Ford Mustang Dark Horse Rs Set to Launch in Australia for 2026 Series
The inaugural Ford Mustang Cup Australia series is gearing up for its launch in 2026, with the first batch of 12 Mustang Dark Horse Rs en route from the U.S. to Sydney, due to arrive this October. A total of over 25 race-ready vehicles are expected to be available by year-end.
These Mustangs, powered by a 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, are initially assembled at Ford’s Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan. They are then transformed into race-spec cars by Multimatic Motorsport, Ford’s technical partner for this initiative. The final assembly, including series-specific equipment and safety gear, is managed by Ford Performance’s Watson Racing in Michigan.
The Mustang Cup, which debuted in the United States in 2024, aims to provide aspiring drivers and gentleman racers the chance to compete in identical rear-wheel-drive V8 vehicles on Australia’s premier racing circuits. The series is backed by Ford Performance and is promoted by Driving Solutions, with Liam Curkpatrick appointed as series manager.
Miedecke Motorsport, led by Andrew and George Miedecke, has been appointed as the Australian and New Zealand distributor of the Dark Horse Rs, and will also provide trackside technical assistance.
The Mustang Cup will make its competitive debut at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit from March 27-29, 2026, as part of the Shannons SpeedSeries.
Regarding the launch, Curkpatrick stated, "It’s exciting to see the first 12 Dark Horse Rs complete and ready for delivery. The attention to detail in each car is impressive, and the response from teams and competitors has been extraordinary. With Ford Performance’s support and a quality calendar, we believe this series offers unparalleled opportunities for drivers and teams."
