Ford Performance is set to expand its sports car racing options to encompass novice racers looking to get on the first rung of the racing ladder with the announcement of the new Mustang Cup for 2025
Mustang Cup will be an entry-level racing platform starting the spring of 2025, bridging the gap between track days and the Mustang Challenge series. Sanctioned by the United States Auto Club (USAC), Mustang Cup offers a professionally organised, club-level racing environment for novice and hobby racers using the Mustang Dark Horse R race car.
“We are excited to introduce Mustang Cup as an additional avenue for racing enthusiasts to pursue their passion,” said Ford Performance Global Motorsports Director Mark Rushbrook. “Mustang Cup is a foundational starting springboard in our global sports car racing program, and it also offers advancement into Mustang Challenge, Mustang GT4 and Mustang GT3.”
Mustang Cup will offer Dark Horse R owners a professionally run, “club level” atmosphere to develop the fundamentals of organized racing on private USAC operated race weekends, alongside other USAC series and events.
“Today, we’re thrilled to announce, with Ford Performance, the launch of the Ford Mustang Cup, a groundbreaking series designed to empower club level racers with the tools and environment to elevate their skills amidst a professional racing atmosphere” stated Kevin Miller, USAC CEO. “This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering talent and pushing the boundaries of grassroots racing. We are looking forward to the series debut next April in New Orleans.”
Unique to Mustang Cup is the option of a two-driver format. Each race in a doubleheader format will count towards separate championships – the Miles Cup and Parnelli Cup – allowing two drivers to pursue separate championships or one driver to compete in both. Like the Mustang Challenge, a Dark Horse Legends class will be available for competitors over a certain age, which will be announced at a later time.
Drivers with a current club racing license from accredited sanctioning bodies will be recognized and issued a USAC Mustang Cup license. Drivers without a racing license, but who have track experience and wish to race in Mustang Cup, may obtain a nationally recognized club racing license from a number of accredited racing schools, in order to receive an equivalent USAC Mustang Cup license.
Mustang Cup offers flexibility to meet any racer’s goals, whether aiming for advancement to a national championship series or competing at a regional level.
Race Format / Schedule
Each race weekend will feature three 30-minute practice sessions, two separate 15-minute qualifying sessions and two 40-minute races.
The 2025 Mustang Cup schedule consists of six events:
- April 11-13 (Louisiana): NOLA Motorsports Park
- May 16-18 (Texas): Circuit of The Americas
- July 4-6 (Missouri): Ozarks International Raceway
- August 8-10 (Wisconsin): Road America
- October 17-18 (Connecticut): Lime Rock Park
- November 7-9 (Virginia): Virginia International Raceway
Vehicle Ordering and Series Entry
Teams and individuals who are interested in purchasing a car to race in Mustang Cup may register their interest at: https://www.multimaticmotorsports.com/ford-mustang-darkhorse-r/.
Individuals and teams that are selected will be provided with an allocation, conditional on entry into the series. Registration to enter will open on September 15 at www.fordentry.com.
