DETROIT, Mich. – Ford Performance Motorsports was victorious in its homecoming race on Saturday, securing the top-step of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTD PRO class podium in Detroit. The No. 64 Ford Multimatic Motorsports Ford Mustang GT3 won the one-hour, 40-minute race from pole position, delivering valuable points toward the class championship in its fourth round.
“This is our backyard, and we love racing here in Detroit,” said. Ford Performance global director Mark Rushbrook. “It’s such a incredible atmosphere here in the city, and it’s special for Ford Motor Company to come here – with such a great partner in Multimatic – with these Mustangs. To get a win here for our employees and families is fantastic.”
The No. 64, driven by Mike Rockenfeller and Sebastian Priaulx, scored the team’s second class victory of the season – the last achieved during the Rolex 24 At Daytona in January. Mustang GT3 has collected five victories and 13 podiums worldwide since its competitive debut season in 2024.
“To win in Detroit is a dream come true,” said Rockenfeller, who captured his first victory in Mustang GT3. “It was a perfect weekend, where we started strong and didn’t make any mistakes to the finish. Finally, we got this top spot. It was not an easy race, because the competition is high here in IMSA. We had to be perfect in our driving, which makes this win especially rewarding. Thank you to Ford Performance, the Ford family and to Multimatic Motorsports for such a great day.”
The pair of Ford Multimatic Motorsports Mustang GT3 race cars gained early momentum, sharing the GTD PRO front row for the second time this season (Daytona, 1/25). Priaulx was awarded pole position after recording a lap time of 1:10:922 around the 1.654 mile, 9-turn temporary street course . The No. 65, driven by Christopher Mies and Frédéric Vervisch, qualified second with a lap time of 1:11.251
“What a great effort by the whole Ford Multimatic Motorsports team,” Priaulx said. “It was such an amazing effort, and it was such an incredible win on home soil for Ford Motor Company. What a way to execute – leading from start to finish.”
The No. 65, which won the Rolex 24 At Daytona, battled through damage by its class competitors and placed 10th in class. The victory came just miles from where these Mustang chassis rolled off the assembly line near the Motor City. Like every Mustang sold world wide, each chassis designated for the Mustang GT3 is produced at the nearby Flat Rock Assembly Plant.
Today’s victory awards Ford a lead in the class manufacturer’s championship, while the No. 64 ascends to third in the team title hunt.
Additional Quotes:
Alex Allmandinger, Ford Performance global sports car manager – “A win in Detroit means a lot to Ford and a lot to this team. It’s great to get our second win of the season, and to do it here with Mustang GT3 is a very incredible feeling. We’re looking forward to carrying this momentum into the rest of the season.”
Christopher Mies, No. 65 Ford Multimatic Motorsports Ford Mustang GT3 – “I think we were good for a one-two finish after qualifying. We had a good start and we were pulling away from the field. It’s a tough race on a street circuit. The team showed their potential, and the win by the No. 64 was great for everyone involved. We won Daytona and with their win today, we both can share one.”
Frédéric Vervisch, No. 65 Ford Multimatic Motorsports Ford Mustang GT3 – “It was my first time here, and I really liked it. We had two great cars, and we both did a great job starting one and two. Unfortunately, we had some contact from other drivers. But nevertheless, for this team to win in Ford territory is great. It’s a great season so far for Ford.”
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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 22419
Jward35@ford.com
