Ford Motor Company’s racing division is quietly testing the boundaries between its NASCAR program and the world of sports car endurance, with the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona emerging as a potential proving ground. The prospect of seeing NASCAR drivers and teams take the wheel of a Mustang GT3 or a purpose‑built Ford GTP entry has sparked considerable debate within the industry.
Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Racing, has spoken openly about the possibility of fielding a Mustang GT3 or a Ford GTP entry for the iconic 24‑hour sprint. While the company remains non‑committal about bringing its LMDh challenger to North America, the success of the Mustang GT3 — both as a factory entry in IMSA and as a platform for customer teams worldwide — has given Ford a strong foothold that could be leveraged for a Daytona crossover.
Brad Keselowski, a former NASCAR champion, has publicly expressed interest in assembling a Hypercar operation under the RFK banner, a move that could bring top‑tier stock‑car talent into the Rolex 24 lineup. Such a step would mark a significant shift, blurring the traditional divide between stock‑car and sports‑car competition.
Implications for American Sports Car Racing
IMSA President John Doonan has welcomed the notion, suggesting that manufacturers and star drivers from the Cup Series could bring a new dimension to the Daytona 24 Hours. His endorsement signals a willingness among series leadership to explore collaborations that could reshape the American racing landscape.
Ford’s current focus is on its World Endurance Championship effort for 2027, with roughly 70 % of the driver roster already secured. The company is gradually completing its lineup while continuing to evaluate how its NASCAR and endurance programs might intersect, especially as the Rolex 24 Hours offers a unique platform for cross‑disciplinary experimentation.