Ford Mustang Challenge Invitational to Debut at Le Mans 24 Hours
Le Mans, France — The Ford Mustang Challenge Invitational, featuring the V8-powered Dark Horse R platform, is set to enhance the 2025 Le Mans 24 Hours weekend with two sprint races on the full Circuit de la Sarthe. Targeting a grid size of over 35 cars, this inaugural event marks Ford Performance’s significant push to strengthen its customer racing initiatives.
The Dark Horse R, a bridge between the street-legal Mustang Dark Horse and the Mustang GT4, has quickly garnered acclaim since the Mustang Challenge series launched in the U.S. last year. Over 70 race-ready Dark Horse R units have been prepared for the Invitational, reflecting robust demand from teams and drivers.
Chris Ward, global one-make series manager for Ford Performance, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming event. He stated, “It has been such an exciting start to the 2025 racing season with the Dark Horse R… preparations for the Le Mans Invitational are well underway.”
Key updates for the 2025 season include mandatory modifications that enhance both performance and capability, such as new 18-inch tires and adjustable rear camber arms. A new Dark Horse R will be priced at $159,000, encompassing a value-driven update kit usable in either the Challenge or Cup series.
Ford Performance is also providing registered drivers with access to its Tech Center driver-in-the-loop simulator, aiming to refine their skills for challenging circuits like the Circuit de la Sarthe. This grassroots approach is part of Ford’s broader strategy to facilitate progression through the racing ranks, with aspirations to elevate drivers to higher tiers, including GT4 and Hypercar categories.
Ward noted the promising trajectory, stating, “We’ve seen drivers graduate from Mustang Challenge to Pilot Challenge… and we anticipate this trend will continue as the series grows internationally.”
The Mustang Challenge Invitational highlights Ford’s commitment to innovation and driver development, as the series prepares to make its mark at one of motorsport’s most prestigious events.
