NHRA FX Class... 2024 Mustang - Page 2

Ralph A Powell · 09-21-2022, 09:15 AM

More on Ford’s interest in racing or the lack of interest in Drag Racingfor 2024 Mustang. You have to understand he Jim Farley’s interest is in road racing. That’s what he doe’s on his spare weekend’s!

Following the launch of its new Mustang Dark Horse variant, Ford has announced there will be six versions of the latest model in various different race trims which will compete in various international motorsport series including GT3, GT4, NASCAR and NHRA Factory X racing.

Two track-only Dark Horse Mustangs featuring a 5.0-liter V8 powertrain will be released, consisting of the Mustang Dark Horse S and the Dark Horse R. The Dark Horse S cars have been designed to cater specifically for customers looking to take part in track days, while the Dark Horse R has been developed for use in racing events.

For the Mustang Dark Horse S, Ford has removed all non-essential parts and trim pieces to make way for a full FIA-certified safety cage and safety nets. A race seat and belts has also been installed along with a racing steering wheel with a quick release system. The vehicle also features an electrical cut-off and a fire suppression system.

For ease of use, all of the driver’s controls are situated in a central panel, with buttons, switches and knobs for the vehicle’s headlights, indicators, wipers, adjustable mirrors and a rain light. A pit lane speed limiter and a data and acquisition display system also feature, with a single passenger seat optional.

On the exterior, hood pins have been fitted in addition to tow hooks at the front and rear. At the back of the car, a different exhaust system has been fitted and an adjustable rear wing features for added downforce. Other notable differences to the street legal Dark Horse S are the uprated brakes and Multimatic DSSV dampers to enable adjustable ride heights and camber settings.

The Mustang Dark Horse R features all of the Dark Horse S components in addition to serialization to denote its approval for use in racing events. Other changes for the R variant include seam welding, a fuel cell for additional range and Ford Performance Parts wheels.

“Both Dark Horse S and R have been further enhanced for performance and stripped of almost every unneeded comfort, keeping only what is needed to provide better performance,” said Ed Krenz, Ford Mustang chief nameplate engineer.

The OEM has plans to return to factory-backed GT3 racing at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2024 with a newly developed Mustang GT3 IMSA race car – the vehicle will also be made available to Ford’s customer base. The car – made by Ford Performance and Multimatic –will be powered by a 5.4-liter Coyote-based V8 engine. In addition to its GT3 entrant, Ford will also debut a Mustang GT4 in the 2023 season for use in global GT4 classes such as IMSA, SRO and FIA GT.

Next season Ford also aims to debut a Mustang in the Australian Supercars series, as well as debuting new models in the NASCAR Cup series and NHRA Factory X racing series in years to come.

“We’re taking this all-new Mustang to competition racing and the very definition of a Dark Horse is the perfect fit to introduce this vehicle to the Mustang brand,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Performance Motorsports. “With our race program development underway, we’re confident we have the right car for success.”

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ABOUT AUTHOR

mm
CALLUM BROOK-JONES
After spending six years working as a mechanic for various motorsport and high-end performance car companies, Callum joined UKi Media & Events in February 2020 as an assistant editor. In this role he uses his vast practical knowledge a

James Hensler · 09-21-2022, 10:22 AM

From what I understand the new FX class is designed to run in the 6.80-7.0 1/4 mile time. All will be Clutchless 5 speeds with no automatic transmission allowed. They will weigh less than FSS cars around 2600 lbs. engines will be basically the same as they are now. Bigger rear tire

Troy Henderson · 09-21-2022, 02:34 PM

I'm a chevy guy but that Mustang looks great. Not sure how the new FX class will go without Chevy or Dodge making muscle cars anymore?

09-21-2022, 09:15 AM	#11
Ralph A Powell Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Bay City Texas Posts: 357 Likes: 1 Liked 202 Times in 123 Posts	Re: NHRA FX Class... 2024 Mustang More on Ford’s interest in racing or the lack of interest in Drag Racingfor 2024 Mustang. You have to understand he Jim Farley’s interest is in road racing. That’s what he doe’s on his spare weekend’s! Following the launch of its new Mustang Dark Horse variant, Ford has announced there will be six versions of the latest model in various different race trims which will compete in various international motorsport series including GT3, GT4, NASCAR and NHRA Factory X racing. Two track-only Dark Horse Mustangs featuring a 5.0-liter V8 powertrain will be released, consisting of the Mustang Dark Horse S and the Dark Horse R. The Dark Horse S cars have been designed to cater specifically for customers looking to take part in track days, while the Dark Horse R has been developed for use in racing events. For the Mustang Dark Horse S, Ford has removed all non-essential parts and trim pieces to make way for a full FIA-certified safety cage and safety nets. A race seat and belts has also been installed along with a racing steering wheel with a quick release system. The vehicle also features an electrical cut-off and a fire suppression system. For ease of use, all of the driver’s controls are situated in a central panel, with buttons, switches and knobs for the vehicle’s headlights, indicators, wipers, adjustable mirrors and a rain light. A pit lane speed limiter and a data and acquisition display system also feature, with a single passenger seat optional. On the exterior, hood pins have been fitted in addition to tow hooks at the front and rear. At the back of the car, a different exhaust system has been fitted and an adjustable rear wing features for added downforce. Other notable differences to the street legal Dark Horse S are the uprated brakes and Multimatic DSSV dampers to enable adjustable ride heights and camber settings. The Mustang Dark Horse R features all of the Dark Horse S components in addition to serialization to denote its approval for use in racing events. Other changes for the R variant include seam welding, a fuel cell for additional range and Ford Performance Parts wheels. “Both Dark Horse S and R have been further enhanced for performance and stripped of almost every unneeded comfort, keeping only what is needed to provide better performance,” said Ed Krenz, Ford Mustang chief nameplate engineer. The OEM has plans to return to factory-backed GT3 racing at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2024 with a newly developed Mustang GT3 IMSA race car – the vehicle will also be made available to Ford’s customer base. The car – made by Ford Performance and Multimatic –will be powered by a 5.4-liter Coyote-based V8 engine. In addition to its GT3 entrant, Ford will also debut a Mustang GT4 in the 2023 season for use in global GT4 classes such as IMSA, SRO and FIA GT. Next season Ford also aims to debut a Mustang in the Australian Supercars series, as well as debuting new models in the NASCAR Cup series and NHRA Factory X racing series in years to come. “We’re taking this all-new Mustang to competition racing and the very definition of a Dark Horse is the perfect fit to introduce this vehicle to the Mustang brand,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Performance Motorsports. “With our race program development underway, we’re confident we have the right car for success.” SHARE THIS STORY: LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Email ABOUT AUTHOR mm CALLUM BROOK-JONES After spending six years working as a mechanic for various motorsport and high-end performance car companies, Callum joined UKi Media & Events in February 2020 as an assistant editor. In this role he uses his vast practical knowledge a

09-21-2022, 10:22 AM	#12
James Hensler Member Join Date: Apr 2022 Location: Noblesville,In Posts: 106 Likes: 6 Liked 55 Times in 34 Posts	Re: NHRA FX Class... 2024 Mustang From what I understand the new FX class is designed to run in the 6.80-7.0 1/4 mile time. All will be Clutchless 5 speeds with no automatic transmission allowed. They will weigh less than FSS cars around 2600 lbs. engines will be basically the same as they are now. Bigger rear tire __________________ SS/AH 328X

09-21-2022, 02:34 PM	#13
Troy Henderson Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Kansas City Posts: 397 Likes: 104 Liked 105 Times in 32 Posts	Re: NHRA FX Class... 2024 Mustang I'm a chevy guy but that Mustang looks great. Not sure how the new FX class will go without Chevy or Dodge making muscle cars anymore?