New Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R to Debut at Sebring

Multimatic Motorsports has confirmed the new Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R will premiere at Sebring, the second round of the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge season, after running its venerable Ford Mustang Boss 302Rs at Daytona to start the year.

The new Mustang premiered earlier this month at the Detroit Auto Show, however no formal confirmation was made of the car’s debut date. It had reportedly been slated for a midseason debut, but this announcement brings the debut closer to the start of the year.

The new Mustang was listed within the preseason CTSC car regulations, although without most of its technical specifications outlined except its tire size.

The team has also confirmed its full-season driver lineup. Scott Maxwell and Billy Johnson will partner in the No. 15 Ford, with Jade Buford and team newcomer Austin Cindric in the sister No. 158 Ford.

“I couldn’t be more excited for the new season,” Johnson said. “With the new cars coming, I think we’re going to be really strong this year. I’m happy to be co-driving with Scott and I’m looking forward to some podium finishes!”

Cindric, the 16-year-old son of Team Penske president Tim Cindric who already has driven a wide variety of machines, replaces Ian James.

James will still represent Miller Racing team sponsors Total Care Auto and Prestige Financial in the No. 23 Alex Job Racing Porsche 911 GT America in the GTD class for the 2015 TUDOR United SportsCar Championship season.

“What an exciting season this is going to be!” said James. “With the two-car Multimatic/Miller effort continuing with two new Mustangs this year, and our expansion into the Alex Job Racing team, it’s going to be very busy! We’ll be heading into Daytona thinking about our great friend Roger Miller, and how much we miss him. I know he’d be pleased with the way that the 2015 season is shaping up.”

Johnson set an unofficial track record at Daytona in the Boss 302R during the Roar Before the Rolex 24 test, and Buford is the defending race polesitter.