Ford is on a roll. The American manufacturer has recently taken the racing world by storm after making back-to-back announcements. In a bid to futureproof its ambitions, the company has created a groundbreaking prototype that might not just give it a leg up in the world of motorsports, but also shape the next generation of cars that will be built by the automaker. The unveiling took place at Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina, just weeks before the NASCAR 2025 season resumes.

However, that’s not the only exciting announcement Ford has made. The automobile manufacturer recently announced its participation in an iconic event, to recreate past glories after a six-decade-long hiatus.

Is the future of racing here?

Ford is taking its mission for sustainability seriously. The American automaker recently unveiled its Mustang Mach-E NASCAR EV prototype, which is based on the Next-Gen architecture. The vehicle features a modified version of the chassis that is used by the Ford Mustang Dark Horse in NASCAR’s Cup Series, with certain changes being made to the height and floors. Carbon fiber has been used to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle, but the brakes, suspension, steering, and wheels remain exactly like the ones used at the sport’s highest level.

Even though the prototype is 500 pounds heavier than the regular Mustang, Ford has made up for the weight gain by adding three Stard electric motors which are supported by two gearboxes. As a result, the car generates a staggering 1,360 horsepower in qualifying mode, while the race mode’s maximum output is 816 horsepower. Even though the battery pack is located on the passenger side of the cabin, the company has distributed weight evenly so that the prototype has the balance and feel that is similar to a Cup Series car.

The NASCAR Mustang Mach-E is an impressive innovation that has already been tested in various configurations. The prototype has completed oval course testing at Martinsville Speedway and Carolina Motorsports Park’s road course. Since it shares many components with Ford’s Cup Series car, the vehicle is just as adaptable on a variety of tracks. As things stand, the American automaker has not shared plans for the prototype’s official debut just yet, but it’s well within the realm of possibility that the car will be used for demo runs and at exhibitions around the world.

However, according to Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance, the main purpose of the prototype will be to educate the masses. Speaking to Motorsport.com, Rushbrook said, “Part of it is to learn about the technology in a certain motorsports discipline, but also to put that technology in front of the fans and potential customers in that form of motorsport to also gauge their reaction and similarly bring them along for that journey.” A big chunk of the motorsports community, who identify as ‘purists’ still want to hear the roar of V8 engines from internal combustion engines, and converting those supporters will be key for the long-term future of electric vehicles in motorsports.

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Ford vs Ferrari is back on

In an exciting announcement, Ford has revealed that it will be making a sensational return to the World Endurance Championship in 2027. The American automaker shared the news during the company’s annual season launch event in Charlotte, North Carolina, and will be headlining the Hypercar category. The manufacturer already boasts an impressive portfolio, and the announcement will mean it will join the likes of Ferrari, BMW, Porsche, and Toyota at the World Endurance Championship’s premier series in two years.

Sharing his thoughts about Ford’s return to Le Mans 24 Hours, executive chair Bill Ford said, “We are entering a new era for performance and racing at Ford. It is where we took on Ferrari and won in the 1960s. It is where we returned 50 years later and shocked the world and beat Ferrari again. I am thrilled that we’re going back to Le Mans and competing at the highest level of endurance racing. We are ready to once again challenge the world, and ‘go like hell!’”

Ford dominated Le Mans in the late 1960s, securing four consecutive triumphs from 1966 to 1969 with the GT40. The company is now aiming to return to the endurance race after 60 years, reigniting an age-old rivalry at the biggest stage of them all. Will the American manufacturer succeed after their long hiatus from the competition, or will the prancing horse finally get their much-awaited revenge at the Circuit de la Sarthe? Time will tell.