MDK Motorsports is headed for the new IMSA-sanctioned Mustang Challenge series with eyes set on the championship. The organization will field Ford Mustang Dark Horse R race cars in the five-race division, getting ready to debut the track-ready pony car in early June at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
The Mustang Challenge was created by Ford Performance and IMSA, and allows drivers with up to an FIA Silver rating to compete behind the wheel of the Ford Mustang Dark Horse R. Drivers will be split into two classes – Dark Horse and Dark Horse Legends – with the latter being an optional entry for drivers ages 45 years and up. Each race will feature two 30-minute practice sessions, one 15-minute qualifying session, and two 45-minute heat races.
“MDK Motorsports is honored to partner with Ford on this inaugural season of the Mustang Challenge racing series,” said Megan Kvamme, CEO of MDK Motorsports, in a statement. “This is an incredible opportunity to commemorate Ford’s remarkable racing legacy on the 60th anniversary of the iconic Mustang. The MDK team is ready for some exhilarating competition on the track!”
Under the hood, each Mustang Challenge-prepared Dark Horse R is fitted with the naturally aspirated 5.0L V8 engine, which is rated at 500 horsepower and 418 pound-feet of torque. Power is relayed via the six-speed manual transmission. Powertrain upgrades for the race car include things like an improved oil delivery system, transmission and differential cooling, and a Borla exhaust system.
“As a team, we are thrilled to flex our racing chops and unleash our drivers with the new Mustang race cars,” added Jan Magnussen, MDK program manager, former F1 driver, and four-time winner at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. “This groundbreaking new series is poised to redefine excitement in this year’s racing season.”
The first Mustang Challenge race is scheduled for June 7th through 9th, 2024.
We’ll have more on the Mustang Challenge soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Mustang news and non-stop Ford news coverage.
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