Ford is expanding its range of factory-backed experiences for Mustang owners with the upcoming Mustang Experience Center. Set to open later this year next to the Charlotte Motor Speedway, this center aims to be “the destination for all things Mustang.” It will include a museum-style Heritage Gallery that takes visitors on a journey through 60 years of Mustang history. Additionally, there will be a retail shop filled with merchandise for visitors to purchase as mementos. The Ford Performance Racing School will also be hosting track day courses at the speedway complex, specifically designed for the EcoBoost and GT Trims. These new modules will complement the existing Dark Horse Track Attack program.
For those looking to upgrade their personal vehicles after participating in these track day courses, the Mustang Experience Center will have an aftermarket parts shop where students can purchase the necessary components. This allows them to match their newly acquired skills with the right upgrades for their cars. Furthermore, the facility will be available for hosting corporate events and weddings, catering to those who are truly passionate about all things Mustang.
In terms of developments at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, rumors have circulated about a new 1.7-mile road course being designed by ex-Formula 1 driver Alex Wurz. While there has been no official confirmation, Ford’s recent release suggests that the road course may be opening this quarter. If this is true, it would provide a more forgiving track day experience compared to the challenging Charlotte Roval, which combines an infield road course with the traditional NASCAR banked oval.
On another note, Ford has unveiled the initial livery for its new factory-backed Mustang GT3 IMSA racers, which will compete in the IMSA SportsCar Championship. Named the Champion Spirit Livery, it pays homage to eight iconic Mustang competition cars ranging from 1964 to 1997. These cars include the Alan Mann Racing-prepped Mustangs that achieved first and second place finishes in the 1964 Tour de France, as well as the 1966 Shelby American Mustang that triumphed in the inaugural SCCA Trans-Am Series season. Each of these honorees holds a significant place in Mustang’s racing history.
The Ford Multimatic Motorsports team will debut the Mustang GT3 IMSA at its first race next month, the Motul Course de Monterey Powered by Hyundai N at Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca. The Champion Spirit Livery will then be showcased at the Detroit Grand Prix. After this, the team will transition to its standard livery for the remainder of the season, starting from Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen in June.
Overall, Ford’s expansion of the Mustang Experience Center, the potential new road course at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and the Champion Spirit Livery all demonstrate the brand’s dedication to providing unforgettable experiences and honoring the rich heritage of the Mustang. These initiatives not only cater to Mustang enthusiasts but also highlight Ford’s commitment to performance and racing.