Ask any sportscar driver for their bucket-list tracks and events, and you’ll get a long list spanning the globe and belonging to a handful of series and sanctioning bodies.
In Ford’s 125 years of racing experience, the manufacturer has likely visited almost every one of these dream venues, and now the ‘Blue Oval’ is looking to bring a piece of this experience to its customers.
In 2027, Ford Racing honours this rich international history by launching a one-of-one three-round Mustang one-make invitational championship. The Mustang Challenge Global Invitational Championship will feature ‘crown jewel’ rounds from Ford Racing’s three one-make series, uniting their paddocks and building on the momentum the American manufacturer has created since 2024.
Round one kicks off the season at Daytona International Speedway, the home of Mustang Challenge North America’s 2027 season opener as part of the Roar Before the 24 weekend. Joining the IMSA paddock ahead of their biggest race of the season, the invitational championship is in good company at one of North America’s foremost racing venues.
The second round of the season will be the Mustang Challenge Spa Invitational, held during one of the year’s biggest GT racing weekends: the 24 Hours of Spa. As a singular, invitational event, this round will not award regular-season points toward any of the three series championships.
However, those entered in the three-round Mustang Challenge Global Invitational Championship will look to score crucial points at the middle race of the season.
The third and final round of the season will take place down under at the iconic Mount Panorama Circuit. Home to the Bathurst 1000, the Bathurst 12 Hour, and in 2027, the Mustang Cup Australia finale, which also serves as the closing race of the Invitational Championship.
The championship will be scored separately from the three one-make series full-time championships, and drivers may elect to compete in the invitational championship instead of, or alongside, a full-season entry in Mustang Challenge North America, Mustang Cup USA, or Mustang Cup Australia.
“We have the opportunity to race at some of the best venues around the world, and we want our customers to have this opportunity too, even if they’re not competing full-time in one of our series,” said Chris Ward, global customer racing manager for Ford Racing
“Plus, who doesn’t love a little bit of extra competition?”
Three rounds, three iconic venues on three continents, and plenty of Mustang Dark Horse R action is set for 2027.
More details are set to follow in due course.
