On Wednesday, Ford Performance unveiled the brand-new Mustang Dark Horse that will compete on the NASCAR Cup Series circuit in 2024, based on the seventh-generation Mustang
The updated Mustang will make its first on-track appearance in the Busch Light Clash at the LA Memorial Coliseum in February 2024, meaning that starting next year, Mustang will be eligible to race on six continents.
“What a crazy year it has been revealing our new global Mustangs for racing,” said Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance Motorsports. “The positive response from our fans around the world has been amazing, and we’re confident that this Mustang Dark Horse Cup car will be no different, and that NASCAR fans will be excited to cheer us on next year.”
“Our Ford Performance staff, together with our NASCAR race teams, have worked tirelessly in the wind tunnel developing this car, and I can’t wait to finally see it race on the track next season.”
Ford unveiled its new Mustang Dark Horse just over a year ago, marking its first new performance nameplate for Mustang since 2001. It is the most track-capable 5.0-liter V8 street-legal Mustang ever and has inspired the current roster of Mustang cars that started racing this year in Supercars and Formula Drift Series.
In the coming months, Mustang Dark Horse variants will be eligible to compete in GT3 and GT4 classes globally and in addition, Dark Horse R will compete in the Mustang Challenge Series and many grassroots racing events.
“If she gallops as fast as she looks, it’s going to be a good year,” said Brad Keselowski, driver and co-owner of Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing after seeing the new NASCAR Cup model. “Mustang is an iconic American car made famous around the world. I think of how Mustang has evolved over the years and how NASCAR has evolved along with it and they’re just two brands that go together. I’m proud to get to drive it and proud to be able to compete for the win in this car.”
Mustang has been a fixture in NASCAR since joining the Xfinity Series in 2011, immediately producing back-to-back championships with Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. Overall, the Mustang has won a driver’s or owner’s title in nine of 12 seasons on-track and captured manufacturer’s titles in 2011 and 2013.
“We’re excited to debut this new Mustang Dark Horse next year. I’m really pumped because Ford did an amazing job with it,” said Ryan Blaney of Team Penske. “I can’t wait for this to debut and drive it next year at the Coliseum and, hopefully, I can be the one to get the first win. That would be a cool accomplishment.”
Stewart-Haas driver Chase Briscoe echoed that sentiment saying, “I feel like we already have the best-looking Cup car out of the three manufacturers, but I’m definitely excited for the new body. I feel like the Ford Performance team does a great job of making our car to where it can still perform on the racetrack, but also tie into that look of the street car.”
Since moving to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2019, Mustang has won a manufacturer’s championship in 2020, on the strength of a series-high 18 race wins, as well as the driver’s championship with Joey Logano in 2022.
Mustang has also triumphed in several marquee events in the NASCAR Cup Series including the Daytona 500, Southern 500, and Brickyard 400, as well as capturing the win in the inaugural Clash at the LA Memorial Coliseum.
