Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin – Mustang Challenge North America announced it will compete at six legendary racetracks in 2026. Utilizing the Ford Mustang Dark Horse R, based closely on the road going Ford Mustang Dark Horse, the two-class championship will run a 12-race season opening in March and celebrating its champions in September. Ford’s top one-make race series, a key training step on the Ford Motorsports Pyramid, will be entering its third season.
“Every decision for Mustang Challenge North America is for the best experience of our customer,” said Ford Performance Global One Make Series Manager Chris Ward. “The schedule is a critical first step to each season as it sets the tone for the year. We feel we have the best blend of tracks for our drivers and teams as well as their families. The calendar has us in the paddock of premier tracks with the top sports car racing series in the world, surrounded by the Mustang GT4 and GT3 race cars many of our drivers aspire to drive.”
Mustang Challenge North America is open to drivers who hold up to an FIA silver rating and features two classes — Dark Horse and Dark Horse Legends. All drivers can compete in the Dark Horse class while the Legends class is an optional categorization for any bronze-level driver who is 45 years old and over. Each Mustang Challenge race weekend features two 30-minute practice sessions, one 15-minute qualifying session, and two 45-minute sprint races. Each driver competes behind the wheel of a Mustang Dark Horse R, a car similar to the production Mustang Dark Horse but with minor modifications to make it race ready. With 500+ horsepower from the 5.0-liter V8 linked to a manual transmission and channeled to the ground through the rear wheels, the Dark Horse R is the perfect launching point to train drivers in the art of auto racing.
2026 Mustang Challenge North America Calendar
March 18 – 20: Sebring International Raceway (IMSA)
May 1 – 3: WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca (IMSA)
June 5- 7: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (IMSA)
June 25 – 27: Watkins Glen International (IMSA)
August 21 – 23: VIRginia International Raceway (IMSA)
September 4 – 6: Circuit of The Americas (COTA) (WEC)
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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 175,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.
About Ford Performance
Ford Performance is based in Dearborn, Mich. It is responsible for Ford’s performance vehicle development and major racing operations globally, including NASCAR, IMSA, World Endurance Championship, SRO, FIA World Rally Championship, Supercars Championship, Ultra4, SCORE-International, FIA Rally-Raid, Formula Drift, NHRA, Rebelle Rally, Thailand Super Series and our latest commitment in Formula 1 with RedBull Ford Powertrains. Ford Performance also maintains a constantly evolving fleet of electric performance demonstrators to showcase the limits of electrification technology. In addition, the organization also oversees the development of Ford's racing engines, as well as the outreach programs with all Ford Clubs and Ford enthusiasts. For more information regarding Ford racing's activities, please visit Performance.Ford.com or follow @FordPerformance on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Contact:
Jay Ward, Director, Global Ford Performance Motorsport Communications
(+44) (0)7500 224191 | Jward35@ford.com
