2026 Ford Mustang Challenge Heading To Six Locations Next Year

The Mustang Challenge pits drivers from all over the world against one another on a level playing field, putting them behind the wheel of the Ford Mustang Dark Horse R for a one-make series on famous racetracks. The Blue Oval has now officially announced the dates and locations for the third season of the unique division, laying out a map for 2026.

The 2026 Mustang Challenge North America will encompass six rounds across six months, starting with the 12 Hours of Sebring in Florida, just like in 2025, on March 18^th through 20^th. Laguna Seca follows on May 1^st through 3^rd, with Mid-Ohio on June 5^th through 7^th. Watkins Glen is scheduled for June 25^th through 27^th, and Virginia International Raceway brings racers out East on August 21^st through 23^rd. Finally, the series will wrap up after Circuit of the Americas on September 4^th through 6^th.

Each Ford Mustang Challenge event features two 30-minute practice sessions, one 15-minute qualifying session, and two 45-minute sprint races. It’s open to drivers who hold an FIA silver rating, and is split between two classis, including Dark Horse and Dark Horse Legends. All drivers are invited to compete in the Dark Horse class, while Dark Horse Legends is open to any bronze-level driver aged 45 and older.

The Mustang Challenge – which launched in 2024 – serves as a springboard for drivers and teams looking to compete in the Mustang GT3 and GT4, and even the forthcoming Ford WEC Hypercar program. Champions get their choice of prize, and can select from $40,000 in cash, or a $100,000 scholarship toward a Mustang GT3 or GT4 seat the following year. Each race features a podium celebration for both classes, as well as prize money for those top three finishers. Those finishing second and third overall in the championship will also receive cash payouts of $20,000 and $10,000 respectively, while Dark Horse Legends champions will receive a cash prize of $20,000 or a test day in a Mustang GT4.

The Mustang Challenge also competes overseas. The inaugural Mustang Challenge Le Mans Invitational kicked off in 2025, bringing the Ford Mustang Dark Horse R race cars to one of the most famous racetracks in the world.