AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 27, 2024 – Ford Performance NASCAR Xfinity and Craftsman Truck Series driver Frankie Muniz will join the Mustang Challenge field for its fourth event at Circuit of The Americas.

Ford Performance's global racing program allows top drivers opportunities to race various Mustang models across elite competitions. In 2024, fans have seen drivers like Australian Supercars veteran Cam Waters and IMSA standout Joey Hand compete in single-event NASCAR Cup Series races. 

Now, NASCAR up-and-comer Muniz will pilot the Mustang Dark Horse R in the Mustang Challenge during the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Lone Star Le Mans weekend at Circuit of The Americas on Aug. 31 -Sept. 1.

“I was a part of the Mustang Dark Horse R launch, and ever since, all I’ve wanted to do is race in the Mustang Challenge,” said Muniz. “To have a full field in its first races this year, you know it’s going to be so fun and competitive. I was thrilled when the opportunity came to drive the Dark Horse R at COTA. This is one of the few road courses where I’ve yet to compete, so I’m excited to experience a new course and series with the Dark Horse R.”

Muniz made his NASCAR racing debut with Ford in February 2023, reigniting his passion for motorsports at Daytona International Speedway. Since then, his unrelenting pursuit and ready racecraft have helped promote him through the ranks – from the ARCA Menards Series to sharing a seat in the Xfinity and Craftsman Truck Series this season.

While Muniz has transitioned into the world of NASCAR, his initial foray into racing was in the open-wheeled racing arena. Notably, he participated in the ChampCar Atlantic Championship from 2007-09.

“As a driver, you just want to get the most experience you can, in anything you can, and Ford Performance has afforded me that opportunity," Muniz said. "I’ve been on this NASCAR journey, but this is another incredible opportunity to race in a major series. I can see doing more races like these in the future.”

The Mustang Challenge, an IMSA-sanctioned single-make series featuring the Dark Horse R, will complete the weekend’s Mustang lineup, highlighted by the two-car Proton Competition Mustang GT3 customer program set to take on the six-hour WEC Lone Star Le Mans main event.

The multi-race event for the Mustang Challenge will be livestreamed on the Official Ford Performance YouTube channel, where Muniz will join John Hindhaugh in the broadcast booth as a commentator for Sunday’s Mustang Challenge race. For streaming details and for notifications, please visit https://www.youtube.com/@FordPerformance.

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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, SRO British GT, FIA World Rally Championship, Supercars Championship, World of Outlaws, Ultra4, SCORE-International, FIA Rally-Raid, Formula Drift, NHRA, Rebelle Rally, Thailand Super Series and our latest commitment in Formula 1 with Red Bull 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 and YouTube.