CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A perfect depiction of how far Ford’s ingenuity and innovation stretches can be seen in its car lineup at Ford Performance’s 2025 season launch party in Charlotte.
An array of race-worn vehicles — and a few stock — that have competed in vast motorsports disciplines across the globe sit on opposite sides of the event hall. From the Mustang GT3 right off the heels of winning the GTD Pro class in this year’s Rolex 24 at Daytona to the hulking Broncos and Raptors built for podiums in off-road racing. It was a sturdy stable of decorated Blue Ovals all gathered for one night only.
Last year, Ford competed in 28 countries using 16 unique vehicles, winning 81 races. Proving NASCAR isn’t the only racing series where Ford is setting its sights high in 2025, Ford Performance’s DNA runs deep in every motorsports facet. From drag racing, drifting and off-road challenges to making its return as an engine supplier with Red Bull’s Formula One team, Ford continues to expand its international brand. NASCAR, however, remains one of its flagships, with a collection of historic, title-winning teams under the manufacturer’s banner.
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Ford’s rich NASCAR legacy, spanning from the early days with Wood Brothers Racing to its modern-era dominance with Team Penske, was vividly showcased at the event, with the Bill France Cup and Craftsman Truck Series trophies proudly welcoming guests.
While Chevrolet has had a stronghold on the manufacturers’ championships the last four seasons, Team Penske’s Fords have come up clutch and wheeled in the Cup crown the last three campaigns. Ford Performance isn’t just diversifying into different motorsports for the thrill — it’s fully committed to the pursuit of victory and championships wherever the green flag waves.
Another highlight was the honor bestowed upon the Wood Brothers Racing team as they gear up for its 75th season in Cup. Wood Brothers have been synonymous with Ford since the very beginning of its journey, marking an extraordinary partnership that has yielded 100 victories. The team’s dedication to Ford, spanning multiple generations, underscores the deep bond between the brand and one of the sport’s most respected teams.
Tucked to the side in one row, you could see the striking evolution of how far Ford has grown in the Cup Series with David Pearson’s 1972 Mercury Cyclone sitting next to a freshly wrapped version of Chris Buescher’s 2025 Mustang Dark Horse. The cutting-edge design of the Dark Horse contrasted sharply with the classic charm of Pearson’s Cyclone, offering a visual narrative of Ford’s progress and commitment to success in NASCAR, past, present and future.
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The 2025 launch event wasn’t just a celebration of Ford’s past accomplishments but a clear signal of the brand’s ambitious plans for the future — including an LMDh entry to compete in the 2027 FIA World Endurance Championship and fight for the overall win in the 24 hours of Le Mans. As technology evolves and new challenges emerge, Ford is setting the bar even higher for the entire motorsports industry. Whether it’s the relentless pursuit of speed in NASCAR or expanding its global footprint in Formula One and beyond, Ford Performance is poised to continue its legacy.
As the 2025 NASCAR season kicks off, Ford’s commitment to performance and tradition remains unwavering, and the Blue Oval is more entrenched than ever in the sport’s fabric, supporting some of the most competitive and successful teams on the grid.