Sixty years after the Mustang first hit the road, Ford’s iconic car is set to compete in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans this month, marking a significant milestone in its storied racing history.
A Rich Racing Heritage
Since its competitive debut in the 1964 Tour de France de Automobile, the Ford Mustang has made its mark 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, Ford Motor Company CEO.
Historic Le Mans Return
Ford’s history at Le Mans includes notable entries in 1967 and 1997. However, 2024 marks the first year the Mustang races with a dedicated focus on the World Endurance Championship circuit. The team, managed by Germany-based Proton Competition, includes long-time collaborators Multimatic Motorsports and M-Sport.
Legendary Le Mans Legacy
Ford’s legacy at Le Mans is highlighted by the success of the GT40, which dominated the race with four consecutive wins in the late 1960s. The Ford GT continued this legacy with a victory in the LMGTE Pro category in 2016.
2024 Line-Up and Expectations
The 92nd edition of Le Mans, taking place on June 15-16 at Circuit de la Sarthe, will see Proton Competition field three Mustang GT3 cars. The No. 77 car will be driven by Ryan Hardwick, Ben Baker, and Zacharie Robichon, while Giorgio Roda, Dennis Olsen, and Mikkel O. Pedersen will pilot the No. 88. The No. 44, driven by Christopher Mies, John Hartshorne, and Ben Tuck, rounds out the team.
Off-Track Excitement
Alongside the racing action, the Mustang GTD – a roadgoing version of the Mustang GT3 – will make its European debut at Maison de Mustang in Manufacturer Village. This fan zone will feature driver autograph sessions, merchandise, and a racing simulator competition.
Fans can also participate in the Paul Swift Precision Driving experience at nearby Arnage, with up to 1,000 participants having the chance to book a ride upon arrival at the track.
Building the Mustang Community
Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance Motorsports, emphasizes the broader strategy around Mustang racing, including the Mustang Challenge Series and GT4. “We race to win and also to build our Ford Performance community. 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,” he said.
