The unveiling of the seventh-generation Ford Mustang brought with it a slew of special editions and motorsport activations, including the introduction of the Dark Horse R track edition in July 2023.[1] The car resembles the track day-focused Dark Horse S, but features unique wheels and a racing fuel cell on top of the FIA roll cage, tow hooks, upgraded brakes, rear wing, and re-designed exhaust system featured on the Dark Horse S.[2] The Dark Horse R additionally features a six-speed manual gearbox and an anti-lock braking system, with a base price of approximately $150,000.[3]
Alongside the car's announcement came the launch of a new spec racing series, dubbed the Mustang Challenge, which was initially set to support six IMSA race weekends in 2024. The series would be managed by the Ford Performance Racing School and officially sanctioned by IMSA.[4] Entries would additionally race on bespoke Michelin tires, and top finishers would receive contingency payouts at each race event as well as at the conclusion of the season.[5] The champion, for instance, received a cash prize of $40,000 or a $100,000 scholarship towards a seat in a Ford Mustang GT3 or GT4 entry.[6] This allowed the series to operate as the first step of an internal ladder for Ford Performance's GT-racing efforts, in which drivers could begin competing in Mustang Challenge races before progressing to a GT3 seat through exceptional performance.[7]
^Dagys, John (October 26, 2023). "Indianapolis to Close Out Mustang Challenge Season". Sportscar365. John Dagys Media. Retrieved June 26, 2024. The field... will be split into two classes – Dark Horse and Dark Horse Legends... an optional classification eligible to bronze-level drivers 45 years old and over.
