NASCAR HALL OF FAME OPENS NEW EXHIBIT FEATURING FORD MUSTANG
The brand-new display is part of the Inside NASCAR exhibit and offers a firsthand look at how Ford designed its Next Gen model for the NASCAR Cup Series
Editor’s note: new imagery can be found here
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 24, 2023) – Today the NASCAR Hall of Fame opened a new addition to the immersive, “Inside NASCAR” gallery highlighting the innovation of NASCAR with a display that includes the Ford NASCAR Next Gen Mustang and the Anatomy of a Race Car.
The refreshed exhibit offers visitors a glimpse into the development of the new car, featuring the Ford’s Next Gen Mustang, whose development took place at Ford’s Dearborn Design Center and at the Ford Performance Technical Center in Concord, North Carolina. The Next Gen exhibit provides guests with a deep dive into the process NASCAR, the manufacturers, and teams undertook to revolutionize the Cup Series car. The display is now open and available for guests to see and experience year-round.
“We are excited to open this new exhibit that explores the NASCAR Next Gen Cup Series car through the lens of the Ford Mustang and contributes to fulfilling part of the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s mission to honor the sport’s evolving history,” said Winston Kelley, Executive Director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. “Our exhibits are only possible through the partnerships we have throughout the NASCAR industry. We are grateful for the extensive commitment from Ford Performance which allows us to provide our guests a true behind the scenes look of the development of this revolutionary stock car.”
The new exhibit spotlights Ford’s iconic Mustang and how the Next Gen version closely mirrors its production counterpart with components like rack-and-pinion steering and independent rear suspension. In addition, the car is equipped to stay relevant as technological advances continue to be made, including potential hybrid and all-electric powertrains.
Highlights of the display include a Next Gen Mustang that was used during the testing phase of development, along with a clay model that Ford produced as an additional tool to gain approval from Ford leadership and ensure the race car had the same unique Mustang characteristics as the production model.
“This exhibit is going to show people that what we learn in motorsports directly ties back to the cars they drive every day,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Performance Motorsports. “The development of this car was a great example of teamwork within Ford and we’re excited about being able to tell that story. We’re grateful to the NASCAR Hall of Fame for this opportunity and look forward to engaging with everyone who stops by to visit.”
Ford had immediate success last season with its Next Gen Mustang, opening NASCAR’s new era with Joey Logano winning the inaugural Clash at the Coliseum. Other major victories followed as Austin Cindric won the Daytona 500 and Ryan Blaney took the annual All-Star Race. Ford and Logano capped off a memorable year by winning the season finale at Phoenix Raceway and claiming the NASCAR Cup Series championship.
In addition to viewing the cars on display, guests will have the opportunity to learn about the critical components of the Next Gen car by exploring digital interactives along with an engine provided by Roush Yates Engines. Images of the brand-new exhibit can be found here.
General admission tickets to the NASCAR Hall of Fame can be purchased online at nascarhall.com. Admission is $27 for adults, $24 for seniors with ID, $20 for military with ID, $20 for youth 4-12 and free for members and children three and under. High-octane combo packages are also available. All prices include tax. Memberships start at $60.
For more details, visit nascarhall.com and follow @NASCARHall on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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About NASCAR Hall of Fame
Located in Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is an interactive, entertainment attraction honoring the history and heritage of NASCAR. The high-tech venue, designed to educate and entertain race fans and non-fans alike, includes artifacts, hands-on exhibits, a 278-person state-of-the-art theater, Hall of Honor, Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant and the NASCAR Hall of Fame Gear Shop. Opened on May 11, 2010, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is owned by the City of Charlotte, licensed by NASCAR and operated by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. For more information, visit nascarhall.com.
About Ford Performance
Ford’s racing program is part of the Ford Performance organization based in Dearborn, Mich. It is responsible for major racing operations globally, including NASCAR (Cup Series, Xfinity Series, Craftsman Truck Series), IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, FIA World Rally Championship, Repco Supercars Championship, Formula Drift, NHRA Funny Car, off-road desert racing, and sportsman drag racing. In addition, the organization also oversees the development of Ford’s racing engines, as well as the outreach programs with all Ford Clubs and Ford enthusiasts. For more information regarding Ford racing’s activities, please visit www.fordperformance.com, www.facebook/FordPerformance, Ford Performance on Instagram and @FordPerformance on Twitter.
About Ford Motor Compnay
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen the loyalty of those customers. Ford develops and delivers innovative must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, as well as connected services. Additionally, Ford is establishing leadership positions in mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 176,000 people worldwide. More information about the company, its products and Ford Credit is available at corporate.ford.com.