Ford Racing Through the Ages: From Henry Ford’s First Victory to the Mustang GTD
Ford’s journey in motorsports began almost 125 years ago, with an unlikely triumph by its founder, Henry Ford. As we mark the anniversary of that historic win, it’s worth revisiting some of the defining moments that shaped Ford’s legacy on the track, in the desert, and around the globe.
1901: Henry vs. Goliath and the Birth of Ford Motor Company
Ford’s first motorsport victory predates the formation of the company itself. On October 10, 1901, a dirt horse track near Detroit witnessed a stunning upset: Henry Ford, then 38, piloted his 26-horsepower car, Sweepstakes, to victory over Alexander Winton’s more powerful, 75-horsepower machine. This win proved decisive, earning Ford the financial backing needed to launch what would become the iconic Ford Motor Company. The victory also cemented Henry Ford’s reputation as a visionary who could compete against seemingly insurmountable odds. In 2001, replicas of Sweepstakes were restored to celebrate Ford’s racing centennial.
1909: Model T Conquers the Transcontinental Race
Before the Model T made cars accessible to the masses, it already proved its mettle on the road. Two Model Ts competed in the first American Transcontinental Race, covering over 4,000 miles from New York to Seattle. Completing the journey on primitive roads in just three weeks, the Ford entries outperformed more powerful vehicles, reinforcing the company’s growing reputation for durability and innovation.
1963: Daytona 500 Victory with Tiny Lund
The 1960s marked a golden era for Ford Racing, beginning with Tiny Lund’s unexpected win in the 1963 Daytona 500. Lund, a replacement driver, guided the Wood Brothers’ Ford Galaxie to victory lane. The triumph was a pivotal moment for Ford in NASCAR, and it kicked off a string of Daytona 500 successes, with wins in 1965, 1967, and 1969.
1964: Mustang Debuts at the Tour de France Rallye
The Ford Mustang, now synonymous with performance and style, made an impressive debut in motorsports during the 1964 Tour de France Rallye. The Alan Mann-prepared Mustangs secured a 1-2 finish in the touring class, a testament to the vehicle’s performance and engineering prowess. This victory helped establish the Mustang as a serious contender in competitive racing, a legacy that continues today.
1965: First Indianapolis 500 Win Revolutionizes IndyCar
Ford’s influence extended to IndyCar racing when the Lotus-Ford, built with a lightweight, Formula 1-inspired chassis paired with a powerful Ford V8 engine, won the 1965 Indianapolis 500. Driven by Jim Clark, the car achieved a record speed of 150.685 mph. This victory transformed the sport, prompting other teams to adopt rear-engined designs and setting a new standard for performance at the Brickyard.
1966: Le Mans Breakthrough
Ford’s legendary rivalry with Ferrari culminated in the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon led a Ford GT40 to a historic victory, marking the first win for an American-built car at the prestigious endurance race. This win began a streak of four consecutive GT40 victories at Le Mans and inspired the 2019 film Ford v Ferrari. Ford plans to return to endurance racing in 2027 with its in-house Ford Racing Hypercar program.
1967: Cosworth DFV Engine Dominates Formula 1
Ford’s Cosworth DFV engine became one of the most successful in Formula 1 history. Debuting at the 1967 Dutch Grand Prix, the DFV powered cars to 155 wins, including multiple drivers’ and manufacturers’ championships. Legends such as Jim Clark, Mario Andretti, Emerson Fittipaldi, and Jackie Stewart achieved world titles with Ford-powered cars, securing the company’s enduring influence in Formula 1.
1969: Bronco Triumphs in Baja
Just two years after its launch, the Ford Bronco made history in off-road racing. Larry Minor and Rod Hall drove a Bill Stroppe-prepared Bronco to class and overall victories at the Baja 1000, the first stock 4×4 to claim outright victory. Ford’s off-road dominance continued with vehicles like the Bronco Raptor, conquering events like the Baja 1000 and Dakar Rally.
2016: Ford GT Returns to Le Mans
Fifty years after its first GT40 success, the Ford GT returned to Le Mans in 2016. With a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine generating over 600 horsepower, four Chip Ganassi Racing Ford GTs competed fiercely. The No. 68 GT claimed victory in the GTE-Pro class, while a third-place finish added to the team’s historic achievement, underscoring Ford’s enduring prowess in endurance racing.
2025: Mustang GTD Conquers the Nürburgring
Ford’s racing innovation continues today. The Mustang GTD recently became the first American production vehicle to record a sub-seven-minute lap at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Designed to be the most advanced Mustang ever, the GTD demonstrates Ford’s commitment to performance and engineering excellence, solidifying its place among the world’s top sports cars.
From Sweepstakes to Mustang GTD, Ford Racing’s history is defined by innovation, perseverance, and victories that have left an indelible mark on motorsports. Each milestone, across more than a century, reflects the spirit of a company that has always dared to push the limits of what’s possible on and off the track.
