Ford Performance Mustang Challenge Series
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Cars
- Sponsor
- OPTIMA Batteries
- Location
- Nationwide
The Ford Performance Mustang Challenge series is an IMSA-sanctioned racing series featuring the Ford Mustang Dark Horse R race car. The series was launched in 2024 and serves as an entry point in Ford Performance's motorsports racing ladder, designed for drivers to move up from amateur racing to higher tier competition, like the Mustang GT3 or GT4. The series is managed by Ford Performance Racing School (FPRS) Motorsports and provides a level playing field for drivers with up to FIA silver ratings, competing in identical Mustang Dark Horse R race cars, each equipped with an OPTIMA battery.
The series is divided into three classes- Dark Horse, which is open to all eligible drivers, Dark Horse Legends, which is optional for bronze-rated drivers at least 45 years old and Dark Horse Stars, which is where Tanner Foust, Chelsea DeNofa and others compete. The format of the series typically includes two 30-minute practice sessions, a 15-minute qualifying session and two 45-minutes sprint races. The 2024 season ran at tracks like Mid Ohio, Watkins Glen, Road America, Circuit of the Americas and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The 2025 season included a non-points race at Le Mans. Check out the photo gallery below to see more from the trip to France and head over to the Ford Performance Mustang Challenge website to learn more about this series.
The series is divided into three classes- Dark Horse, which is open to all eligible drivers, Dark Horse Legends, which is optional for bronze-rated drivers at least 45 years old and Dark Horse Stars, which is where Tanner Foust, Chelsea DeNofa and others compete. The format of the series typically includes two 30-minute practice sessions, a 15-minute qualifying session and two 45-minutes sprint races. The 2024 season ran at tracks like Mid Ohio, Watkins Glen, Road America, Circuit of the Americas and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The 2025 season included a non-points race at Le Mans. Check out the photo gallery below to see more from the trip to France and head over to the Ford Performance Mustang Challenge website to learn more about this series.