Sixty years after Ford first introduced the Mustang, the seventh-generation Mustang is set to make its mark at the 24 Hours of Le Mans this month. Racing has always been in the Mustang’s DNA, with its competitive debut in the 1964 Tour de France de Automobile. The Mustang has since been a staple in various global racing circuits, including NASCAR, NHRA, IMSA, Australian Supercars, and Formula Drift.
Jim Farley, CEO of Ford Motor Company, expressed excitement about the Mustang’s return to Le Mans, highlighting Ford’s rich history at the event since 1923. The 2024 race marks the first time the Mustang races with specific intent in the World Endurance Championship circuit. Longtime collaborators Multimatic Motorsports and M-Sport are working on the production, with the team being run by Germany-based Proton Competition.
Ford’s legacy at Le Mans is storied, notably with the Ford GT40’s consecutive victories in the late 1960s and the Ford GT’s triumph in 2016. The sold-out 92nd edition of Le Mans, the fourth race of the FIA World Endurance Championship season, takes place on June 15-16 at Circuit de la Sarthe in France. Proton Competition will field three Mustang GT3 cars among nearly two dozen LMGT3 entrants, with experienced drivers like Ryan Hardwick, Ben Baker, Zacharie Robichon, Giorgio Roda, Dennis Olsen, Mikkel O. Pedersen, Christopher Mies, John Hartshorne, and Ben Tuck.
Off the track, the Mustang GTD, a roadgoing version of the Mustang GT3, will make its European debut at Maison de Mustang inside Manufacturer Village. This fan zone will feature driver autograph sessions, merchandise, and a racing simulator competition with Mustang prizes. Additionally, up to 1,000 fans can experience a Paul Swift Precision Driving event in nearby Arnage.
Ford’s participation at Le Mans this year reaffirms its commitment to its racing heritage and the enduring appeal of the Mustang.
