Ford Fields Racing Teams To Compete At Daytona After Two-Year Development

While the state of racing development and what it contributes to automobiles isn’t as obvious as it has been, please make no mistake: racing still contributes its share to cars.

Look At Formula E Developments

Look no further than Formula E, electric car racing. Formula E cars zip around tracks across the globe, proving that electrics can race on the Grand Prix circuit. So, what does this contribute to everyday driving? If you own an electric car, there is plenty. EVs are known for their terrific performance and near-instant acceleration.

Ford Cuts To Lightning Trucks Cause Commotion

You may not know that the tires that Formula E racers use when they wind things up must take weirdly sporadic heating and cooling as they zip around tracks like Daytona. Tire development is important for EVs because the tires used on EVs are heavier and handle stresses that standard tires can’t take.

Internal Combustion Developments

In the world of internal combustion engines, racing helps the automaker develop engines to a finer degree than you might think possible.

The other day, Ford announced that it had done work on what is now the most powerful V-8 in Ford’s arsenal. Indeed, the vehicle isn’t a racer, but who is to say the technology that increased the power output isn’t being used in Ford’s GT racers for Daytona right now?

The Ford Mustang is doing it again. The Mustang, the iconic sports car that created the pony car segment, is leading Ford’s return to global sports car racing at the Rolex 24 at Daytona as Ford Performance kicks off its 2024 racing season.

How Does Subaru Stack Up Against The Opposition

Mustang will compete in multiple races at the legendary endurance event, with Mustang GT3 race cars competing in the GTD Pro and GTD classes of the headline Rolex 24 at Daytona and Mustang GT4 competing in both the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and the IMSA VP Racing Sports Car Challenge.

Developed As Joint Program

All cars have been developed as part of a joint program by Ford Performance and long-time racing collaborator Multimatic Motorsports.

“We are ready to unleash the Ford Mustang GT3 and GT4 cars during a very exciting time for the sport,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance Motorsports. Ford will campaign teams of Mustang GT3 and GT4 cars at the raceway. Rushbrook said, “Daytona International Speedway has been the site for many remarkable moments through our history, and we can’t wait to return to the IMSA competition.”

Ford, Multimatic Works On Racing Mustangs In GTD Pro, Ford and Multimatic are fielding a two-car, factory-backed GT3 team. Chris Mies, Mike Rockenfeller, and Harry Tincknell will campaign in the No. 64 Mustang.

Racing Team Drivers Announced

At the same time, Le Mans winners Joey Hand and Dirk Müller are joined by Frédéric Vervisch racing in No. 65. The numbers for both factory-backed cars honor the Ford Mustang’s 60th anniversary. “The first race for a new car is always the most challenging,” said Larry Holt, Multimatic Special Vehicle Operations executive vice president.

Ford Has Some Great Input About Cold Weather Driving For EVs

“Daytona is the culmination of two years of intense work by Multimatic, Ford, and M-Sport, with no effort spared in creating a car capable of taking on the legendary twice-around-the-clock contest. We are ready!” Mustang GT3 customer Proton Competition is entering its GT3 in the GTD Class with drivers Dennis Olsen, Corey Lewis, Ryan Hardwick, and Giammarco Levorato piloting the No. 55 car. At Daytona, two customer teams are set to launch the all-new Mustang GT4 in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge series and the IMSA VP Racing Sports Car Challenge.

Kohr Motorsports will see the return of Luca Mars and Bob Michaelian in the No. 59 Mustang GT4, with Mars simultaneously competing in the VP Racing Sports Car Challenge. McCumbee McAleer Racing also celebrates the exciting next chapter of Mustang, welcoming back the No. 13 of Chad McCumbee and Jenson Altzman to the Michelin Pilot Challenge.

Ford Adds Another Model to the Mustang Mach-E Line

The Rolex 24 at Daytona has been the scene of multiple racing successes for Ford Motor Company, from the first victory in 1966 to Ford’s most recent win: a class victory for the Ford GTLM in 2017.

Racing begins at the 24 Hours at Daytona on Saturday, January 27.

Ford Motor Photo

Marc Stern has been an automotive writer since 1971. His automotive articles have appeared in venues including Popular Mechanics, Mechanix Illustrated, AutoWeek, SuperStock, Trailer Life, Old Cars Weekly, Special Interest Autos, and others. You can follow Marc on Twitter or Facebook.