same when you can put three cars on the podium.”
The competition was divided into two classes: Dark Horse (DH) and Dark Horse Legends (DHL), the latter catering to bronze-level drivers aged 45 and over. In the DH class, Reid Sweeney joined Maxson and Noaker on the podium, underscoring the dominance of Robert Noaker Racing:
“To place 1-2-3 is a testament to this team and their great effort. They are the reason why we’re up here today.”
Meanwhile, in the DHL class, Zachry Lee of McCumbee McAleer Racing triumphed after a hard-fought battle, illustrating the competitive nature of the series:
“That was a challenging race. My team told me Alex’s pace, and I had to really dig in and focus.”
Lee’s competitor, Alex Bachoura of Spark Performance, expressed satisfaction despite finishing second:
“I felt like I was clawing my way up to Zach. My goal was to get as close to him as I could.”
Stephen Vajda of NV Autosport highlighted the unique appeal of the Ford Mustang Dark Horse R:
“What I love about the Dark Horse R is that it’s such a raw car… I mean three pedals, manual transmission, and the sound of a 500 horsepower V8.”
The upcoming round at Road America promises further excitement. It will test the drivers’ skills on August 2-4, 2024. As the series progresses, anticipation builds for more thrilling battles and outstanding performances from the talented field of drivers in the IMSA Ford Mustang Challenge.
