Ford Encourages New Mustang Owners to Hit the Track
As part of introducing the new Dark Horse model, Ford introduced a track day for new owners.
Designed specifically for owners of the all-new Dark Horse Mustang, Ford partnered with Ford Performance Racing School and Charlotte Motor Speedway to create Dark Horse Track Attack. Led by world-famous driving instructors, Mustang owners would learn how to drift and tackle an autocross and road course.
The event comes with the purchase of a new Dark Horse model and registration opens in January of next year. Ford’s goal is not only to ensure that Mustang owners get to race alongside other owners but to ensure the automaker’s most track-centric model into good hands.
“The Ford Mustang is all about two things: its community of passionate fans and racing,” SAID Matt Simpson, general manager for Enthusiast Vehicles in a press release. “We’re combining those qualities and giving owners the opportunity to learn some of the same skills our racing drivers will take to Daytona and Le Mans next year.”
The Dark Horse is powered by the company’s most powerful street-legal V8 ever. The naturally-aspirated Coyote V8 engine churns up nearly 500 horses and 418 lb-ft of torque. Braking has been updated thanks to the addition of Brembo performance brakes sitting behind 19-inch lightweight wheels.
It’s also designed with speed in mind, coming with a six-speed manual coupled with rev matching, a 3.73 TORSEN limited slip axel in the rear, and an oil, transmission and differential coolers.
The event kicks off with a welcome reception at the famed speedway’s Champion’s Club, and has a combination of classroom and on-track driving instruction. The ratio of drivers to instructor ration is 3:1, making sure that all owners get ample time with the instructors – paying special attention to the Mustang’s all-new no-lift-shift feature.
Also opening up for EcoBoost and GT owners in 2024 are track days at Charlotte Motor Speedway, very similar to the Dark Horse event – aiming to provide profession instruction to drivers, and kindle new like-minded friendships. Though, the events can be attended either online or virtually.
For the first time, Ford will sanction online events for Mustang owners to attend in order to learn valuable skills, spend time on virtual tracks, and build a diverse online community for owners from across the globe.
“Ford Mustang fans make this car what it is – a global icon for performance and excitement,” said Mustang Brand Manager Joe Bellino. “And now, we’re giving owners a chance to connect regardless of distance and share their passion.”
Sanctioned online cross-country events will take place in 10 different U.S. markets, and will also include major lifestyle and motorsports events to seal the deal.
