Ford will make its return to top-level GT racing with a factory-backed Mustang GT3 programme in 2024.
The Blue Oval will compete in the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship’s GTD Pro category with a two-car effort, operated by Multimatic Motorsports.
Multimatic will also build the car, which will be powered by a Ford Performance-developed, M-Sport tuned 5.0-liter Ford V8 Engine.
“Mustang was born to race from the start and we’re thrilled to introduce the GT3 version to compete head-to-head against some of the greatest manufacturers in the world,” said Ford Performance Motorsports global director Mark Rushbrook.
“With 58 years of global endurance racing heritage, including NASCAR and Australian Supercars today, we are ready to take Mustang to the next level of global performance.”
Ford has not competed in top-level sportscar racing since its ended its factory Ford GT programme in the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA in 2019.
The Mustang has continued to race internationally since then, notably in GT4 spec in various series including the Michelin Pilot Challenge and in the Australian V8 Supercars series.
In addition to a factory effort in GTD Pro, the new Mustang GT3 will also be available to customer teams in GTD, with customer support also coming from Multimatic.
“There’s no question that Multimatic Motorsports is the perfect partner on this project for us,” continued Rushbrook.
“Not only have they worked with us to develop numerous customer Mustang programs in the past, but its work on the Ford GT program and the new Bronco DR customer race programs has shown together we can provide championship-level race programs for Ford and its customers.”
Although details on drivers remain light at this time, Ford has named Joey Hand as a test driver for the GT3 programme. Hand was one of the drivers that took victory with Ford at the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans.
In addition to the GT3 car, Ford has said it will continue with its current GT4 offering, with a new version expected next year.
“We’re excited to work on this new IMSA program as well as the GT3 customer program with Ford Performance,” added Multimatic’s Larry Holt.
“We have a long, great working relationship with each other, both at the highest levels of professional sports car racing, and in developing competitive customer race program and vehicles.
“We appreciate their faith in us, and together, we can’t wait to show the world what’s coming down the road with Mustang.”
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