Farley Has “A Lot to Learn” in Mustang Challenge With MDK

Photo: MDK Motorsports

Ford Motor Company CEO Jim Farley said he has “a lot to learn” as he climbs behind the wheel of a Ford Mustang Dark Horse R for this weekend’s inaugural rounds of Mustang Challenge at Mid-Ohio but is “so excited” for the opportunity to be part of the history-making weekend.

Farley, an accomplished historic and amateur racer, will pilot the No. 17 Mustang run by Ohio-based MDK Motorsports for Rounds 1 and 2 of the one-make series.

The car will run in a tribute livery honoring the first Mustang to win at Mid-Ohio in 1967, driven by Terlingua Racing Team’s Jerry Titus.

It will not mark Farley’s racing debut in an IMSA-sanctioned series, however, as he holds previous starts in VP Racing SportsCar Challenge competition at the wheel of a Mustang GT4 last year.

“I am so excited to participate in the first Mustang Challenge race of 2024 at Mid-Ohio with the team from MDK Motorsports,” said Farley.

“This is an amazing time for Mustang as we grow our family to include grassroots racing all the way up to the Mustang GT3 which will compete at Le Mans next week.

“Like all the racers this weekend, I have a lot to learn in a short amount of time, but I can’t wait to get out there and enjoy some close battles with like-minded Mustang racing fans.”

MDK Motorsports CEO Megan Kvamme added: “It’s incredibly thrilling for MDK Motorsports to welcome Jim to the team as part of this inaugural season of the Mustang Challenge racing series.

“Jim, along with Tom and Gabe, completes an impressive MDK roster for this season – an exceptionally talented team that promises to be a formidable force on the racetrack.”

MDK will field a total of three Dark Horse Rs this season, with Farley being joined by Tom Tait Jr. and Gabe Tesch.

“Having Jim, Tom, and Gabe on board is incredibly exciting,” added program manager Jan Magnussen.

“Their combined talent and enthusiasm will undoubtedly elevate our team’s performance on the track in Ohio. We look forward to pushing the limits and making our mark in this exhilarating new racing series.”

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