Ford Performance is poised to set the NASCAR Cup Series ablaze with the debut of the new Mustang Dark Horse in the 2024 season.
The latest addition to the Mustang family, the Dark Horse, will roar onto the track on February 4, 2024, at the iconic Clash at the Coliseum exhibition race, setting the stage for a year of high-octane action.
The 2024 Mustang Dark Horse represents the pinnacle of Ford’s commitment to motorsports, embodying the spirit of competition that has been synonymous with the Mustang nameplate for generations. As the most track-capable 5.0-liter V8 street-legal Mustang ever built, the Dark Horse is based on the cutting-edge seventh-generation Mustang, which promises to deliver unprecedented performance on six continents.
Mark Rushbrook, the global director of Ford Performance Motorsports, expressed his excitement about the Mustang’s global reception and the collaboration between Ford Performance staff and NASCAR race teams in developing the car. “Our fans’ positive response has been overwhelming, and we’re confident that the Mustang Dark Horse Cup car will continue to excite NASCAR fans,” said Rushbrook.
The Mustang’s racing prowess is well-documented, with a storied history that includes capturing championships and prestigious events like the Daytona 500. Since its full-time entry into the Xfinity Series in 2011, the Mustang has been a dominant force, winning a driver’s or owner’s championship in nine of the twelve seasons and securing manufacturer’s titles in 2011 and 2013.
Driver Reactions
Drivers are already lining up to get behind the wheel of the new Dark Horse. Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney shared his anticipation, stating, “Ford did an amazing job with it… I can’t wait to debut and drive it next year at the Coliseum.” Similarly, Stewart-Haas driver Chase Briscoe praised the car’s aesthetics, which beautifully ties in the look of the street car with the performance required on the racetrack.
The 2024 Mustang Dark Horse not only continues the legacy but also pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in motorsport. With a successful track record that includes a manufacturer’s championship, a series-best 18 races in 2020, and a driver’s championship with Joey Logano in 2022, the Mustang is not just a participant in the NASCAR Cup Series but a proven champion.
As Joey Logano aptly put it, “Every car looks good in Victory Lane, but if it looks this mean just sitting here, it’ll look even better in Victory Lane.” The sentiment captures the essence of what the 2024 Mustang Dark Horse brings to the table: an iconic design, unparalleled performance, and a legacy of victory.
With its debut on the horizon, the 2024 Mustang Dark Horse is not just a new competitor in the NASCAR Cup Series; it’s a symbol of Ford Performance’s relentless pursuit of excellence. It’s a reminder that in the world of motorsport, legacy and innovation go hand in hand, and that the race for victory never ends.
Conclusion
The Mustang Dark Horse’s entry into the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series marks a new chapter for Ford Performance and motorsport enthusiasts worldwide. With its proven track record and the promise of unmatched performance, the Mustang Dark Horse is not merely a car to watch; it’s the car to beat.
