Sermini: Affordability Key to Second Season of Mustang Cup

Photo: Ford Racing

Cost reduction and affordability have been key points to off-season developments in Mustang Cup USA according to its newly appointed series director Sean Sermini and USAC Vice President Jack Hoaglin.

The USAC-sanctioned single-make series, which serves as the first step in the Ford Racing pyramid, will again feature the Mustang Dark Horse R for its second campaign but will also expand eligibility with the creation of the Mustang Cup Classic class.

As previously announced, cars such as the 2005-08 Ford Mustang FR500S, 2005-08 Ford Mustang FR500C, 2012-14 Ford Mustang Boss 302S, 2012-14 Ford Mustang Boss 302R and the 2017 Ford Mustang FP350S will be eligible to compete in its own category, offering previous-generation Mustang road racing cars a new lease on life.

Sermini believes the Classic class, along with the optional two-driver format to share a car over the course of a race weekend and an estimated 30 percent reduction in operational costs for entrants, will bring more entry-level drivers into Ford’s sports car racing scene in North America.

“For me, it’s less about the benefits and more about the fact we’re giving an opportunity for people to come out and race in a professional series for the first time ever,” said Sermini.

“If they’ve never raced, if they’re moving up from karting to cars, if they’re someone older who finally has the money to get a nice car, we’re giving them an opportunity to race in a professional series where safety is our first focus and fun is our second.

“And we’re doing this at a price point that’s more affordable than almost anything else in motorsport.”

Hoagln, meanwhile, pointed out the ability for drivers to rent a car for a weekend or for the full season, which also offers a more cost-effective point of entry.

“In other one-make series, you have to buy the car,” he said. “Here, if cost is an issue, you still have the ability to get your feet wet by renting the car for a weekend.

“This is a unique ability to get people in a car that may not have the means to buy one at the moment.

“Additionally, our championship format sets us apart.

“Mustang Cup USA has two championships, and each championship has one qualifying session and one race per event weekend.

“This means that two drivers could share one Dark Horse R, split the costs of running the car, and still be able to fight for a championship.”

While the inaugural season featured a smaller field of competitors compared to Mustang Challenge North America, which utilizes the same Dark Horse R race car, officials are hoping the re-invented Mustang Cup will open the door for more aspiring racers.

Drivers with a current club racing license from accredited sanctioning bodies will be recognized and issued a USAC Mustang Cup license, while those without a racing license can obtain one by participating in a number of accredited racing schools.

“I want to, and I am working on, bringing great incentives to the series so that when you look at us, it’s a no brainer to decide to race with us,” said Sermini.

“Long term, my goal is to continue with the motto ‘Let’s have fun, let’s enjoy it.’ It’s so important to make sure that everyone has a good time during their time in the series.”

Hoaglin added: “Right now, it’s about increasing brand awareness. We are the base of the Ford Racing pyramid, so if you want to work your way up, this is where you need to start.

“And now, with the classic class, Mustang Cup USA is one of the only places in America where you can race in a one-make Mustang series with your classic car from the 2000s.

“We’ve also lowered operational costs for teams and drivers by around 30 percent, and we want people to know that we’re working to keep the series as accessible as possible.”

The Mustang Cup USA season kicks off at Sebring International Raceway on March 6-8, followed by visits to Barber Motorsports Park, Circuit of The Americas, Virginia International Raceway, Road America and Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta to close out the year.

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