Ford Performance has confirmed the expansion of its global one-make racing series, the Mustang Cup, into Australia starting in 2026.
Unveiled at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium as part of the global SRO Motorsports Group calendar, Mustang Cup Australia will feature six rounds within the 2026 SRO SpeedSeries.
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The new championship, officially sanctioned by Motorsport Australia and the Australian Motor Racing Commission earlier this month, will offer competitors the chance to race in identical, factory-built cars — ensuring a level playing field and showcasing driver talent.
To oversee the launch and operation of the series, Ford Performance has teamed up with Driving Solutions, a group led by motorsport veterans James Stewart and Jo Higson.
Driving Solutions previously supported logistics for Ford Performance’s class-winning effort in the Finke Desert Race. Joining the Driving Solutions Events team is respected motorsport administrator Liam Curkpatrick, who has been appointed Category Manager for Mustang Cup Australia.
The Mustang Dark Horse R, a track-only version of the road-going Mustang Dark Horse, will be the car used in the series. Designed for competition, this turnkey racer offers high performance and durability straight from the factory. Australian fans recently witnessed the car’s potential when rising star Cameron McLeod claimed two wins in invitational races during the 24 Hours of Le Mans weekend.
“The Mustang Dark Horse R was designed to be a turnkey race car to provide a thrilling, accessible, and competitive platform for drivers,” said Mark Rushbrook, Global Director, Ford Performance.
“Seeing it embraced by our team in Australia and set to form a new national championship is fantastic. The success of Cameron McLeod at Le Mans showed the world what talented young drivers can do in this car, and bringing that level of competition to Australia is a vital addition to the global Mustang racing ecosystem.”
Flexing muscle
Driving Solutions Director James Stewart echoed the enthusiasm.
“We are incredibly proud and excited to partner with Ford Performance to bring Mustang Cup Australia to life,” he said.
“The Mustang Dark Horse R is a spectacular race car, and we believe a one-make series featuring this machine will be a huge drawcard for Australian drivers and fans.
“Our aim is to build a professional, competitive, and accessible series that provides a fantastic opportunity for young drivers to hone their skills, and for experienced drivers to enjoy racing a high-performance and market-relevant race car. We look forward to working hard to make this series a roaring success.”
Mustang Cup Australia’s inclusion in the SRO SpeedSeries ensures strong event promotion, national free-to-air television coverage, and a cost-conscious structure that balances track time with entry fees.
“Mustang holds a special place in the hearts of Australians, and a dedicated one-make series featuring the Dark Horse R is a natural and incredibly exciting fit for our market,” said Andrew Birkic, President and CEO, Ford Australia.
“This new championship provides a clear pathway for aspiring drivers and adds another thrilling dimension to the Mustang’s legendary racing heritage down under. We can’t wait for 2026 to see these incredible cars battling it out on tracks all over Australia.”
Further announcements, including technical regulations and details on the team and driver entry process, will be made in due course.