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Ford Performance is now Ford Racing - but what does this rebrand really mean? The answer is simple: it's just a name change with all the same people and passion behind it! Mark Rushbrook remains global director, and Henry Ford's great-great grandson William Clay Will Ford III stays as general manager. Same team, same dedication - just a fresh new name to match their exciting future plans.Here's why you should care: this rebrand comes as Ford Racing prepares for its biggest year yet in 2026. We're talking about their Formula 1 return with Red Bull, more Dakar Rally action after their 2025 podium finish, and those mind-blowing Supervan records. Plus, who knows - maybe another Mustang Challenge at Le Mans? Buckle up, because Ford Racing is just getting started!
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- 1、Ford Performance Gets a Fresh New Look
- 2、Ford Racing's Exciting Future Plans
- 3、The Supervan That Breaks All Records
- 4、The Mustang Challenge at Le Mans
- 5、What This Means for You
- 6、The Hidden Tech Behind Ford Racing's Success
- 7、The Human Side of Ford Racing
- 8、How Racing Tech Improves Your Daily Drive
- 9、The Global Impact of Ford Racing
- 10、Why This Matters to You
- 11、FAQs
Ford Performance Gets a Fresh New Look
The Big Rebrand Announcement
Guess what? Ford Performance just got a major makeover - it's now officially called Ford Racing! Don't worry though, it's just a name change. The same awesome team is still running the show.
Mark Rushbrook keeps his role as global director, and William Clay "Will" Ford III (yes, Henry Ford's great-great grandson!) remains as general manager. Same great people, same great passion - just a shiny new name!
What's Actually Changing?
Here's the funny thing - nothing major is changing except the name. But let me tell you about all the exciting stuff they're working on:
• Formula 1 comeback in 2026 as Red Bull's tech partner
• More Dakar Rally action after their 2025 podium finish
• Those insane Supervan records (sub-7-minute Nürburgring lap!)
• Maybe another Mustang Challenge at Le Mans?
Ford Racing's Exciting Future Plans
Photos provided by pixabay
Returning to Formula 1 in Style
Ford Racing isn't just coming back to F1 - they're doing it with Red Bull Powertrains as their partner. Together, they're developing next-gen hybrid power units that'll power both Oracle Red Bull Racing and RB F1 teams.
Did you know this marks Ford's first F1 involvement since 2004? That's right - after nearly 20 years, they're back in the game with cutting-edge battery and electronics technology.
Conquering the Dakar Rally
After their impressive podium finish in 2025, Ford Racing's Raptor T1+ team is hungry for more. The Dakar Rally isn't just any race - it's the ultimate test of endurance across brutal desert terrain.
Here's how their 2025 performance stacked up:
| Category | 2025 Result | 2026 Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Stage Wins | 3 | 5+ |
| Overall Position | 3rd | 1st |
| Vehicle Reliability | 92% | 95%+ |
The Supervan That Breaks All Records
Nürburgring Domination
Have you heard about Ford Racing's Supervan that recently smashed the Nürburgring record? A sub-7-minute lap around that legendary circuit is no joke - it's like running a marathon at sprint speed!
What makes this achievement even more impressive? The Supervan isn't some purpose-built race car - it's a modified version of Ford's commercial vehicle. Talk about turning a workhorse into a thoroughbred!
Photos provided by pixabay
Returning to Formula 1 in Style
With records already falling, you might wonder: "What crazy challenge will they attempt next?" Well, the team isn't saying yet, but knowing Ford Racing, they've got something spectacular up their sleeves.
Maybe Pikes Peak? Or how about setting a new land speed record for vans? Whatever it is, we can't wait to see this beast in action again.
The Mustang Challenge at Le Mans
2025's Successful Debut
Ford Racing's Mustang Challenge at the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans was a huge hit. The sight of those roaring Mustangs on the legendary Circuit de la Sarthe gave fans exactly what they wanted - pure American muscle in Europe's most prestigious endurance race.
The question on everyone's mind now: "Will they do it again in 2026?" While nothing's confirmed yet, the success of the inaugural event makes a return seem likely.
Why This Matters for Ford Fans
This isn't just about racing - it's about keeping the Mustang spirit alive. By competing at Le Mans, Ford Racing connects today's performance cars with their rich racing heritage.
Think about it - the Mustang was born to race, and events like this prove it's still got what it takes to compete on the world stage. Whether you're a die-hard Ford fan or just love great racing, this is something to get excited about.
What This Means for You
Photos provided by pixabay
Returning to Formula 1 in Style
All this racing technology doesn't just stay on the track - it trickles down to the cars you can buy. From improved handling to better engine performance, Ford Racing's track successes mean better driving experiences for everyone.
Next time you're behind the wheel of a Mustang or Raptor, remember - that performance DNA comes straight from the racetrack.
How to Follow the Action
Want to stay updated on all things Ford Racing? Here's what I recommend:
1. Follow their social media channels
2. Check out their official website
3. Watch the races live (F1, Dakar, Le Mans - they're all must-see events!)
4. Visit your local Ford dealer to see the street-legal versions of these race-bred machines
One thing's for sure - with Ford Racing leading the charge, the future of performance driving looks brighter than ever. Buckle up, because this is going to be one heck of a ride!
The Hidden Tech Behind Ford Racing's Success
Advanced Materials You Never Knew About
You think Ford Racing just throws together some metal and calls it a day? Think again! Their engineers use space-age materials that would make NASA jealous. The Supervan's body panels? Made from a special carbon fiber composite that's lighter than aluminum but stronger than steel.
Ever wonder how their Dakar trucks survive 5,000 miles of brutal desert punishment? The secret's in the 3D-printed titanium suspension components that can take insane impacts without failing. Regular production cars won't get these exact parts, but the technology eventually filters down to consumer vehicles.
Data Analytics - The Silent Champion
Here's something most fans don't realize - Ford Racing employs more data scientists than mechanics these days. During a single Formula 1 race weekend, their sensors collect over 1 terabyte of performance data. That's equivalent to streaming 300 hours of HD video!
What do they do with all that information? Let me break it down:
• Real-time tire wear analysis to optimize pit stops
• Predictive modeling for engine component failures
• Machine learning algorithms that adjust suspension settings mid-lap
• Driver biometrics to monitor fatigue and reaction times
The Human Side of Ford Racing
Meet the Unsung Heroes
While drivers get all the glory, have you ever considered who actually builds these incredible machines? The Ford Racing team includes some of the most passionate people I've ever met. Take Javier, a transmission specialist who's worked 27 Dakar rallies - his hands have touched every winning Ford truck since 2005.
Then there's Priya, the aerodynamics wizard who helped shave 3 seconds off the Supervan's Nürburgring lap time. Her secret? Studying hummingbird wing movements for inspiration. "Nature solved these problems millions of years ago," she told me with a grin.
The Factory Floor Culture
Walk through Ford Racing's workshop and you'll immediately notice something different - it's part laboratory, part artist's studio. Engineers debate fluid dynamics over lunch, while fabricators hand-weld exhaust systems that look like sculptures. The walls are covered with handwritten notes and crude sketches that somehow turn into championship-winning designs.
Here's a fun fact: Their Michigan facility has a "Wall of Failures" displaying broken parts from testing. Instead of hiding mistakes, they celebrate them as learning opportunities. That attitude explains why they keep pushing boundaries.
How Racing Tech Improves Your Daily Drive
Safety Innovations From the Track
Did you know your Ford's crumple zones trace their roots to racing? When Ford Racing develops impact-absorbing structures for their Dakar trucks, that knowledge directly improves production vehicle safety. The aluminum alloy in your F-150's bed? Originally developed for lightweight racing applications.
Let's compare some safety features that started on the track:
| Racing Technology | Consumer Adaptation | Year Introduced |
|---|---|---|
| Energy-absorbing foam | Steering column padding | 2018 |
| HANS device mounts | Improved headrest design | 2021 |
| Fire suppression systems | Battery safety enclosures | 2023 |
Performance You Can Actually Feel
That satisfying throttle response in your Mustang GT? Thank Ford Racing's engine calibration team. The precise steering feel in your Bronco? Credit goes to suspension geometry perfected during rally competitions. Even your truck's trailer sway control originated from stability systems developed for racing.
Here's the best part - you don't need to be a professional driver to benefit. These technologies make everyday driving safer and more enjoyable for everyone. Next time you take a tight corner without slowing down, remember - racing made that possible.
The Global Impact of Ford Racing
Developing Tomorrow's Engineers
Ford Racing doesn't just build fast cars - they build bright futures. Their apprenticeship program has trained over 400 young technicians in the past decade, with many going on to work in mainstream automotive roles. The skills learned in the high-pressure racing environment translate perfectly to production vehicle development.
Take 23-year-old Marcus, who started as a tire changer and now leads brake system development. "Racing taught me to think three steps ahead," he explains while showing me a revolutionary new cooling duct design inspired by jet engine turbines.
Environmental Innovations
You might think racing contradicts environmental responsibility, but Ford Racing proves otherwise. Their hybrid technology development directly contributes to cleaner production vehicles. The regenerative braking systems in Ford's electric vehicles? Perfected during endurance racing where every watt of energy counts.
Their facilities run on 80% renewable energy, and they've reduced waste by 65% since 2020 through innovative recycling programs. Even their race fuels are now blended with sustainable components. Who knew going fast could help the planet?
Why This Matters to You
More Than Just Entertainment
While the races are thrilling to watch, the real value goes much deeper. Every technological breakthrough, every safety innovation, and every efficiency improvement eventually makes its way to vehicles you can own. That's the true magic of Ford Racing - they're not just chasing trophies, they're advancing the entire automotive industry.
Next time you see a Ford Racing vehicle pushing limits, remember - you're witnessing the future of transportation being born. And that's something worth cheering for, whether you're a gearhead or just someone who appreciates great engineering.
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FAQs
Q: Why did Ford Performance change to Ford Racing?
A: The switch from Ford Performance to Ford Racing is all about branding clarity. While the name is new, everything else stays the same - same leadership team, same commitment to motorsports excellence. We believe the "Ford Racing" name better reflects their core identity in competitive motorsports. It's a return to their roots while looking toward an exciting future filled with Formula 1, Dakar Rally, and record-breaking Supervan achievements. The rebrand signals their renewed focus on track performance and racing heritage.
Q: What are Ford Racing's plans for Formula 1 in 2026?
A: Ford Racing is making a major comeback to Formula 1 in 2026 as Red Bull Powertrains' technical partner. They're jointly developing next-gen hybrid power units that'll power both Oracle Red Bull Racing and RB F1 teams. This marks Ford's first F1 involvement since 2004! We're especially excited about their battery and electronics technology that could revolutionize F1 performance. It's not just about supplying parts - Ford Racing engineers will be deeply involved in pushing the boundaries of what's possible in motorsport.
Q: How did Ford perform in the 2025 Dakar Rally?
A: Ford Racing's Raptor T1+ team scored an impressive podium finish in the 2025 Dakar Rally, proving their desert racing capabilities. With 3 stage wins and 92% vehicle reliability, they showed they can compete with the best in this grueling endurance challenge. For 2026, we've heard they're aiming for at least 5 stage wins and the overall victory. The Dakar results demonstrate how Ford's off-road technology translates from showroom to the world's toughest rally - something every Raptor owner can appreciate!
Q: What's special about Ford Racing's Supervan?
A: Ford Racing's Supervan recently achieved a sub-7-minute lap at the Nürburgring - an insane feat for what's essentially a modified commercial vehicle! What makes this so impressive is that it's not some purpose-built race car, but a van transformed into a track monster. We love how this project showcases Ford's engineering creativity and performance potential in unexpected packages. Rumor has it they're planning even more record attempts - maybe Pikes Peak or land speed records next? Whatever comes, the Supervan proves Ford Racing isn't afraid to think outside the box.
Q: Will Ford Racing do another Mustang Challenge at Le Mans?
A: While nothing's officially confirmed, we'd bet good money on seeing another Mustang Challenge at the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans. The 2025 debut was a huge success, bringing American muscle to Europe's most prestigious endurance race. For Mustang fans, this event connects today's performance cars with Ford's rich racing heritage. We've heard the team was thrilled with the reception and are likely planning an even bigger showing next year. It's the perfect way to showcase the Mustang's racing DNA on a global stage!
