By: Zach Catanzareti, Staff Writer
Thursday, Aug. 9, was a special day for Ford Motor Company, as the 2019 Ford Mustang was officially revealed for the 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season.
Unveiled at Ford’s world headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan, the manufacturer’s 13 current full-time Cup Series drivers came out to support the new look for the new season. Three-time Cup Series champion and Ford team owner at Stewart-Haas RacingTony Stewart drove the new Ford onto the floor for the unveiling.
Among the personalities was Hau Thai-Tang, Ford’s executive vice president, Product Development and Purchasing.
“Mustang has raced since it was first sold in 1964,” said Thai-Tang. “After more than a half-century, it feels great to finally let Mustang run in the top echelon of America’s most popular stock car racing series.”
Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance Motorsports, has seen plenty of positive feedback regarding the new look, which will debut in the 2019 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway next February.
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“Ever since we announced in April that Mustang would be going to the Cup level in 2019, we’ve heard nothing but positive feedback,” said Rushbrook. “Our Ford Performance team has worked hard with the Ford Design team to create a Mustang that will be competitive on the track while remaining true to its proud heritage.
“We can’t wait to see it winning races in the NASCAR Cup Series next year.”
Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer, looks forward to having Ford join Chevrolet and Toyota with recent updates in NASCAR.
“We look forward to seeing the Ford Mustang, a cultural icon, on the track in the most competitive series in all of motorsports,” said O’Donnell. “Our sport eagerly anticipates the performance, style and fanfare the Mustang will bring to the track each weekend beginning at the 2019 Daytona 500.”
Mustang has competed in the NASCAR XFINITY Series since 2011, winning the series championship in both 2011 and ’12 with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Roush Fenway Racing.
Thursday’s event stands one day after Ford’s 10 millionth sale of the Mustang.
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