Ford's Mustang Roars Back to Le Mans: A Fierce Trio Set to Conquer 2024
The legend of Ford at the 24 Hours of Le Mans is one for the ages. Drenched in history and soaked with victories, the Ford marquee is synonymous with this grueling endurance race. But while the Ford GT40's triumph in the 1966 race over Ferrari is etched in the annals of motorsport, it's time for a new chapter in this storied saga. Enter the Ford Mustang GT3: a car ready to scratch and claw its way to glory in the 2024 Le Mans.
Proton Competition and the Mustang GT3
The 2024 Le Mans race, which kicks off this weekend, will see not one, but three Mustang GT3 race cars taking the stage at Circuit de la Sarthe. The German racing team Proton Competition is at the helm, entering these formidable machines in the LMGT3 class. This class, which pits race cars derived from production models against each other, has seen Ford excel in the past, notably with the GT’s successful 2016 Le Mans comeback.
Proton Competition is well-versed in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) realm, fielding a pair of Mustang GT3s throughout the 2024 season. For Le Mans, they will bring in a third car, amplifying their assault on the coveted race. The team’s trio features a stellar lineup of drivers: Ryan Hardwick, Ben Baker, and Zacharie Robichon in the #77 car; Giorgio Roda, Dennis Olsen, and Mikkel O. Pedersen in the #88 car; and Christopher Mies, John Hartshorne, and Ben Tuck in the #44 car.
A Beast Built for the Track
Underneath the aggressive exterior of the Mustang GT3 is a beast waiting to unleash its fury. Derived from the exhilarating Mustang Dark Horse, the GT3 comes to life thanks to a bespoke 5.4-liter version of the vaunted Coyote 5.0-liter V8. This engine is a result of a meticulous collaboration involving Multimatic and M-Sport, ensuring that the GT3 is not just fast but also reliable and consistent over the relentless 24-hour race.
The competition will be fierce, with the Mustang GT3 squaring off against other giants of the racing world. Rivals include race cars based on the Aston Martin Vantage, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Ferrari 296 GTB, Lamborghini Huracán, Lexus RC F, McLaren 720S, and Porsche 911. These manufacturers are no strangers to Le Mans, setting the stage for a thrilling competition.
Past Meets Future
This isn't the first time a Mustang has prowled the circuit at Le Mans. Its predecessors made their mark in 1967 and then again in 1997, laying a foundation of racing pedigree. However, the 2024 Mustang GT3 is ready to go beyond just participation. With a robust team and an ironclad will to succeed, the Mustang GT3 is poised to bring back a sense of American muscle dominance to the French circuit.
Marking a New Era
With Le Mans as its grand stage, Ford will also seize the moment to debut another masterpiece: the Mustang GTD. Unlike the GT3, the GTD is track-focused but is also street-legal, exemplifying the dual nature of Ford’s engineering prowess. The showstopper will be the Carbon Series model outfitted with the high-performance package. This marks a significant milestone as the application process for the Mustang GTD officially begins for European buyers. The American market has already shown immense interest with over 7,500 applications received, although Ford hasn't divulged how many units will eventually roll out of the factory.
As the engines roar to life and the lights go green at Le Mans this weekend, keep an eye on those three blue oval-clad cars. The Ford Mustang GT3 might just write the next chapter in Ford's illustrious racing history, reminding the world why American muscle cars are not to be underestimated.