Mustang GT3 Celebrates Historic First Global Win at Daytona
Ford Performance, in collaboration with Multimatic Motorsports, celebrates their inaugural victory with the Mustang GT3 at the prestigious Rolex 24 At Daytona
The Mustang GT3 has claimed victory in one of the toughest 24-hour endurance races in motorsport history, the Rolex 24 at Daytona, marking its first global GT3 win. The No. 65 Ford Multimatic Motorsports Mustang GT3, driven by Dennis Olsen, Christopher Mies, and Frédéric Vervisch, secured this significant triumph by fending off a fierce challenge in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTD Pro class. Additionally, the No. 64 Ford Mustang GT3 clinched third place for the official factory team, with drivers Seb Priaulx, Mike Rockenfeller, and Austin Cindric showcasing their skills on the challenging Daytona International Speedway.
“This victory belongs to the entire Ford Motor Company team, our partners, and all Mustang enthusiasts,” expressed Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance. “Achievements like this make all the hard work, long hours, and past setbacks worthwhile. This marks our first global win with the Mustang GT3 and the 20th for Ford in the 24 Hours of Daytona—a true milestone. I am incredibly proud of everyone involved.”
Ford boasts a storied legacy at the 24 Hours of Daytona, having celebrated its first 24-hour race victory here in 1967, accumulating a total of 10 wins since then. The company has triumphed in Daytona’s 24-hour race 20 times since its first win in 1966 with the MKII, with the most recent victory occurring in 2018 when the Ford GT took the GTLM class title.
“This is a remarkable achievement for everyone at Multimatic Motorsports and Ford Performance,” stated Pascal Zurlinden, Executive Vice President of Multimatic Engineering & MSVO. “Just two years ago, when Ford unveiled the Mustang GT3 program, the car was merely a concept. Standing here in Victory Lane today is a testament to the relentless effort put in, whether at the racetrack, in the workshop, or during those long hours in the simulator. It’s a privilege to transform such an iconic vehicle as the Mustang into a Daytona champion. Here’s to many more victories for us and Ford’s customers in the future.”
The Mustang GT3 swiftly ascended to the pinnacle of the class rankings, clinching the coveted front row position for the 63rd edition of the event during qualifying. Rockenfeller, returning for his second season with the team, piloted the No. 64 Ford Multimatic Motorsports Mustang GT3 to its second-ever pole position on a global scale. Meanwhile, Vervisch, who stepped up to a full-season role from last year's endurance racing duties, qualified just behind in the sister car, the No. 65 Ford Multimatic Motorsports Mustang GT3.
Nick Cavanaugh | @Car_Sick_Nick | All Roads Lead to The Motor City
