The end of January saw a flurry of racing-related activity from Ford, with the company finally confirming it will build an LMDH car to compete in the WEC (though no mention of IMSA yet) from 2027, while also unveiling a NASCAR take on its Mustang Mach E EV.
Details of the LMDH program are sparse, though it is likely Ford will partner with Oreca on the chassis; the choice of powertrain is also still under wraps.
Bill Ford, Ford Motor Company executive chair, commented, “We are entering a new era for performance and racing at Ford. You can see it from what we’re doing on-road and off-road. When we race, we race to win. And there is no track or race that means more to our history than Le Mans. It is where we took on Ferrari and won in the 1960s. It is where we returned 50 years later and shocked the world and beat Ferrari again. I am thrilled that we’re going back to Le Mans and competing at the highest level of endurance racing. We are ready to once again challenge the world, and ‘go like hell!'”
Concurrent with the WEC announcement, Ford Performance also rolled out a technology demonstrator that combines elements of the current NASCAR Cup chassis with a Mach E-styled body and an EV powertrain. According to the company, it features a three-motor setup (similar to that used in the Pikes Peak Super Truck), a full carbon tub and a 78kWh battery. Ford also teased its 2025 Pikes Peak challenger, which will be styled on the Mach E, with the aim of continuing the Super Truck’s success at the Race to the Clouds.
