LE MANS, France, June 13, 2024 – Sixty years after the Ford Mustang first roared onto the global stage, the seventh-generation iteration of this iconic car is poised to challenge the ultimate test of endurance at the renowned 24 Hours of Le Mans this month.
Racing is ingrained in the DNA of the Mustang: debuting competitively just five months after its 1964 introduction at the Tour de France Automobile, it has since dominated tracks worldwide, from NASCAR and NHRA to IMSA, Australian Supercars, and Formula Drift.
Jim Farley, CEO of Ford Motor Company, emphasized the significance: “The Ford Mustang has graced circuits worldwide for decades, and now, it’s time for our iconic coupe to shine on the world’s most prestigious racing stage.”
While Mustang has previously appeared at Le Mans – with entries in 1967 and 1997 – 2024 marks its focused debut in the World Endurance Championship circuit. Long-standing partners Multimatic Motorsports and M-Sport have collaborated on the production, overseen by the accomplished Proton Competition based in Germany.
Ford’s storied history at Le Mans includes the legendary Ford GT40, which famously triumphed over European rivals in the late 1960s, and the modern Ford GT’s victory in 2016, fifty years after the GT40’s debut.
The eagerly awaited 92nd edition of Le Mans, a cornerstone of the FIA World Endurance Championship, will unfold on June 15-16 at Circuit de la Sarthe in France. Proton Competition will field three Mustang GT3 cars among nearly two dozen LMGT3 Le Mans entrants.
The team’s lineup remains consistent with the FIA World Endurance Cup LMGT3 class drivers: Ryan Hardwick, Ben Baker, Zacharie Robichon in No. 77; Giorgio Roda, Dennis Olsen, Mikkel O. Pedersen in No. 88; and Christopher Mies, John Hartshorne, Ben Tuck in No. 44.
Off the track, the roadgoing Mustang GTD 1 – derived from the Mustang GT3 – will make its European debut at Maison de Mustang within the Manufacturer Village. This fan zone will host autograph sessions, merchandise, and a racing simulator competition offering Mustang-themed prizes.
Additionally, up to 1,000 fans can enjoy a Paul Swift Precision Driving experience as passengers in nearby Arnage, available for booking upon arrival at the track.
Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance Motorsports, highlighted the broader strategy: “The Mustang GT3 represents the pinnacle of our global sports car racing efforts, complementing our Mustang Challenge Series, GT4, and more. Our goal is to win while fostering the Ford Performance community, ensuring fans at Le Mans enjoy both on and off-track experiences. It’s an exhilarating time to be a Mustang enthusiast.”
This year’s Le Mans promises to be a thrilling chapter in the ongoing legacy of Ford’s racing heritage, showcasing the Mustang’s enduring spirit and performance excellence on an international stage.
