Ford Performance has unveiled a Mustang-inspired race car for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series and it actually looks like the road-going model. That’s a welcome development and it builds on the Series’ quest to have more realistic vehicles. The model draws inspiration from the Mustang Dark Horse, and features a believable wrap with slender headlights and an aggressive grille. They’re joined by a ventilated hood and a Mustang-inspired rear end with familiar taillights as well as a Dark Horse logo.
Ford didn’t say much about the car, but it
will make its track debut on February 4 at the Clash at the Coliseum. When it
does, it will be another piece in Ford’s puzzle to have a “family of Mustang
cars that compete around the world in all forms of motorsports.” That being
said, the Mustang is no stranger to NASCAR as the pony car became a full-time
member of the Xfinity Series in 2011. Ford also noted the Mustang has “won a
driver’s or owner’s championship in nine of 12 seasons in that series and
captured manufacturer’s titles in 2011 and 2013.”
Following the success in the Xfinity
Series, the Mustang came to the Cup Series in 2019. It’s racked up a number of
accomplishments including two wins at the Daytona 500, a manufacturer’s championship,
and a driver’s championship with Joey Logano. Speaking of drivers, Brad
Keselowski said “If she gallops as fast as she looks, it’s going to be a good
year.” He added, “I’m proud to get to drive it and proud to be able to compete
for the win in this car.”
His sentiments were echoed by Stewart-Haas
driver Chase Briscoe, who said “I feel like we already have the best-looking
Cup car out of the three manufacturers, but I’m definitely excited for the new
body. I feel like the Ford Performance team does a great job of making our car
to where it can still perform on the racetrack, but also tie into that look of
the street car.”
