Race cars in the NASCAR Cup Series haven’t always resembled their road-going counterparts, but the new Mustang racer closely resembles the Dark Horse
Ford Performance has unveiled a Mustang-inspired race car for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series and it actually looks like the road-going model. That’s a welcome development and it builds on the Series’ quest to have more realistic vehicles.
The model draws inspiration from the Mustang Dark Horse, and features a believable wrap with slender headlights and an aggressive grille. They’re joined by a ventilated hood and a Mustang-inspired rear end with familiar taillights as well as a Dark Horse logo.
Ford didn’t say much about the car, but it will make its track debut on February 4 at the Clash at the Coliseum. When it does, it will be another piece in Ford’s puzzle to have a “family of Mustang cars that compete around the world in all forms of motorsports.”
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That being said, the Mustang is no stranger to NASCAR as the pony car became a full-time member of the Xfinity Series in 2011. Ford also noted the Mustang has “won a driver’s or owner’s championship in nine of 12 seasons in that series and captured manufacturer’s titles in 2011 and 2013.”
Following the success in the Xfinity Series, the Mustang came to the Cup Series in 2019. It’s racked up a number of accomplishments including two wins at the Daytona 500, a manufacturer’s championship, and a driver’s championship with Joey Logano.
Speaking of drivers, Brad Keselowski said “If she gallops as fast as she looks, it’s going to be a good year.” He added, “I’m proud to get to drive it and proud to be able to compete for the win in this car.”
His sentiments were echoed by Stewart-Haas driver Chase Briscoe, who said “I feel like we already have the best-looking Cup car out of the three manufacturers, but I’m definitely excited for the new body. I feel like the Ford Performance team does a great job of making our car to where it can still perform on the racetrack, but also tie into that look of the street car.”
