Mustang Races Ford GT & Falcon in Ford Performance’s ‘Triple Challenge’
Unique competition is a preview of the Mustang’s 2019 Supercars campaign in Australia through October 7.
The Falcon is among Australia’s greatest cultural touchstones, from its appearances in the Mad Max franchise, to its dominance in the country’s beloved Supercars touring series. The Mustang, of course, is America incarnate and a movie and TV star in its own right. Finally, the GT continues the legacy established by the GT40, taking first, third and fourth in its debut at the 2016 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Put all three together, and you’ll have a party unlike any other. Motorsport.com reports Ford Performance will host a “Triple Challenge” event at the Mount Panorama circuit in Bathurst, Australia ahead of the legendary Bathurst 1000.
The Triple Challenge is not only a great way to celebrate Ford’s greatest hits of motorsport, but is also a send-off for the Falcon, which will turn its last laps at the end of the 2018 Supercars season before roaring off into the sunset. Local production of the Falcon ended in 2016, its nameplate transferred to the Mondeo/Fusion in the same way the Falcon’s competitor, the Holden Commodore, had its name tacked onto what we know here as the Buick Regal.
The challenge is also the Australian debut of the Mustang GT4, which will be piloted by DJR Team Penske co-driver Tony D’Alberto, who says “getting a run in that iconic shape around Bathurst a year early is a privilege.” The Mustang GT4, based on the Shelby GT350R-C, is powered by a 450-horsepower 5.2-liter Coyote V8 linked to a six-speed sequential transmission.
The GT, meanwhile, will be piloted by Chip Ganassi Racing’s Ryan Briscoe, and will likely set the fastest lap around Mount Panorama, besting the record of 2.03.831 set by Scott McLaughlin in a Falcon FG-X during qualifying for the 2017 Bathurst 1000.
Finally, Alex Davison will pilot his 23Red Racing Falcon FG-X around the bends in a celebratory send-off before he and a few other Falcon FG-X drivers attempt to give the outgoing car its last first-place finish at the Bathurst 1000.
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