The seventh-generation Mustang makes its attempt at conquering the world’s pinnacle endurance racing event – the 24 Hours of Le Mans this month.
Racing is part of the Mustang DNA: the car made its successful competitive debut during the 1964 Tour de France de Automobile, only five months after Ford introduced the car to the world. Ever since, Ford’s global race car has competed in NASCAR, NHRA, IMSA, Australian Supercars and Formula Drift.
Ford’s Le Mans history notably includes the Ford GT40, which took on – and took down – previously vaunted European competitors for four consecutive years in the late 1960s. Then, in 2016 – 50 years after the GT40 first won – a reborn Ford GT took to the top step of the podium in the LMGTE Pro category.
The sold-out 92nd edition of Le Mans – the fourth race of the FIA World Endurance Championship season – takes place June 15-16 at Circuit de la Sarthe in France. Proton Competition will race three Mustang GT3 cars among nearly two dozen LMGT3 Le Mans entrants.
Proton Competition will maintain its regular-season FIA World Endurance Cup LMGT3 class driver line-up for its two Mustang GT3s: The No. 77 will be co-piloted by Ryan Hardwick, Ben Baker and Zacharie Robichon, and the No. 88 will see Giorgio Roda, Dennis Olsen and Mikkel O. Pedersen share the seat. Announced last month, the No. 44 will be shared by Christopher Mies, John Hartshorne and Ben Tuck.
Off the track, the Mustang GTD1 – a roadgoing version of the Mustang GT3 – makes its European debut and will be a focal point at Maison de Mustang inside Manufacturer Village. Maison de Mustang is a fan zone that features driver autograph sessions, merchandise, and a racing simulator competition for a chance to win Mustang prizes.
Up to 1,000 fans can participate in a Paul Swift Precision Driving experience as passengers in nearby Arnage and can book this upon arrival at the track.
