There is a stereotype when it comes to Mustangs. They sometimes lose grip, go tail happy, and go head first into some pole on the side of the road. Of course, it is not the car, but some... aftermarket feature, sitting between the backrest of the driver's seat and the steering wheel. Ford is doing something about it.
FoMoCo is taking S650 Mustang owners back to driving school by offering them track driving experiences in order to reduce crash risks. And it is not just any driving school they will be going to, but Ford Performance Racing School itself. That is how they will learn drifting, doing burnouts, or tackling a road course without putting themselves, their cars, and others in danger, but also understand why they are not supposed to do that on public roads.
All those who buy a new seventh-generation Ford Mustang in the United States will get access to the experience. Furthermore, Ford will be taking online a Mustang digital portal where owners can create a community and share their experiences. Ford promises the Mustang owners will learn from the best: "the same skills our racing drivers will take to Daytona and Le Mans next year."
Mustang owners across the nation can join the flagship event, the Dark Horse Track Attack, set to take place at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. That translates into a whole day of learning how to tame their wild Dark Horse, the most track-capable and powerful 5.0-liter V8 street-legal Mustang ever.
The 2024 Ford S650 Mustang Dark Horse rolls out with 500 horsepower (507 PS) and 418 lb-ft (567 Nm) of torque, churned out by that naturally-aspirated Coyote 5.0-liter V8, mated to either a six-speed manual or the company’s ten-speed auto box. Those are enough for a run from 0 to 60 mph (0-97 kph) in 3.8 seconds.
Photo: Ford
After learning how to deal with their cars in extreme conditions, owners will put their newfound skills to the test in lead-follow lapping on the racetrack with three 20-minute sessions, followed by a hot lap with the instructor sitting in the driver’s seat.
But the event is not only for those who own a Mustang of that trim. For the first time, those who chose the GT or the EcoBoost versions are also welcome at the Charlotte Motor Speedway for similar type of training.
Mustang Brand Manager Joe Bellini believes that it is a chance for the community to connect regardless of the distance and share their enthusiasm.
There will be a near 3:1 attendee-to-instructor ratio all throughout the event. Those who want to attend will be able to register for the program starting January 2024. The program is free of charge, but does not include transportation and lodging.
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