Ford Performance has released the 2026 schedule for Mustang Challenge North America, confirming it will visit six premier racetracks in the United States during its third season.
In 2026, the competitors in Ford’s premier single-make series will take on a 12-race campaign, launching in March and concluding in September, visiting Sebring, Laguna Seca, Mid-Ohio, Watkins Glen, VIR and CoTA along the way.
The first five meetings will feature on the IMSA support bill, before the season finale during the FIA WEC’s Lone Star Le Mans weekend in Texas.
The series will continue to feature Ford’s purpose-built 500-horsepower, V8-powered Mustang Dark Horse R, derived from the high-performance Mustang Dark Horse road car.
The two-class format, featuring the Dark Horse and Dark Horse Legends divisions, also remains to provide a competitive and developmental platform for emerging and experienced drivers alike.
“Every decision for Mustang Challenge North America is for the best experience of our customer,” said Chris Ward, Ford Performance’s global one-make series manager.
“The schedule is a critical first step to each season as it sets the tone for the year. We feel we have the best blend of tracks for our drivers and teams, as well as their families.
“The calendar has us in the paddock of premier tracks with the top sports car racing series in the world, surrounded by the Mustang GT4 and GT3 race cars, many of our drivers aspire to drive.”
The series is open to drivers with up to an FIA Silver rating, with the Dark Horse Legends class available to Bronze-rated drivers aged 45 and older. Each weekend consists of two 30-minute practice sessions, a 15-minute qualifying session, and two 45-minute sprint races.
2026 Mustang Challenge North America Schedule
- March 18/20: Sebring International Raceway (IMSA)
- May 1/3: Laguna Seca (IMSA)
- June 5/7: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (IMSA)
- June 25/27: Watkins Glen International (IMSA)
- August 21/23: VIRginia International Raceway (IMSA)
- September 4/6: Circuit of The Americas, COTA (WEC)
Image courtesy of Ford Performance
