Mustang Challenge to Feature NASCAR Driver Frankie Muniz

COTA on August 31 -September. 1

 

Ford Performance NASCAR Xfinity and Craftsman Truck Series driver Frankie Muniz will join the Mustang Challenge field for its fourth event at Circuit of The Americas.

 

Ford Performance's global racing program allows top drivers opportunities to race various Mustang models across elite competitions. In 2024, fans have seen drivers like Australian Supercars veteran Cam Waters and IMSA standout Joey Hand compete in single-event NASCAR Cup Series races. 

 

Now, NASCAR up-and-comer Muniz will pilot the Mustang Dark Horse R in the Mustang Challenge during the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Lone Star Le Mans weekend at Circuit of The Americas on Aug. 31 -Sept. 1.

 

“I was a part of the Mustang Dark Horse R launch, and ever since, all I’ve wanted to do is race in the Mustang Challenge,” said Muniz. “To have a full field in its first races this year, you know it’s going to be so fun and competitive. I was thrilled when the opportunity came to drive the Dark Horse R at COTA. This is one of the few road courses where I’ve yet to compete, so I’m excited to experience a new course and series with the Dark Horse R.”

 

Muniz made his NASCAR racing debut with Ford in February 2023, reigniting his passion for motorsports at Daytona International Speedway. Since then, his unrelenting pursuit and ready racecraft have helped promote him through the ranks – from the ARCA Menards Series to sharing a seat in the Xfinity and Craftsman Truck Series this season.

 

While Muniz has transitioned into the world of NASCAR, his initial foray into racing was in the open-wheeled racing arena. Notably, he participated in the ChampCar Atlantic Championship from 2007-09.

 

“As a driver, you just want to get the most experience you can, in anything you can, and Ford Performance has afforded me that opportunity," Muniz said. "I’ve been on this NASCAR journey, but this is another incredible opportunity to race in a major series. I can see doing more races like these in the future.”

 

The Mustang Challenge, an IMSA-sanctioned single-make series featuring the Dark Horse R, will complete the weekend’s Mustang lineup, highlighted by the two-car Proton Competition Mustang GT3 customer program set to take on the six-hour WEC Lone Star Le Mans main event.

 

The multi-race event for the Mustang Challenge will be livestreamed on the Official Ford Performance YouTube channel, where Muniz will join John Hindhaugh in the broadcast booth as a commentator for Sunday’s Mustang Challenge race. For streaming details and for notifications, please visit https://www.youtube.com/@FordPerformance.

 

# # #

 About Ford Motor Company

 

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.  The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty.  Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services.  The company does that through three customer-centered business segments:  Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs.  Additionally, Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  Ford employs about 175,000 people worldwide.  More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.

 

About Ford Performance

 

Ford Performance is based in Dearborn, Mich. It is responsible for Ford’s performance vehicle development and major racing operations globally, including NASCAR, IMSA, SRO British GT, FIA World Rally Championship, Supercars Championship, World of Outlaws, Ultra4, SCORE-International, FIA Rally-Raid, Formula Drift, NHRA, Rebelle Rally, Thailand Super Series and our latest commitment in Formula 1 with Red Bull Ford Powertrains. Ford Performance also maintains a constantly evolving fleet of electric performance demonstrators to showcase the limits of electrification technology. In addition, the organization also oversees the development of Ford's racing engines, as well as the outreach programs with all Ford Clubs and Ford enthusiasts. For more information regarding Ford racing's activities, please visit Performance.Ford.com or follow @FordPerformance on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, TikTok and YouTube.

 

🤩 @frankiemuniz is in the house!! 🤩

Frankie will be waving the green flag and sending our grid off to race for the 6 Hours of COTA!

He’s also driving in the Mustang Challenge, one of our support series for this weekend.

Wish him luck!! 💪#WEC #6HCota @FordPerformance @COTA pic.twitter.com/p0m1daQ0gr

— FIA World Endurance Championship (@FIAWEC) August 30, 2024

 

source: Ford Performance Media 

Ford Captures All Three 2023 NASCAR Championships

Ryan Blaney (Cup); Cole Custer (Xfinity); Ben Rhodes (Trucks)

Ryan Blaney Wins Cup Series Title

 

Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney drove Mustang to its second straight NASCAR Cup Series title by winning the championship race at Phoenix Raceway, capping a weekend that saw Ford claim all three of NASCAR’s major touring titles for the first time in its history.

 

Blaney got the job done by finishing second in the race, and beating fellow Championship 4 drivers Kyle Larson and William Byron, who ended up right behind in third and fourth, respectively.

 

The race came down to a 31-lap dash to the finish. Blaney restarted sixth while Larson was third and Byron fifth, but the Team Penske driver passed Byron three laps later and then battled Larson for the next eight circuits before finally getting past him on lap 292 of the 312-lap event.

 

From that point on, he was able to maintain his advantage and finish second to race-winner Ross Chastain.

 

“I didn't want a caution,” said Blaney after he passed Larson for the championship lead. “Once I got to the white, I felt pretty good about it, but it's just about getting there and finishing it off.”

 

Cole Custer Wins NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship

 

The third time was the charm for Cole Custer, who won his first series championship after finished second in his previous two attempts. This marks the seventh NXS championship for Ford and second in the last four years after Austin Cindric won in 2020. Ford’s other champions include: Greg Biffle (2002), Carl Edwards (2007), Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (2011-12), and Chris Buescher (2015).

 

This marks the second time Stewart-Haas has won an NXS championship with Ford after Custer delivered the owner’s title in 2018. This continues a streak that has seen Mustang win a driver’s or owner’s championship in all but three seasons since coming to the series full-time in 2011.

 

“I thought it was over. I mean, I went from first to third and I was able to shift the car all night and the Doug Yates horsepower worked out and pulled me off the corner. I can’t believe we won that thing after going back to third on that restart, but I can’t say enough about these guys. I mean, we started the year off and it was a struggle and we kind of had to dig deep with each other and really talk about how to get better. To see how much this group has grown through the year and to be a part of something, I knew I wanted to work with JT. I knew that he was the guy that could make it happen and I wouldn’t want to do it with anybody else. I just can’t thank Gene Haas enough. He’s given me opportunities and I wouldn’t be here without him. I can’t thank him enough, and Ford Performance, Haas Automation, everybody at Stewart-Haas Racing. It’s awesome to bring one back to Stewart-Haas right now. Man, I’m gonna enjoy this. I’ve been waiting to hear Wayne on the radio for a few times now, so I’m pumped.”

 

Ben Rhodes Drives F-150 To Second Straight Truck Series Championship

 

Ford Performance and ThorSport Racing’s Ben Rhodes claimed his second Truck Series championship in the last three years, and the second consecutive for Ford, with a hard-earned fifth-place finish in the No. 99 Ford F-150 Cautions in a race filled with restarts, retribution, extra laps and high-action Friday night at Phoenix Raceway.

 

The evening that featured 12 caution periods, 29 laps of overtime competition and plenty of high-stakes racing – especially among the four championship contenders that earned a chance to settle the season title.

 

“I can’t even believe it,” the 26-year-old Kentucky native Rhodes said of his dramatic title win. “It’s just so awesome, man. To go 25 laps into overtime, do you know what that feels like? It’s crazy. I didn’t think we were going to make it. I thought we were going to pop a tire, that anything that could have gone wrong was going to go wrong. Grant [Enfinger] almost got me. But hats off to him, he ran a great race. I wouldn’t want to race against anybody else for the championship. He raced me clean, and I respect the heck out of him for it.”

 

#FordChampionshipWeekend
🏆 🏆 🏆 pic.twitter.com/94R8vQEtOL

— Ford Performance (@FordPerformance) November 6, 2023

 

source: Ford Performance Media

Happy 120th Birthday Ford

#WeAreFord #Ford120.  Celebrate by Showing the World What Makes You Proud to Work at Ford.”

NASCAR Race Mom (NRM) Enjoys Her Mustang

 

Ford Motor Company turned 120 years old a couple of days ago (June 16th). To commemorate the anniversary, they have invited employees to “Celebrate by Showing the World What Makes You Proud to Work at Ford.”

 

Ford Media suggested to its worldwide staff how they might engage with social media to share their experiences.

 

While I never had the pleasure of working for Ford, I can share that I really enjoyed my 2016 Ford Mustang – a muscle car that loves the open road. My Pony Car turned a lot of heads! - NRM

 

 

Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn lit up the night with “120” featured in lighted offices on a lights-out background.

 

Looking back on 120 years of always looking forward. pic.twitter.com/ayRL86lkk1

— Ford Motor Company (@Ford) June 16, 2023

Wins. Championships. Birthdays. We’re proud to celebrate them all with you, @Ford.

Happy 120th Birthday! pic.twitter.com/x1sRWCYtwP

— Team Penske (@Team_Penske) June 16, 2023

Thank you @joeylogano, we look forward to making more incredible memories together. https://t.co/jjFmr34bZm

— Ford Motor Company (@Ford) June 16, 2023

We’re celebrating 120 years of @Ford this week. Spending time with our team members is a great reminder of all we’ve accomplished together. Jeremiah Richardson is one of many @UAW vets that work at Ford. 55 years with us & still going strong! #WeAreFord pic.twitter.com/tTOezJDiyF

— Jim Farley (@jimfarley98) June 15, 2023

#Ford120 Happy Birthday @ford — been along for the ride for a good 21 years…! So many happy memories… couldn’t fit them all on one post…! #WeAreFord pic.twitter.com/AIv88crkeb

— Emma Bergg (@ebergg) June 14, 2023

 

source: Ford Media

ThorSport Racing Partners with Ford

 

ThorSport Racing will partner with Ford Performance for the upcoming 2023 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series season and beyond. Racing into its 28th year of competition, the team also welcomes Hailie Deegan to its driver lineup.

 

“With 28 years in the Truck Series, we look forward to the partnership with Ford Performance in NASCAR,” said team owner Duke Thorson. “Our pursuit of wins and championships remains at the forefront of our objectives.”

 

“We’re happy to welcome ThorSport back to our NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series program,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Performance Motorsports. “Duke has assembled one of the best organizations in the series with a driver lineup that is filled with youth and experience. We celebrated a championship together just a few years ago and know they have the potential to do it again in 2023.”

 

Deegan, a California native, will enter her third full-time season in the Truck Series. She drove to a series-career-best sixth at Talladega Superspeedway this past season and was named Most Popular Driver for the second consecutive year.

 

She joined Ford Performance as part of its driver development program following the 2019 season and drove in a variety of different disciplines in 2020, including the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and ARCA Menards Series where she finished third in the point standings and won Rookie of the Year honors.

 

Deegan competed in the ARCA Menards Series West in 2018 and ’19, earning three victories during her time there. She also has a decorated off-road racing career and is the daughter of Motorcross legend, Brian Deegan.

 

Three-time series champion, Matt Crafton will enter his 23rd full-time season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series along with long-time ThorSport partner Menards.

 

Ben Rhodes, the 2021 series champion, is set to compete in his eighth full-time season in the Truck Series, following a season that consisted of one win, eight top-five finishes, and finishing second in the final points standings.

 

Following a breakout year that included two wins, and a spot in the Championship Four, Ty Majeski returns for his sophomore year at ThorSport Racing.

 

Welcome back @FordPerformance! #FordPerfomance // #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/p28py85uua

— ThorSport Racing (@ThorSportRacing) December 15, 2022

 

About ThorSport Racing

ThorSport Racing, based in a state-of-the-art 100,000-square-foot facility in Sandusky, Ohio is the longest-tenured NASCAR Truck Series team, competing in the series since 1996. The Sandusky-based team has a combined five driver’s championships – four in the Truck Series and one in the ARCA Menards Series with Frank Kimmel. In addition, the team has 15 consecutive seasons in the Truck Series, with at least one win. 

 

For more information visit www.thorsport.com.

 About Ford Performance

Ford’s racing program is part of the Ford Performance organization based in Dearborn, Mich. It is responsible for major racing operations globally, including NASCAR (Cup Series, Xfinity Series, Craftsman Truck Series), IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, FIA World Rally Championship, Virgin Australia Supercars, Formula Drift, NHRA Funny Car, off-road desert racing, and sportsman drag racing. In addition, the organization also oversees the development of Ford’s racing engines, as well as the outreach programs with all Ford Clubs and Ford enthusiasts. 

 

For more information regarding Ford racing’s activities, please visit www.fordperformance.com, www.facebook/FordPerformance, Ford Performance on Instagram and @FordPerformance on Twitter.  

 

source: ThorSport Media

F-150 Lightning is First Electric Truck to Pace #NASCAR Race

Will be featured at Martinsville April 7-9

 

A fully-electric truck that is helping change the future of Ford Motor Company will be on track at Martinsville Speedway as the 2022 F-150 Lightning makes its debut as a pace vehicle for the NASCAR Cup Series on April 9.

 

Lightning received nearly 200,000 reservations since being unveiled last May and is part of a growing EV portfolio for Ford that includes the Mustang Mach-E and E-Transit.

 

“Ford is fully invested in electrification and the response to Lightning has been so overwhelming that it was an easy decision to bring it to a NASCAR event,” said Jeannee Kirkaldy, motorsports marketing manager, Ford Performance. “One thing we definitely know is that our fans love trucks and we’re confident that feeling will only grow when they see Lightning out on the track leading the field to green.”

“We can’t wait to show our Ford fans how capable the F-150 Lightning is. With 563 horsepower, 775 lb.-ft. of near instantaneous torque and a 0-60 mph time in the mid-4-second range, I think it will turn some heads out on the track.” said Darren Palmer, vice president, Ford electric vehicle programs.

 

This marks the second straight year an all-electric Ford vehicle will pace a NASCAR race after the Mustang Mach-E led the field at Talladega Superspeedway in April. Ford became the first OEM to use an electric vehicle to pace a NASCAR race way back in April 2012 when the all-electric Ford Focus paced the field at Richmond, Va.

 

“I haven’t driven the Lightning yet, but if it’s anything like the Mustang Mach-E, it’s going to be a blast,” said NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Blaney. “I hope it ends up being the only thing in front of me once the race starts.”

 

The Ford F-150 is part of F-Series, America’s best-selling truck 45 years in a row and F-Series recently reached a milestone when the 40 millionth unit rolled off the assembly line in January.

 

Martinsville Speedway, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary, will be hosting all three top NASCAR touring series, beginning with the Camping World Truck Series on Thursday at 8 p.m. The NASCAR Xfinity Series takes to the track on Friday with the NASCAR Cup Series scheduled for Saturday. Both of those races are scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.

 

The Ford F-150 Lightning will be the first fully electric truck to serve as the pace vehicle tomorrow night for the Cup Series race #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/7hzWO9qZCi

— Kelly Crandall (@KellyCrandall) April 8, 2022

 

source: Ford Performance

Ryan Blaney Wins at Michigan

Marks 7th Win In A Row For Ford Performance

 

Ford Performance and Roush Yates Engines won their seventh straight NASCAR Cup race at Michigan International Speedway with Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney in the FireKeepers Casino 400. This was Blaney’s second win of the 2021 NASCAR Cup Season and Ford retained the Michigan Heritage Trophy, presented to the winning manufacturer at the 2-mile track.

 

#NASCAR | That feeling when you win one for Mr. Ford. 🏁 🏁 🏁@sweepstakes1901 @Blaney @MISpeedway #HeritageTrophy pic.twitter.com/x6A4OK8QRB

— Ford Performance (@FordPerformance) August 22, 2021

 

 

“This is such a big deal for our company, for our employees,” said Mark Rushbrook, the global director of Ford Performance. “To come here and race in front of all of our employees and their friends and families and have Ryan go get that win with Team Penske and Roush Yates power. We are taking the Heritage Trophy back to Dearborn.”

 

7 @NASCAR Cup wins in a row at @MISpeedway with @FordPerformance and @roushyates! @Blaney and the No. 12 @Team_Penske take the checkered flag 🏁 in the #FireKeepersCasino400. Awesome Win! #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/f9WuzeRghC

— Doug Yates (@Yates_Doug) August 22, 2021

 

“Congratulations to Ford, Ryan, Todd, Roger, and the entire No. 12 crew for the strong finish and making it 7 wins in a row at Michigan,” said Doug Yates, President and CEO of Roush Yates Engines. “We have always strived to finish strong at Michigan and this year was no exception. We are thankful for the continued leadership and commitment from Ford Motor Company and honored to power these Mustangs.”

 

Blaney started the race in third position but was quickly shuffled to mid-pack at the start of the race. Blaney and the No. 12 team continued to make adjustments and finished stage 1 & 2 just outside of the top 10. There were 20 lead changes throughout the race and the last half of the race came down to pit strategy and race execution. With 20 laps remaining, there was a brief caution for rain and another following a 7-car incident with 14 to go. With 8 laps remaining, Blaney was able to take the lead and hold off the hard charging second position by 0.077 seconds.

 

 

“We come up here every year and know it is important to the Blue Oval and the Ford family and Mr. Penske as well. It is a really big race for all of our group including the Penske side. To have Edsel here, I haven’t seen Edsel in over a year so it was great to have him out. I am excited to get him in victory lane. Everyone from Ford does so much for us. It really is a big family and I am just happy to be a part of it.” commented Blaney.

 

 

Matt DiBenedetto with Wood Brothers Racing finished P6, Brad Keselowski with Team Penske in P9, and Chase Briscoe with Stewart-Haas Racing finished P11.

 

 

The NASCAR Xfinity Series raced on Saturday at Michigan International Speedway while Ford Performance teammates finished in the top 12 as Riley Herbst with Stewart-Haas Racing finished in P7 and Ryan Sieg with RSS Racing finished P12.

 

 

NASCAR Cup and Xfinity series will race at Daytona International Speedway this upcoming weekend. This race will be the last regular season race for the Cup series while the Xfinity series has 4 remaining prior to the playoffs. Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney, Brad Keselowski, Michael McDowell, Aric Almirola, and Kevin Harvick have clinched a spot in the playoffs.

 

 

source: Roush Yate PR 

Photos courtesy of NASCAR Media / Getty Images.

Garage Moments – Advance Auto Parts #Sweepstakes

My Favorite #GarageMoments

All most all are aware that this writer is a NASCAR Nut – a Super Fan; however, not many are aware of NRM’s hobby – entering Sweepstakes/Contest. This post is designed to educate all my friends, family and foes who have expressed their opinion that this fun venture is a waste of time – it is not. Yes folks, regular people really do win the big one!

 

I have enjoyed many amazing prizes in my thirteen-year sweepstakes adventure. However, my latest win - an awesome 2016 Ford Mustang 2 Door Fastback GT customized by Tommy Pike Customs plus $20,000 to cover taxes is by far the biggest!

 

As a way to celebrate Father Day 2021, NASCAR racecar drivers Ryan Blaney and Austin Cindric excitingly kicked off the Garage Moments sweepstakes (presented by Shell Pennzoil). Throughout the month of June, Advance Auto Parts released stories of the Blaney and Cindric father-son duos.

 

I'm fortunate to be a part of a family of racers, and for the memories we have at the track. Share your memories with me and Advance to win a Ford Mustang from @TommyPikeCustom @Pennzoil. Use #GarageMoments #Contest and tag @AdvanceAuto. Full rules: https://t.co/tBLDRaltFP pic.twitter.com/jcUyOIfkZo

— Ryan Blaney (@Blaney) June 4, 2021

That time I literally turned left on the track makes for a great memory with my dad. Share a family memory with @Carquest @AdvanceAuto for the chance to win a Ford Mustang from @TommyPikeCustom. Use #GarageMoments #Contest & tag @AdvanceAuto. Full rules: https://t.co/IR4E0CrLLT pic.twitter.com/ryVbgXCE1j

— Austin Cindric (@AustinCindric) June 3, 2021

 

We also got to hear from Tommy Pike, the builder of 2016 Mustang GT!

 

Have a chance of making this #Mustang a part of your future by telling us your favorite memory of working on a car! Tell us, @tommypikecustom @Pennzoil using #GarageMoments #contest. Full rules: https://t.co/TwGajI4nfs@Blaney @AustinCindric pic.twitter.com/uk2akCPk1v

— Tommy Pike Customs (@tommypikecustom) June 14, 2021

 

The rules to enter were simple:

• 1. Tweet a photo explaining a memory about cars shared between you and your child or parent (of which you are either the parent or child) with hashtags #GarageMoments and #Contest and tag @AdvanceAuto. 
• 2. You must be a registered user of Twitter with a public account and follow @AdvanceAuto on twitter.com/AdvanceAuto to participate. 
• 3. A “parent" can be anyone portraying a parental figure. 
• 4. If you don't have a Twitter account and want to enter, register for a free Twitter account at http://twitter.com and visit Twitter.com/AdvanceAuto to become a follower of @AdvanceAuto.

 

Once submissions closed, a panel of judges reviewed them and determine the top three winners! The grand prize winner (me) received the Tommy Pike custom 2016 Ford Mustang 2 Door Fastback GT plus $20,000 to help with taxes.

 

Other prizes include an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the 2022 Pennzoil 400 in Las Vegas and a $1,222 Advance Auto Parts gift card!

 

NASCAR Race Mom was blessed to have won this splendid Mustang with the entry below:

 

All that hard work in the garage as a family pays off in a big way. #loveGettingOurHandsDirty #GarageMoments #Contest @AdvanceAuto @TommyPikeCustom @Pennzoil @Blaney #hardworkpaysoff pic.twitter.com/SG32t6B1QU

— z. Smith (@zwriter) June 19, 2021

 

Check Out My Mustang Photo Gallery – This Thing is Sweet:

 

Photo Gallery

 

 

In conclusion – next time you see a company offer a sweepstakes and/or contest boasting a prize that you crave; put down that video game and enter. You never know . . . . . .

 

A quick thanks to Advanced Auto Parts, Carquest Auto Parts, Tommy Pike Custom, Pennzoil, Ryan Blaney, and Austin Cindric for this fantastic sweepstakes and allowing us to share our memories of family #GarageMoments. It was both fun to enter and submitted fantastic prizes.

 

 

source: NASCAR Race Mom

Mustang Mach-E Ready to Electrify NASCAR Fans at Talladega Superspeedway in Pace Car Debut

 

The Mustang Mach-E, Ford’s dynamic all-electric SUV, will be making its NASCAR debut this weekend when it serves as pace vehicle for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway.

Another one. The 2021 #MustangMachE has been named an @IIHS_autosafety Top Safety Pick when equipped with signature LED Projector headlamps.​#FordMustang #MustangMachE pic.twitter.com/a6E1A6OBNO

— Ford Mustang (@FordMustang) April 22, 2021

This will mark the second time Ford has had an all-electric vehicle pace a NASCAR event. The first time came in 2012 when the manufacturer made NASCAR history by having its Focus electric perform all pace car duties for the Cup Series race at Richmond Raceway.

 

“We have always tried to use our presence in NASCAR to show off our dynamic and innovative vehicle lineup, and that continues this weekend with our all-electric Mustang Mach-E,” said Jeannee Kirkaldy, motorsports marketing manager, Ford Performance. “We feel this car not only stays true to Mustang’s great heritage but carries on its legacy in a modern way that we think fans and our loyal enthusiasts will embrace.”

 

The Mustang Mach-E has already made a strong impression in the marketplace, being named the North American Utility of the Year in January by an independent group of 50 print and broadcast automotive journalists from the United States and Canada as a first-time entrant.

 

“When I drove the Mustang Mach-E it was instant power and way better than I thought or expected,” said Matt DiBenedetto, driver of the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Mustang in the NASCAR Cup Series for Wood Brothers Racing. “It was something that I100 percent wanted to own for myself or my wife because when you hop in the car it’s nice and quiet, and the throttle response is so instant. It was a blast. It will make a great pace car.”

 

Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney has won two of the last three Cup Series events at Talladega and is the defending champion of this weekend’s 500-mile event. Overall, Ford has dominated in recent years at NASCAR’s biggest track, having won nine of the last 11 races, which includes a stretch of seven straight from 2015-18.

 

The Geico 500 is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. Eastern time and will be televised live on Fox.

 

To learn more about Mustang Mach-E, please visit Ford.com/suvs/mach-e.

Had to show @ClintBowyer my favorite part about the #MustangMachE... the torque

You can watch how it went before the big race on Sunday. @NASCARONFOX @FordPerformance pic.twitter.com/TF0WpHHxen

— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) April 22, 2021

source

Ford Performance Sweeps Kentucky

Ford Performance and Roush Yates Engines sweep Kentucky with Cole Custer winning his first NASCAR Cup Series race as a rookie and Austin Cindric capturing back-to-back wins on Thursday and Friday in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

#NASCAR | History was made today @KySpeedway. @ColeCuster won his first Cup Series race. #Ford @StewartHaasRcng pic.twitter.com/But8UH0Ilh

— Ford Performance (@FordPerformance) July 12, 2020

“Congratulations to Cole and Austin on their wins,” said Doug Yates, President and CEO of Roush Yates Engines. “The Ford Mustangs ran strong at Kentucky and to see Cole win his first Cup race as a rookie and Austin win his first two races of the year is special. Ford Performance and our Ford Performance race teams have been working really hard to deliver fast race cars to the track every week and to see the guys in Victory Lane is a testament to everyone’s dedication and teamwork.”

Great day for another valve cover #giveaway! Here’s your chance to win the cover from @ColeCuster & @StewartHaasRcng’s @KySpeedway-winning @FordPerformance @roushyates FR9 @NASCAR engine. Custer’s 1st #NASCAR Cup win!

1️⃣ RT
2️⃣ Tag friend in the replies
3️⃣ Follow @convergecfd pic.twitter.com/XDO7iLHcZW

— Doug Yates (@Yates_Doug) July 12, 2020

On a late race restart with two laps to go, in Sunday’s Quaker State 400, Stewart-Haas Racing driver, Custer in the No. 41 Ford Mustang started from the third row. With a strong push from Ford teammate, Matt DiBenedetto, during the restart he was able to make a monster move from the outside on the white flag lap to take it four wide and pass the race leader and veteran drivers Martin Truex Jr, Kevin Harvick and Ryan Blaney for the lead. Custer took the checkered flag .271 seconds ahead of second place driver Truex, punching his ticket to the All-Star race on Wednesday night and into the Playoffs.

One of the wildest late-lap battles for the lead in recent memory! 🤩

Relive the final lap that gave @ColeCuster his first win in the NASCAR Cup Series! #QS400 pic.twitter.com/29ZqkUPCYP

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) July 12, 2020

“I knew I just had to get to the top,” said Custer. “The top rolled pretty good and once I got past and I was like in third I was like I’ve just got to take a shot and do whatever I can here. And it ended up the 4 and the 19 got together a little bit and I was able to take advantage of it. It was just an unbelievable car and I was able to take advantage of it. I just can’t thank all my guys and everybody at SHR enough, and everybody at Roush Yates Engines – just an absolutely amazing car.”

Six Fords finished in the top-10, led by Custer, DiBenedetto P3, Harvick P4, Blaney P6, Stage 1 winner and leader of 128-laps Aric Almirola P8 and Stage 2 winner Brad Keselowski P9.

Ford leads all manufacturers with 10 race wins while Stewart-Haas and Kevin Harvick lead the owner and driver points standings.

In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Austin Cindric battled hard against Ford Performance teammate Chase Briscoe to bring home his first two wins of the 2020 season for Team Penske. This marked three NXS wins in a row at Kentucky for Ford Performance and 4th consecutive win in 2020.

Thursday night, Cindric took the lead with 40 laps to go and it appeared he would take the checkered flag, but late race cautions set the stage for a thrilling over-time finish as he battled with Ford Performance teammate Briscoe.

The two Ford Mustangs lined up side-by-side on the front row for a green-white-checkered finish. Cindric took the outside lane and Briscoe the inside. Briscoe was able to get a slight jump on Cindric at the restart, but the No. 22 would not be denied and got a huge run off the corner to rocket right by the No. 98 to take the lead and the checkered flag in Kentucky. Briscoe finished P4.

“I don’t care what shape the track is, if it’s dirt, oval, I don’t care I’m just so happy this Snap-On Ford Mustang is in Victory Lane,” said Cindric. “We’ve come so close all year. These guys have given me so many awesome race-winning cars. This is awesome. All the credit to my guys for getting me here.”

In a double-header at Kentucky Speedway the Xfinity series returned Friday night, where the No. 22 Ford Mustang dominated the Alsco 300. Cindric led a career high 130 laps out of the 200-lap race and took the checkered flag 2.262 seconds ahead of No. 98 Briscoe, making it a 1-2 finish for Ford Performance.

“I’m just so excited. This is all a credit to my team,” commented Cindric. “I’m the lucky one that gets to drive this Snap-On Ford Mustang. Thank you to everyone – Ford Performance. A one-two between me and Chase. That was a lot of fun.”

Briscoe and Stewart-Haas Racing continue to lead the driver and owner points standings and with back-to-back wins Ford leads manufacturers with seven wins and a 10-point lead. Cindric and Team Penske are in a strong third place position.

The NASCAR Cup Series heads into All-Star week with the All-Star Open and All-Star Race being held in Bristol, TN on Wednesday, July 15th. Reference the full 2020 schedule on Roushyates.com.

source

Ford Performance Wins with a 1-2 Cup Finish

Ford Performance wins at Phoenix Raceway with Joey Logano and Kevin Harvick coming in first and second. Logano drove the Team Penske Pennzoil Mustang to Team Penske’s 122nd NASCAR Cup Series race win while recording a milestone 200th win for the Ford FR9 engine, since it’s racing debut in 2009 with Ford Performance and Roush Yates Engines.

#NASCAR | Hey #Ford fans. Here is a message from today’s race winner! @joeylogano @Team_Penske pic.twitter.com/flCx3m2xLo

— Ford Performance (@FordPerformance) March 9, 2020

“Congratulations to Joey, Paul, Roger, and the No. 22 crew,” said Doug Yates, President and CEO of Roush Yates Engines. “Anytime a Ford wins is special, but today is even sweeter, winning our 200th with Ford Performance and the Ford FR9 engine. I’m so proud of our team at our shops, they put their hearts and souls into these engines. We are thankful to everyone at Ford Performance for their commitment and partnership as well as our Ford Performance racing teams."

After several late-race cautions, it came down to an over-time, two-lap shootout between Ford Performance teammates, Logano and Harvick. Logano, in the P1 position, lined up on the inside of Harvick. Logano had a great restart and was able to take the lead over Harvick and control the race, holding the No. 4 off, taking the white flag .276 seconds ahead of Harvick.

“We learned that this No. 22 Shell Pennzoil Ford team is just stout and is not going to get beat if we have the opportunity,” commented Logano in Victory Lane. “We tried everything we could to regain our track position and get control back of the race. I knew that last restart was going to be crazy. I have to thank my partners, Moneyline, Auto Trader, AAA, Ford, Coca Cola, Snap on, everybody that helps this program at Team Penske. Roush Yates motors {Engines}. It was cool to see two Fords on the front row at the end of a race like that. This is a motor racetrack as much as we don't think it is. Proud of the team effort today.”

The Ford teams led a combined 210 laps out of the 316-lap race. The Stage 2 winner, Brad Keselowski led for a total of 82 laps while the Stage 1 winner, Harvick led 67 laps. They were followed by race winner, Logano with 60 and Roush Fenway Racing’s Chris Buescher with one lap.

Five Ford Mustangs finished in the top-10, led by Logano, winning his 25th NASCAR Cup Series race, Harvick in P2 with Stewart-Haas Racing teammates Clint Bowyer in P5, Aric Almirola P8, and NASCAR Cup Series newcomer Cole Custer in P9.

Ford has won two of the first four Cup races of the 2020 season. The Ford teams will take this momentum into Atlanta Motor Speedway this weekend for the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500. Reference the full 2020 schedule on Roushyates.com.

source: News from Roush Yates Engines

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