Ford May Not Have Customer IMSA Mustang GT3s at Launch

Photo: Ford

Ford may not have customer Mustang GT3s in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at its launch early next year according to Ford Performance global motorsports director Mark Rushbrook, who stressed the importance of spreading cars around to numerous series globally during its initial rollout.

The Detroit manufacturer, which formally unveiled the new-for-2024 GT3 contender last weekend at Le Mans, previously confirmed a two-car factory GTD Pro effort to be run by Multimatic Motorsports.

With two additional cars earmarked for the FIA World Endurance Championship, to be run by Proton Competition in a customer capacity, other privateer efforts have yet to be announced.

Speaking with Sportscar365, Rushbrook indicated they’re focusing on being initially in a larger number of series rather than concentrating cars on a limited number of championships, as is the case with Chevrolet with its new Corvette Z06 GT3.R.

“It is important for us to try to be present in very different places,” Rushbrook said.

“Certainly [we’re] interested in some of the SRO global series to make sure we have… There is a lot of great interest from great customer teams there, as well as ELMS. We’ll see.

“We don’t have anything to announce or say that we’re ready to say for 2024, but the interest is there.”

When asked if Ford will be represented in the GTD Pro and GTD classes of the WeatherTech Championship next year, Rushbrook said “maybe both” but wouldn’t outright confirm the latter.

“In 2024 I don’t know that we will have customers in IMSA,” he said. “It’s just a matter of how fast we can build the cars.”

Rushbrook wouldn’t be drawn to the number of Mustang GT3s that will be available at launch but suggested that next year would be focused on the North America and European markets, plus Proton’s WEC program, which is subject to entries by the WEC Selection Committee.

A full global rollout to all regions, including Asia and Australia, is planned for 2025, meanwhile.

“There is a ton [of interest in Australia],” Rushbrook added. “I can’t wait to see this car going around that track (Bathurst).”

The Multimatic-built car, which is powered by a 5.4-liter Coyote-based V8, has so far completed five days of testing, all at Sebring International Raceway.

European testing with a second chassis, which was on display at Le Mans, is set set to begin next month.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John