Ford Muscle and Trucks

History of Ford Racing

Ford Racing, now known as Ford Performance, has a rich and storied history that stretches back over a century, marking significant milestones in motorsport and automotive innovation. Here is an overview of its evolution:

Early Beginnings (1901-1903): The Birth of Ford Racing

  • 1901: Henry Ford himself entered a race called the Sweepstakes, driving a car he built to defeat Alexander Winton, the reigning champion. This victory helped him gain investors to start the Ford Motor Company.
  • 1903: Ford made its racing debut with the Model A, competing in early endurance and speed challenges.

1920s-1930s: Establishing a Racing Presence

  • Ford vehicles began to appear in grassroots racing events, especially in dirt track and early stock car racing.
  • The legendary Model T and later the Flathead V8 became popular choices for racers due to their affordability and performance potential.

1950s: NASCAR and Drag Racing

  • Ford officially entered NASCAR in 1950 with the Ford Custom, marking its commitment to stock car racing.
  • The introduction of the Ford Thunderbird and powerful V8 engines like the Y-block made Ford competitive in NASCAR.
  • Drag racing became a major focus, with Ford producing cars like the Thunderbolt in the early 1960s.

1960s: The Golden Era of Ford Racing

  • Le Mans Dominance: In 1966, the Ford GT40 famously ended Ferrari's dominance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, taking a historic 1-2-3 finish. Ford won Le Mans four years in a row (1966-1969).
  • NASCAR Success: Ford cars like the Galaxie and Fairlane became dominant forces in stock car racing.
  • Trans-Am Series: The Mustang debuted in the Trans-Am Series in 1966, starting its legacy in pony car racing.

1970s-1980s: Adapting to Changing Times

  • The oil crisis and emissions regulations led to a shift in racing strategies.
  • Ford's RS200 became a notable contender in rally racing during the Group B era in the 1980s.
  • In NASCAR, Ford continued to field competitive entries, with cars like the Taurus becoming iconic.

1990s: Modern Success

  • Ford dominated NASCAR in the 1990s with drivers like Dale Jarrett and Jeff Burton.
  • The Ford Escort RS Cosworth and later the Focus RS became rallying icons in World Rally Championship (WRC) events.

2000s-Present: Global Motorsport Leadership

  • Ford introduced Ford Performance to unify its motorsport and performance vehicle programs.
  • NASCAR: Continued success with the Fusion and Mustang.
  • Le Mans Return: Ford returned to Le Mans in 2016 with the Ford GT, winning its class on the 50th anniversary of its historic 1966 victory.
  • Off-Road Racing: The Ford Bronco and Ranger Raptor became key players in off-road events like the Baja 1000.
  • Electric Racing: Ford joined the Formula E championship and developed electric vehicles for future motorsport applications.

Ford Racing's legacy is a testament to the brand's commitment to innovation, speed, and competition across a wide array of motorsport disciplines. From grassroots racing to dominating global stages, Ford has consistently been at the forefront of automotive performance.