DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – As Ford celebrates its 125th anniversary starting with Henry Ford’s vision in 1901, the pair of Ford Racing Ford Mustang GT3 cars are adorned in a special “Sweepstakes” livery for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season finale Motul Petit Le Mans at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.
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Ford expanded on the ideation and backstory on its website:
“In 1901, Henry Ford was a struggling entrepreneur in the automotive industry. However, he was determined to prove efficient “, safe and mass-produced automobiles could be viable. In what some might call a last-ditch effort, Ford entered his newest vehicle, known as “Sweepstakes,” in a local race in Grosse Pointe, Michigan scheduled for October 10 of that year. Going up against heavy favorite Alexander Winton, Ford managed the upset and rode “Sweepstakes” to an astounding victory. The win can, in-part, be attributed to the engine durability that was displayed in “Sweepstakes”. Durability and quality craftsmanship remain key elements Ford Motor Company still prides itself on today. The excitement surrounding the win allowed Ford to attract new investors for his next business venture, one that today we know as Ford Motor Company.
“Now, as part of Ford Racing’s 125th anniversary celebration, a special IMSA GTD Pro livery will be showcased at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta’s Petit Le Mans on Saturday, October 3. The familiar blue and white colors of the Ford Racing factory Mustang GT3 race cars will be replaced by less a livery and more a living time-capsule.
“The championship-chasing factory Ford Racing Mustang GT3s will carry a livery drawing from the “Sweepstakes” racer that started it all, highlighted by both the design and color scheme debuted by Henry Ford himself. The concept goes so deep to ensure historical accuracy, a comprehensive color-matching process was performed to perfectly replicate the color palette of the original “Sweepstakes” and the Nos. 64 and 65 Mustangs.
“Notable elements of the livery include the use of the original Ford Motor Company logo as well as a nod to Ford’s 1903 founding date. Those watching closely will also notice other historical details and Ford facts when the cars roll off the Petit Le Mans grid on Saturday, October 3. And it’s not only the livery that will take part in the anniversary celebrations. The drivers’ firesuits replicate a turn of the 20th century three-piece suit, recognizing Henry Ford’s race day attire 125 years ago.
“For the first time, the “Glow Pony” – version 2.0 as Scott Bartlett, Manager of On-Road Racing and Product Marketing likes to call it – will be fully illuminated. As opposed to only the outline of the Mustang fans have come to look for in the night at international sports car races, the inner section of the “Glow Pony” will brightly display the American flag in black and gold colors, acting as a nod to the 250th anniversary of the United States.
“By blending the popular “Glow Pony” illumination on the rear fender with a tribute to America’s 250th Anniversary, there will be no mistaking Ford’s American spirit.”
More is available at the above link and the below YouTube video.
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Both Bartlett and Ted Ryan, Heritage Brand Manager and Archivist at Ford, expanded on the livery during a media availability Tuesday.
“In 30 years I’ve never done anything that exciting,” Ryan said. “Not just to be on ‘Sweepstakes,’ but it was so critical to what became Ford Motor Company. He only (raced) it once! The way everything came together was a seminal moment. We did it within a mile or two of actual racetrack where it took place in 1901. A week before the official at Petit Le Mans. It was Bartlett’s idea.
“The timing is so perfect … the black additive made the wheels last longer (instead of white). It proved the technical prowess. I think Henry Ford would be smiling down.
“The livery blew me away. I’m wearing my suit, and I hadn’t seen the car. That’s such a cool looking car. It stopped everyone on site.
“How we kept it secret, I have no idea.”
Bartlett added, “‘Sweepstakes’ might be a crazy idea to celebrate 125. It’s the easiest way to celebrate the heritage and the history. It took some convincing for (Mark) Rushbrook to put black, gold and red onto a Ford racing color… which is all blue. That shocking moment helps the history. It’s such a divergence from normal.
The team kept ideating. What if we put ‘H. Ford’ as one of the driver names on the B-pillar? And the First Ford Motor Company logos on hood and decklid. And there’s two more surprises you’ll see… the driver suits on Saturday will be different. Glow pony itself.”
Ford has the potential to win the GTD PRO Manufacturer Championship, entering down 68 points.
“What a story it would be to book end to start with the championship and end with a win,” Bartlett admitted. “There’s a lot of opportunities for others. It would be a Cinderella story to close out 125 with a championship.
“These big events are closest to our 125th anniversary. It fell right in there. It’s seven days out. The timing is precisely why. We started the messaging a year ago but this could be the mic drop moment at the end of the campaign. IMSA is known for having spectacular liveries, and we can control the liveries. It was the best of both worlds. We have a fun history of cool IMSA liveries… so why not continue with this one!”