Mustang Challenge North America sets 2026 schedule

The 2026 schedule for Mustang Challenge North America has been revealed today by Ford. Next year, the one-make series will visit six premier racetracks in the United States during its third season, supporting IMSA and WEC races.

It's a 12-race campaign, launching in March and concluding in September, visiting Sebring, Laguna Seca, Mid-Ohio, Watkins Glen, VIRginia International Raceway and Circuit of The Americas along the way.

The first five meetings will feature on the IMSA support bill, before the season finale during the FIA WEC’s Lone Star Le Mans weekend in Texas.

The series will continue to feature Ford’s 500-horsepower, V8-powered Mustang Dark Horse R – a purpose-built race car derived from the high-performance Mustang Dark Horse road car. The two-class format, featuring the Dark Horse and Dark Horse Legends divisions, remains too, to provide a competitive and developmental platform for emerging and experienced drivers alike.

“Every decision for Mustang Challenge North America is for the best experience of our customer,” said Chris Ward, Ford Performance’s global one-make series manager. “The schedule is a critical first step to each season as it sets the tone for the year. We feel we have the best blend of tracks for our drivers and teams, as well as their families. The calendar has us in the paddock of premier tracks with the top sports car racing series in the world, surrounded by the Mustang GT4 and GT3 race cars, many of our drivers aspire to drive.”

Mustang Challenge is open to both young aspirant drivers with a Silver FIA rating and Bronze-graded drivers 45 or older. Each weekend consists of two 30-minute practice sessions, a 15-minute qualifying session, and two 45-minute sprint races.

2026 Mustang Challenge North America calendar

March 18/20: Sebring International Raceway (w/IMSA)

May 1/3: WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca (w/IMSA)

June 5/7: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (w/IMSA)

June 25/27: Watkins Glen International (w/IMSA)

August 21/23: VIRginia International Raceway (w/IMSA)

September 4/6: Circuit of The Americas (w/WEC)