In a landmark achievement, the Ford Mustang GT3 clinched its first global GT3 victory at the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona on January 26, 2025. The No. 65 Ford Multimatic Motorsports Mustang GT3, driven by Dennis Olsen, Christopher Mies, and Frédéric Vervisch, battled through the grueling 24-hour endurance race to claim the top spot in the GTD Pro class. Adding to the triumph, the No. 64 Mustang GT3, piloted by Seb Priaulx, Mike Rockenfeller, and Austin Cindric, secured a strong third-place finish, proving that Ford’s return to endurance racing is already making an impact.
A Legacy of Excellence at Daytona
Ford’s history at the 24 Hours of Daytona is nothing short of legendary. Mustang secured its first 24-hour race win here in 1967, and with this latest victory, the iconic pony car now boasts 10 wins at Daytona. Ford Motor Company itself has been victorious 20 times at this historic event, dating back to its first win in 1966 with the MKII. Before this year’s success, Ford’s most recent triumph came in 2018, when the Ford GT took home the GTLM class victory.
The Mustang GT3 wasted no time proving its potential in this year’s event. Right from qualifying, the car made an impact, with the No. 64 securing the front row of the grid. Veteran driver Mike Rockenfeller, returning for his second season, earned the second-ever pole position worldwide for the Mustang GT3 program, while Frédéric Vervisch, who stepped into a full-season seat, lined up just behind in the No. 65 car.
Teamwork and Dedication: Keys to Victory
This monumental win is a testament to the relentless effort and teamwork between Ford Performance and Multimatic Motorsports. Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance, reflected on the significance of the achievement, stating that this milestone victory makes the long hours, hard work, and early struggles worthwhile. He emphasized that this win is not just for Ford and its racing partners but also for the loyal Mustang fans who have supported the brand’s return to endurance racing.
Multimatic’s Pascal Zurlinden highlighted just how remarkable this success is, considering that only two years ago, the Mustang GT3 program didn’t even exist. Now, standing in Victory Lane at Daytona, the team’s commitment to precision engineering, advanced aerodynamics, and smart race strategy has paid off in a big way.
Driver Reactions and Looking Ahead
For the drivers, this was a hard-fought victory that came down to strategy, teamwork, and execution. Christopher Mies of the No. 65 team called the win unbelievable, reflecting on how much progress Ford had made in just a year. Dennis Olsen, who drove the final stint, admitted that it wasn’t easy holding off the competition in the final hour, but the car’s power, reliability, and precision handling helped seal the victory.
Meanwhile, the No. 64 team, though not on the top step of the podium, was equally thrilled to see Ford dominate the GTD Pro class. Austin Cindric, known for his success in NASCAR, spoke about how special it was to be part of such a historic moment in endurance racing, calling this victory one step closer to a dream win at Daytona.
This win at Daytona International Speedway is just the beginning for the Mustang GT3 program. As Ford continues to fine-tune and develop its global endurance racing strategy, the future looks incredibly bright. With victories like this, Ford’s commitment to motorsports innovation remains stronger than ever.
At Haldeman Ford East Windsor, we’re proud to be part of the Ford family and celebrate this historic achievement. Whether you’re a die-hard Mustang fan or just excited to see Ford dominate on the track, we invite you to visit us and experience Ford performance firsthand. Contact us or stop by in person today and explore our lineup of powerful, race-inspired Ford vehicles!
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