AUSTIN, Texas — Mustang Challenge continues August 29 through September 1 for its penultimate event of the season at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. The championship heats up in The Lone Star State, as nearly 30 Mustang Dark Horse R competitors are set to make the famous 134-foot climb into the first turn of one of America’s most iconic circuits for a chance at the title.
Muniz Mania for Race 1
NASCAR up-and-comer and Ford driver Frankie Muniz will expand his racing portfolio, as Ford Performance announced earlier this week his participation in the August 31 opening race at Circuit of The Americas. The Scottsdale, Ariz. native made his NASCAR debut in 2023, collecting one top-five and 11 top-10 performances in the ARCA Menards Series. Now Muniz will tackle the tricky twists and turns of COTA in a one-off series debut.
Muniz will shift the broadcast booth as a guest commentator for Sunday’s Mustang Challenge race. For streaming details and for notifications, visit https://www.youtube.com/@FordPerformance.
Paley on the Prowl
Sam Paley became the newest member of the Dark Horse class to climb the top step, winning both races at Road America last month. Paley currently ranks third in the championship, narrowly behind race-winners Tyler Maxson and Robert Noaker.
DH Race Winners (through three events):
Maxson – 3
Paley – 2
Noaker – 1
Order of Events
AUGUST 30
9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.: Practice 1
2:35 p.m. – 3:05 p.m.: Practice 2
AUGUST 31
9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.: Qualifying
4:40 p.m. – 5:25 p.m.: Race 1
SEPTEMBER 1
8:40 a.m. – 9:25 a.m.: Race 2
*All times local to Austin, Texas