Mustang Challenge Global Invitational Launched for 2027

Photo: Wes Duenkel/Ford

Ford Racing has launched the Mustang Challenge Global Invitational, a three-round championship featuring the crown jewel events of Ford Racing’s global single-make series.

Announced on Wednesday, the inaugural season will kick off at Daytona International Speedway, as part of the Mustang Challenge North America season opener on Jan. 22-24, on the Roar Before the Rolex 24 weekend.

The Mustang Challenge Spa Invitational, set for June 24-26 at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, under the backdrop of the 24 Hours of Spa, will serve as the second round before concluding at Mount Panorama for the Mustang Cup Australia season finale at Bathurst on Oct. 29-31.

It will mark the first-of-its-kind series featuring the Ford Mustang Dark Horse R where points will be paid out over the three event, six-race global championship.

“In sports cars racing, there are bucket list tracks that drivers of all ages and experience levels dream of competing at,” said Ford Racing global customer racing manager Chris Ward.

“These venues are spread across the globe, and it’s extremely challenging to check all of them off their lists.

“In its rich 125-year racing history, Ford has been able to visit many of these incredible race courses, and we want our customers to be able to do the same.

“In 2027, Ford Racing is honoring its international history and making it easier for drivers to check off three of the world’s most iconic tracks by offering a one-of-a-kind opportunity: a three-round Mustang one-make invitational championship.”

Drivers can elect to compete in the invitational championship only or alongside a full-season campaign in Mustang Challenge North America, Mustang Cup USA or Mustang Cup Australia.

Ward said last year’s inaugural Mustang Challenge Le Mans Invitational inspired the creation of the invitational championship.

“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,” he added.

“Plus, who doesn’t love a little bit of extra competition?”

Ward had previously hinted at the possibility of such a global championship to Sportscar365 when discussing the level of interest in next year’s Spa Invitational, which will not pay points to any of the domestic series.

Further details on the Global Invitational are expected to be released in the coming weeks.

2027 Mustang Challenge Global Invitational Schedule:
Jan. 22-24 — Daytona International Speedway (Mustang Challenge North America)
June 24-26 — Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps (Mustang Challenge Spa Invitational)
Oct. 29-31 — Mount Panorama Circuit (Mustang Cup Australia)

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