· Brad Keselowski drove Mustang to its first victory in the NASCAR Cup Series in just its second race, capturing the Folds of Honor 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
· The first NASCAR Cup victory comes just over 18 months from the start of the development of the new race car.
· Ford Mustang is America’s best-selling sports car.
HAMPTON, Ga., Feb. 24, 2019 – The Ford Mustang recorded another milestone moment in its illustrious history this afternoon when Brad Keselowski captured victory in the Folds of Honor 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, giving the famous pony car a win in just its second Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race.
“This is a great day for Ford and it’s a testament to what can be achieved when everybody works together toward one common goal,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Performance Motorsports. “So many people were involved in the design and development of Mustang – from team engineers to design center staff at Ford to our internal team at Ford Performance – we all worked together on this project over the last 18 months and to see it end with a victory in just the car’s second race is beyond satisfying.”
“This is a tremendous honor to be the one to give Mustang its first win in the Cup Series,” said Keselowski. “I know how hard everyone at Ford Motor Company and Ford Performance have worked to bring this car to the race track and to see it go to victory lane in the second race is just a testament to all the hard work and dedication from everyone involved.”
Keselowski’s No. 2 Ford led 33 of 325 laps, but they were the right 33, coming down the stretch to give him his first win of the season, and write his name into the Mustang record books.
“I have been a part of Ford Performance for the last five years and each year they incrementally have ramped up their efforts in NASCAR,” Keselowski continued. “Switching to the Mustang was, to me, a big showing of Ford’s commitment to NASCAR long term. It is always great to leave your mark on that legacy and be the first one to win under those terms.”
Mustang, which has been recognized as America’s best-selling sports car, is no stranger to NASCAR success. Since becoming Ford’s model of choice in the NASCAR XFINITY Series in 2011, Mustang has won three driver’s championships and six owner’s titles.
It is also currently competing this season in IMSA’s Michelin Pilot Challenge, the Supercars Series in Australia, NHRA Funny Car, NHRA sportsman racing, and FIA GT4 championships in England and Australia.
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 (Monster Energy Cup Series, XFINITY Series, Gander Outdoors Truck Series), IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, FIA World Endurance Championship, Chinese Touring Car Championship, Formula Drift, Formula Ford (Formula Four), and NHRA Funny Car and sportsman drag racing. In addition. The organization also oversees the development and marketing of Ford’s racing engines and performance parts, 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 Company
Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions. Ford employs approximately 202,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.
