Ford Performance’s 2024 Season Launch – Part 2

After fanboying over all the vehicles I talked about in Part 1 of this article, I went up the red, white, and blue neon light tunnel into the venue event space itself. Upon entering the venue, I was immediately met with the vehicle I had been hoping all week to see – the Mustang GT3. This vehicle was the official debut for the global FIA GT3 category. The powerhouse under the hood is a Coyote 5.4L naturally aspirated V8 developed by Ford Performance and M-Sport. Paired with a dry sump and rear transaxle, this brand new machine is designed to have superior handling and enough reliability to tear up the track week after week. It is immediately apparent how much more aggressive this design is than the vehicles I had seen outside. Every inch is aerodynamically designed carbon fiber, with a beautiful front facia and a massive C-Pillar mounted rear wing.

I interviewed Christian Hertrich, Ford Performance’s Motorsports Powertrain Manager about his favorite aspects of the GT3. “We designed this car very differently from all the others. It’s built for reliability for our clients. It was actually too powerful for most race series regulations, so we had to add restrictors on the intakes, so that the balance of performance would be within spec of race regulations for various series.” Christian told me the powertrain for this vehicle has been a passion project for him over the past two years. “We got approval for it just after Christmas in 2021 and I’ve been looking forward to this day ever since then. It’s the first time the GT3 will be raced globally, so we’re really excited!” ‘So are you satisfied with this vehicle, or is there more to be done?’ I asked. “There’s always more to be done!” He replied enthusiastically. “This platform has so much to offer and I’m sure we will be tuning and adjusting them for as long as Ford allows us.”

I also had a chance to talk with Kevin Groot, Global Sports Car Manager and the Program Manager for Ford Performance. “We’ve really been able to optimize the handling and balance by placing the engine as far down and as far back as possible – it’s nearly sitting next to the driver! Look under the hood here,” he said, pointing, “at the massive air ducts at the front. We really have the space to do whatever we need to do in order to ensure this vehicle is always pushing the edge of technology.”

As I continued to linger around the GT3, I also got very similar insight from Mike Draisey, the Motorsports Powertrain Supervisor, and Mark Rushbrook, the Global Director for Ford Performance Motorsports. It’s apparent that the entire team is very happy with the new platform of Dark Horse Mustang variants, as well as the GT3 and NASCAR series vehicles.

Speaking of NASCAR, as I continued to move around the venue, I saw the NASCAR seventh generation Cup Series Dark Horse across the floor from me. It was actually quite different from the Xfinity Series Dark Horse I had seen outside (refer to Part 1 of this article). While the Cup Series car is also a smooth body race car covered in intricate stickers, it does have more character. There are subtle yet aggressive sharp humps over the front wheels, and more aerodynamic pieces on the roof and rear. Unlike the smooth hood on the Xfinity Series car, the Cup Series car has two hood vents. Rather than the sharp and straight design that I’m used to with most hood vents, these vents have a wave pattern. Additionally, the designers chose to go with a checkerboard pattern of carbon fiber on the upper dashboard. This is a neat touch, especially for a checkered-flag destined race car.

I asked Ryan Blaney, 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Champion for his opinion on the new car. “I’m pumped!” he said. “Ford did an amazing job with it.” I also asked Joey Lagano what his thoughts were about the new platform. “Just look at it – it’ll be the meanest looking car on the track! I can’t wait to open her up at Bristol.” Though I personally haven’t been the biggest fan of Mustangs over the past few years, I happen to agree. This new generation is the best looking batch yet, and I’m excited to see them tearing up the track this year in Daytona, Atlanta, Charlotte, and beyond.

I continued to walk through the venue until I made it to the Ford blue carpet, where I met and briefly interviewed Frankie Muniz. He is best known for his role as Malcolm in the sitcom Malcolm in the Middle. He has also competed in various open-wheel and sports car series, such as the Atlantic Championship and the Rolex 24 at Daytona. In 2023, Muniz drove full-time for Rette Jones Racing in the team’s No. 30 Ford Mustang in the ARCA Menards Series. Muniz finished fourth in the standings with 1 top-five and 11 top-tens, including a season-best fifth-place finish at Michigan International Speedway. First I asked him about the upcoming race season. ‘What Are you most looking forward to in the 2024 season?’ “I just want to drive fast! I’m looking forward to driving it all – just the speed is what gets me going!” ‘What will be your biggest challenges this year?’ “That’s a tough one; I guess I’ll have to just see when I get out there. Seasons are hard to predict, especially before they’ve begun. Ask me in a couple weeks from now” he said with a chuckle, “maybe I’ll have a better idea then.” 

At this point I shifted topics to get his perspective on Ford Performance’s new cars. ‘Let’s talk about the new platform. What are your thoughts on the new Mustangs?’ “Ford has done a great job with all their platforms this year – not just the Mustangs. The Broncos are all new and it’s great to see what Ford has done to expand its boundaries with those. It’s great to see a company put such a large emphasis on motorsports – I don’t think there’s a series they’re not involved with especially now that they’re entering GT3 and Formula One. Their Mustangs have always been great, but it’s encouraging to see a manufacturer putting such emphasis on a V8 driven platform.” I agreed, saying, ‘Yes, it’s amazing what they’ve been able to do with the Coyote engines.’ “And what they’re continuing to do!” he interjected. “My favorite car here is the GTD, I might even take it home!”

Another driver I got to talk with was Michael McDowell. He competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 34 Ford Mustang for Front Row Motorsports. McDowell began his career in open-wheel cars which included competing in Formula Renault and Champ Car, as well as sports cars in the Rolex Sports Car Series and 24 Hours of Daytona. ‘What’s your favorite vehicle in the Ford lineup this year?’ “I’ve got to say the Dark Horse, right? Haha” ‘You don’t *have* to haha’ “No, I think we’re excited about it – it should be pretty good for us this year. It looks great and it shows pretty good numbers. The power and handling are fantastic and we’re excited to get at it.” ‘So the handling is pretty good?’ “It’ll depend on the track, but from what I’ve felt so far it’s comfortable and well balanced.” ‘What do you think is going to be your biggest challenge this year?’ “Uhhh, not getting wrecked haha” ‘That is a pretty big challenge haha’ “Yeah we’ll do good if we can stay out of the weeds.”

Out of curiosity for his diverse racing experience, I asked, ‘So what’s more fun for you, open wheel or stock car racing?’ “I’m honestly not sure how to answer that. They’re both fun in different ways. Open wheel you feel like you have more power – it’s more exhilarating as far as speed. Definitely more of an adrenaline rush with that one. But stock cars are more challenging to race. It makes winning so much more rewarding for me.”

Also in attendance were the Ford factory drivers, and 2016 LeMans Champions (LM GTE Pro Class), Dirk Müller and Joey Hand. “Winning races is a family effort – that’s what Ford Performance is all about.” Dirk remarked, “The season is starting in 10 days and I’m really looking forward to have my Joey back.” As Joey laughed he added “The good thing is we’re going to the fastest race track we go to all year, Daytona. The 24 hour race is coming up – we’re actually going there tonight to start practicing.” As you’re reading this article, it’s likely the 24 Hours of Daytona has concluded, but only very recently.

It’s safe to say Ford Performance has a competent team and confident lineup for global motorsports this year. If you’re new to racing, keep your eye on their vehicles throughout this season. Though I wouldn’t say I’ve been Ford’s biggest fan in general, they’ve gained my respect through this event. With their 2024 lineup, it’s easy to see they’ve truly invested time and talent into being a force to be reckoned with. I expect their hard work will pay off this year. If you’d like to stay up to date on Ford’s role in NASCAR this year, keep tabs on my profile. I’ll be covering NASCAR this season with a focus on all three manufacturers – Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota.