· Debuting in 2025, the Mustang Cup series will act as a starting point in the Ford Performance sports car racing ladder for novice racers.

· Mustang Cup will provide opportunities to advance into Mustang Challenge with the same Mustang Dark Horse R and from there, potentially up to a Mustang GT4 if successful

· Sanctioned and operated by USAC, Mustang Cup will run in conjunction with other USAC operated series over 6 doubleheader weekends in central and eastern U.S.

DEARBORN, Mich., August 15, 2024 – Ford Performance continues to expand its sports car racing options to now include novice racers looking to get on the first rung of the racing ladder with the announcement of the new Mustang Cup.

Mustang Cup, an entry-level racing platform starting the spring of 2025, bridges the gap between track days and the Mustang Challenge series. Sanctioned by the United States Auto Club (USAC), Mustang Cup offers a professionally organized, club-level racing environment for novice and hobby racers using the Mustang Dark Horse R race car.

“We are excited to introduce Mustang Cup as an additional avenue for racing enthusiasts to pursue their passion,” said Ford Performance Global Motorsports Director Mark Rushbrook. “Mustang Cup is a foundational starting springboard in our global sports car racing program, and it also offers advancement into Mustang Challenge, Mustang GT4 and Mustang GT3.”

Mustang Cup will offer Dark Horse R owners a professionally run, “club level” atmosphere to develop the fundamentals of organized racing on private USAC operated race weekends, alongside other USAC series and events.

"Today, we're thrilled to announce, with Ford Performance, the launch of the Ford Mustang Cup, a groundbreaking series designed to empower club level racers with the tools and environment to elevate their skills amidst a professional racing atmosphere” stated Kevin Miller, USAC CEO.  “This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering talent and pushing the boundaries of grassroots racing. We are looking forward to the series debut next April in New Orleans.”

Unique to Mustang Cup is the option of a two-driver format. Each race in a doubleheader format will count towards separate championships – the Miles Cup and Parnelli Cup – allowing two drivers to pursue separate championships or one driver to compete in both. Like the Mustang Challenge, a Dark Horse Legends class will be available for competitors over a certain age, which will be announced at a later time.

Drivers with a current club racing license from accredited sanctioning bodies will be recognized and issued a USAC Mustang Cup license. Drivers without a racing license, but who have track experience and wish to race in Mustang Cup, may obtain a nationally recognized club racing license from a number of accredited racing schools, in order to receive an equivalent USAC Mustang Cup license.

Mustang Cup offers flexibility to meet any racer’s goals, whether aiming for advancement to a national championship series or competing at a regional level.

Race Format / Schedule

Each race weekend will feature three 30-minute practice sessions, two separate 15-minute qualifying sessions and two 40-minute races.

The 2025 Mustang Cup schedule consists of six events:

· April 11-13 (Louisiana): NOLA Motorsports Park

· May 16-18 (Texas): Circuit of The Americas

· July 4-6 (Missouri): Ozarks International Raceway

· August 8-10 (Wisconsin): Road America

· October 17-18 (Connecticut): Lime Rock Park

· November 7-9 (Virginia): Virginia International Raceway

Vehicle Ordering and Series Entry

Teams and individuals who are interested in purchasing a car to race in Mustang Cup may register their interest at: https://www.multimaticmotorsports.com/ford-mustang-darkhorse-r/.

Individuals and teams that are selected will be provided with an allocation, conditional on entry into the series. Registration to enter will open on September 15 at www.fordentry.com.

For more information on the Mustang Dark Horse R and Mustang Cup series, visit Ford Performance. For further information about USAC, please visit the links.

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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 EVs 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 is pursuing mobility solutions through Ford Next, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  Ford employs about 177,000 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.