Ford to End Ford GT Racing Program

[Miatatom]

Nothing lasts forever but this bites.

https://autoweek.com/article/sports-cars/ford-confirms-end-factory-gt-program-after-2019

[1930fordpickup]

Looks like Fords racing History is repeating itself again. They are only all in, for a few years then they jump out again. I am sure it is a money deal again. 

[The Junkman]

"While that commitment won’t be extended, it doesn’t mean that Ford will abandon the GT racing program; it could be left in the hands of Ganassi Racing, which fields the IMSA cars, and/or Multimatic, which fields the WEC program. "

While I find this quote to be hopeful, how competitive will the GT's be in a couple of years without full factory support?  Also, will Ford come up with another "halo car" to showcase in the same manner?  Unlikely.  I think it IS a money deal but IIRC, they did say they were in it for 3 years back in 2016 so its not like they surprised us.  OTOH, the Revell Ford GT race cars have hit the US.

Edited April 22, 2019 by The Junkman

[Jhedir6]

It is too bad Ford won't be continuing the factory effort beyond 2019. It is a shame that they participate for a couple years then back out. I do think it is possible for Ganassi to run the GT's for a couple more years in the GTLM/GTE Pro categories without full factory support since the cars really are only 4 yrs old, the current Vette's are just wrapping up their 6th season with the car, so the Ford's could last a couple more. Also, Ben Keating is running a GT this year at Le Mans in the GTE AM class, so it's possible he'll run it for a couple years in the GTD/GTE AM classes since it's a pretty pricey purchase for just a one off at Le Mans this year. Ford still has the GT4 Mustangs, but unless they try to develop the 2020 Shelby GT500 into a GT3 racer, it'll be sad to see them back out of top tier sports car racing. Tho it is possible to see them get back into the Prototype class with the twin turbo V6. 

 

[martinfan5]

When Ford announced the start of this program they said it would only last till the end 2019, so this isnt a surprise to everyone involved.

[martinfan5]

5 hours ago, The Junkman said:

 

 Also, will Ford come up with another "halo car" to showcase in the same manner?  Unlikely. 

Agreed,  I mean, for that, Ford would need to, oh, maybe continue making cars beside just the Mustang.

[The Junkman]

1 hour ago, martinfan5 said:

Agreed,  I mean, for that, Ford would need to, oh, maybe continue making cars beside just the Mustang.

 Explorers and Escapes aren't cars? 

Edited April 22, 2019 by The Junkman

[martinfan5]

18 minutes ago, The Junkman said:

 Explorers and Escapes aren't cars? 

One is a SUV and one is a CUV/crossover , so no, they are not cars like a the Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, C-Max, Mustang and Taurus , those are what we consider "cars".

Like I said, the only "car" Ford is going to be making in the future is the Mustang, they will still be making trucks/SUV/CUV/Crossovers.

Edited April 22, 2019 by martinfan5

[The Junkman]

2 hours ago, martinfan5 said:

One is a SUV and one is a CUV/crossover , so no, they are not cars like a the Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, C-Max, Mustang and Taurus , those are what we consider "cars".

Like I said, the only "car" Ford is going to be making in the future is the Mustang, they will still be making trucks/SUV/CUV/Crossovers.

Obviously I am a Mustang adherent but I guess Ford is making what people want to buy.  During the next gas price spike?  Who knows?

[niteowl7710]

My Silverado has cylinder deactivation at highway speeds and goes down to a "V-4" (according to the gauge), and will get 25MPG doing so.  That's 2-3 MPG better than my '05 Ford Taurus ever got.

It's getting to the point where you almost have to special order a V-8 F-150 if you're not shopping in say Texas.  Most of the inventory around here is all the Twin Turbo V-6, even the Expedition is running that engine.