Ford Racing News


pacettr

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Apr 2, 2013
101
Mustang, OK
...and a silver example at 2:11
 

RALPHIE

GT Owner
Mar 1, 2007
7,278
In "Fast News from Ford Racing, September 4, 2014, Vol. 7, Issue 41:

View attachment 35540

Does Fall Find You in a Festive Mood? Plan to Enjoy FordtoberFest, a Pony Ride, Color Tour or a GT Rally -
.
.
.
If only Ford supercars will do, the Ford GT National Rally http://www.fordgtforum.com/rally/ returns to Las Vegas Oct. 14-16 with a show, track action, scenic drives and a visit to the Carroll Shelby Heritage Center. The FordGTForum.com website has details....
 
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RALPHIE

GT Owner
Mar 1, 2007
7,278
In "Fast News from Ford Racing, October 30, 2014, Vol. 7, Issue 44:

Racing Legend Dan Gurney Receives Edison-Ford Medal

VIDEO: GURNEY RECEIVES EDISON-FORD MEDAL FROM THE HENRY FORD

View attachment 36001

(The Henry Ford Press Release)

The Henry Ford paid tribute to racing legend Dan Gurney on Wednesday during a special ceremony at Henry Ford Museum, awarding him the Edison-Ford Medal for his ingenuity and lifetime of innovative achievements. The Edison-Ford Medal is designed to honor those who fully leverage the creative, innovative and entrepreneurial spirit that resides in every one of us. Special guest Charlie Rose, talk show host, journalist and co-anchor of “CBS This Morning,” served as Master of Ceremonies.

“It is a great honor to award the Edison-Ford Medal to Mr. Gurney, whose success and contributions both on and off the race track have played a pivotal role in shaping American auto racing into what it is today,” said Patricia Mooradian, president of The Henry Ford. “We are very privileged at The Henry Ford to be able to share his inspiring story of ingenuity and innovation through our collections with our visitors every day.”

In addition to a number of memorable wins in a variety of racing categories, Gurney established himself not only as one of racing’s most successful drivers, but also as an innovative car builder and team owner. Gurney’s wide-ranging curiosity and hands-on attitude have resulted in a number of innovations including the downforce-increasing “Gurney flap” and the “rolling wind tunnel,” built at his race shop, All American Racers, to test the at-speed aerodynamics of scale models.

Gurney is also tied to several automobiles that are part of The Henry Ford’s world premier automotive collection, including the 1962 Ford Mustang I Concept Car driven at Watkins Glen, the 1965 Lotus-Ford Race Car that Jim Clark used to win the 1965 Indianapolis 500, and the 1967 Ford Mark IV Race Car, used for perhaps his most famous win at the 1967 24 Hours of LeMans. After winning that race, Gurney famously sprayed the crowd with champagne, starting a racing tradition.

Dan Gurney is only the second recipient of the Edison-Ford Medal. Established in 1989 on the 60th anniversary of The Henry Ford, the medal was awarded that year to Dr. W. Edwards Deming, the Father of the Quality Evolution.

[video=youtube;oOl0pBhY4_0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOl0pBhY4_0[/video]
 

RALPHIE

GT Owner
Mar 1, 2007
7,278
In "Fast News from Ford Performance, January 15, 2015, Vol. 8, Issue 3:

View attachment 36997

Highlighted by GT Return, Ford Unveils New Performance Models at NAIAS

With Ford making many huge announcements this week, the all-new, ultra high performance Ford GT is stealing the show. Showcasing top EcoBoost technology and performance, the twin-turbo V6 is set to pop out more than 600hp. Beginning production late next year, the GT is set to arrive just in time for the 50th anniversary of the historic 1-2-3 finish at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans.

See what the media had to say about the new GT, and an exclusive NAIAS Photo Gallery to fill you in on all the details.

FORD GT RETURNS

View attachment 36998


∙ All-new Ford GT supercar sets new standards for Ford innovation through performance with advances in light-weighting, aerodynamics and ultra-efficient EcoBoost® engine

∙ Ford GT features the most powerful EcoBoost production engine ever – a new twin-turbocharged Ford EcoBoost V6 producing more than 600 horsepower

∙ Ultra-high-performance supercar is Ford’s most extreme offering, infused with race-proven technology engineered to keep company with exotics when it goes into production in 2016

Ford today unveiled the all-new GT, an ultra-high-performance supercar that serves as a technology showcase for top EcoBoost® performance, aerodynamics and lightweight carbon fiber construction.

The GT is one of more than 12 new Ford Performance vehicles coming by 2020. It joins Focus RS, F-150 Raptor, Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT350R in the growing Ford Performance lineup.

Beginning production late next year, the GT hits the road in select global markets to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ford GT race cars placing 1-2-3 at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans.

“As we at Ford drive innovation into every part of our business, it’s worth remembering that our first innovation as a company was not in a laboratory, but on the racetrack,” said Mark Fields, Ford president and chief executive officer, referring to Henry Ford’s win of a 1901 car race that inspired financial backers to invest in his company. “We are passionate about innovation through performance and creating vehicles that make people’s hearts pound.”

The all-new GT supercar features rear-wheel drive, a mid-mounted engine, and a sleek, aerodynamic, two-door coupe body shell. It is propelled by the most powerful EcoBoost production engine ever – a next-generation twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 producing more than 600 horsepower.

The GT makes extensive use of lightweight materials, including carbon fiber and aluminum – enabling outstanding acceleration and handling with improved efficiency.

Ford’s commitment to and capability in delivering technologies typically offered only in elite vehicles is evident in the GT. These include advanced active aerodynamics, such as a deployable rear spoiler, and a host of material and technology innovations to help better serve the driver, such as SYNC® 3 – the latest version of Ford’s advanced connectivity system.

“The GT is the ultimate execution of an enthusiast supercar,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “GT includes innovations and technologies that can be applied broadly across Ford’s future product portfolio – another proof point that Ford continues raising the performance bar while ultimately improving vehicles for all of our customers.”

Carbon fiber innovation
Few innovations provide a more wide-ranging performance and efficiency advantage than reducing weight. All factors of a vehicle’s capabilities – acceleration, handling, braking, safety, efficiency – can improve through the use of advanced, lighter materials.

The all-new GT features advanced lightweight composites, which will help serve Ford’s entire product lineup moving forward. With the broad application of structural carbon fiber elements, the GT will exhibit one of the best power-to-weight ratios of any production car.

Anchored by a carbon fiber passenger cell, the GT features aluminum front and rear subframes encapsulated in structural carbon fiber body panels. Carbon fiber is one of the world’s strongest materials for its mass – enabling an ultra-stiff foundation for chassis components, while creating a lighter overall package for increased dynamic performance and efficiency.

Most powerful production EcoBoost ever
Ford EcoBoost technology is available in every new Ford car, utility and light-duty pickup in North America beginning this year.

EcoBoost engines power a growing number of Ford performance models, including the new Mustang, just-announced F-150 Raptor, as well as Fiesta ST and Focus ST.

Based on the same race-proven engine architecture serving Ford’s IMSA Daytona Prototype endurance racing efforts, the next-generation twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 in the GT features a wide powerband with impressive time-to-torque characteristics.

The engine demonstrates remarkable efficiency – a key attribute of its endurance racing-derived powertrain, where exceptional performance combined with efficiency is a critical competitive advantage.

Ford’s twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 raced to three wins in its first season of the IMSA TUDOR United SportsCar Championship in 2014, including a win in the prestigious 12 Hours of Sebring, along with seven podiums over more than 15,000 endurance racing miles.

The GT features an all-new, port/direct dual fuel-injection setup to improve engine response, plus a low-friction roller-finger-follower valvetrain. The twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 will be paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transaxle for near-instantaneous gear changes and exceptional driver control.

Aero innovation gets active
Aerodynamic efficiency is at the heart of the GT design, actively reducing drag while aiding downforce and stability.

From its optimum tear-drop shape to its aircraft-inspired fuselage and visibility-enhancing curved windshield, every slope and shape is designed to minimize drag and optimize downforce.

Although each surface on the GT is functionally crafted to manage airflow, it also features fully active aerodynamic components to improve braking, handling and stability.

An active rear spoiler is keyed to both speed and driver input, reactively deploying and adjusting its height and/or pitch angle depending on conditions.

Designed for purpose
While it shares a legacy with classic Ford racing and performance cars, GT is a fully contemporary and functional shape that communicates modernity and pure beauty.

The state-of-the-art chassis is suspended by an active racing-style torsion bar and pushrod suspension, with adjustable ride height. The 20-inch wheels are shod with Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup 2 tires featuring a unique compound and structure designed specifically for the Ford GT. Multi-spoke wheels encircle carbon-ceramic brake discs at all four corners.

The narrow-profile canopy reduces frontal area and caps a purposeful interior that provides state-of-the-art technology to ensure control, comfort and safety. The two-seat cockpit is accessed by upward-swinging doors, and features driver and passenger seats integrated directly into the carbon fiber passenger cell.

This configuration significantly reduces seating hardware and weight, and provides a consistent and direct sensory connection to the chassis. The fixed seating is combined with adjustable pedals and steering column to accommodate a very wide range of driver statures.

An F1-style steering wheel integrates all necessary driver controls, creating a stalkless steering column that allows uncluttered access to the transmission paddle-shift controls. A fully digital and configurable instrument cluster provides a wealth of driver-focused data. The display is configurable for multiple driving environments and different driving modes.

“While we hope enthusiasts rejoice about this all-new GT, all Ford customers will benefit from the ultimate performance Ford and its new-generation innovations,” said Nair.

http://racing.ford.com/series/more-racing/news/articles/2015/01/ford-gt-returns.html
 
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RALPHIE

GT Owner
Mar 1, 2007
7,278
In "Fast News from Ford Performance, January 29, 2015, Vol. 8, Issue 5:

View attachment 37191

EcoBoost Power on Full Display at Daytona With Rolex 24 Victory

Ford EcoBoost power was on full display this past weekend at the 53rd Rolex 24 at Daytona. The No.02 Daytona Prototype claimed and reclaimed the race's fastest laps throughout the race, and at the end the EcoBoost stood on top.

Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates now holds the record with six wins at the Rolex 24. "I know every time we come here, we can win," said Sabates. Look out for a great year from the EcoBoosts in 2015, and in the meantime celebrate Ford Performance's historic victory with this exclusive wallpaper.

JAN 25, 2015 | DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA
ROLEX 24 TRIUMPH FULFILLS PROMISE OF DRIVERS' TALENT, ECOBOOST POWER


By Team Ford Performance Correspondent

Ford EcoBoost-power helped make Scott Dixon, Jamie McMurray, Kyle Larson and Tony Kanaan’s job look easy as they drove their No. 02 Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates' Daytona Prototype to claim victory in the 53rd Rolex 24 At Daytona.

The win was the sixth in Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates’ 12 tries, starting with the 2004 race and the team has additionally claimed the other of North America's most important endurance race: 204 Sebring 12 Hours.

“When I first went to Chip about doing this, I knew we would win,” Sabates said. “The Ganassi organization is one of the top racing organizations worldwide. Anything they put their minds to, they’re going to win with. I know every time we come here, we can win.”

Dixon immediately served notice of the team’s intent with the fall of the race’s first green flag by overtaking the race’s polesitter and passing him by the conclusion of Daytona International Speedway’s 3.56-mile race course’s first turn. Dixon would reinforce that intention over the course of his first stint in the car, solely claiming and reclaiming the race’s initial fast laps, setting four in all before he turned the car over to McMurray who claimed a few honors in his own right.

McMurray said he each year anxiously awaits an email from team director Mike Hull, inviting him to join the team’s two-car assault on the Rolex 24.

“With the exception of the memories that come with a wife and kids, these memories are the most special to me,” McMurray said, who with this win is the only race car driver to have won the Rolex 24, the Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400, additionally joining a club now of three drivers to claim the Daytona 500 and the Rolex 24. Notable Ford drivers Mario Andretti and AJ Foyt are the others.

“You know, Mike (Hull, team director) and I are throwbacks of a sort, “Chip Ganassi said, “Because we grew up in a time when the great drivers didn’t just drive in one series or one race.

As a result of this win Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates now holds the record for the most 24-hour races won in the race’s history, six.

The No. 01 Ford EcoBoost Daytona Prototype of Scott Pruett, Joey Hand, Sage Karam and Charlie Kimball would finish 25th overall but scored points with their seventh-place finish in class.

The No. 01 car fell to the wayside in the races final hours with a clutch-related issue, first during Karam's stint and in a following Hand stint, the final blow.

“I was really looking forward to the battle in the race’s final hours,” Hand said.

It was an especially tough loss for Pruett inasmuch as the No. 01 until its retirement was the equal of the No. 02 car that went on to claim the race.

“(This is not) the way we thought this was going to end,” Pruett said dejectedly.

“We thought it was going to be an epic battle the last three hours with the 10, the 5 and the 02. I’m really just disappointed for all the guys. All the Ganassi guys, all the Ford guys. All the effort and energy that goes into getting here. All the work, all the countless nights of lost sleep. Just all the dedication these guys put in. The engine, I can’t say enough about Ford. The EcoBoost engine ran flawlessly. It was incredible. The good news is we have a lot of good racing ahead. In the meantime, we’ll try to get over this one.”


http://racing.ford.com/series/road-...s-promise-of-drivers--talent--ecoboost-p.html
 
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RALPHIE

GT Owner
Mar 1, 2007
7,278
In "Fast News from Ford Performance, February 20, 2015, Vol. 8, Issue 7

View attachment 37388

Exclusive Gallery of the Ford GT at the Chicago Auto Show

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152991499003820.1073742186.44789073819&type=1
 

RALPHIE

GT Owner
Mar 1, 2007
7,278
In "Fast News from Ford Performance, March 5, 2015, Vol. 8, Issue 9

View attachment 37574

Integration of Ford's Production and Motorsports Efforts Highlighted by Twelve New Models


Ford's big announcement: The uniting of regional performance engineering and racing teams as one global Ford team made waves in the automotive world. With 12 new Ford Performance models being rolled out through 2020 the future of Ford is exciting. Dave Pericak, Director of Ford Performance, and Jamie Allison, Director of Racing Operations, joined Autoline After Hour to discuss everything Ford Performance.​

LATEST NEWS

MAR 4, 2015
VIDEO: FORD PERFORMANCE LEADERS DISCUSS PUSHING BOUNDARIES IN MOTORSPORTS, PRODUCTION VEHICLES

Dave Pericak, head of Ford Performance, and Jamie Allison, who directs the racing operations of Ford Performance, recently joined the Autoline After Hours show for a revealing interview about the continuing integration of Ford's production and racing efforts to create winning vehicles both on the track and in the showroom.

[video=youtube;mMTqPo0JV7I]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMTqPo0JV7I[/video]

FORD GT RETURNS

View attachment 37576

JAN 12, 2015
FORD GT RETURNS

View attachment 37575

• All-new Ford GT supercar sets new standards for Ford innovation through performance with advances in light-weighting, aerodynamics and ultra-efficient EcoBoost® engine

• Ford GT features the most powerful EcoBoost production engine ever – a new twin-turbocharged Ford EcoBoost V6 producing more than 600 horsepower

• Ultra-high-performance supercar is Ford’s most extreme offering, infused with race-proven technology engineered to keep company with exotics when it goes into production in 2016

Ford today unveiled the all-new GT, an ultra-high-performance supercar that serves as a technology showcase for top EcoBoost® performance, aerodynamics and lightweight carbon fiber construction.

The GT is one of more than 12 new Ford Performance vehicles coming by 2020. It joins Focus RS, F-150 Raptor, Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT350R in the growing Ford Performance lineup.

Beginning production late next year, the GT hits the road in select global markets to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ford GT race cars placing 1-2-3 at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans.

“As we at Ford drive innovation into every part of our business, it’s worth remembering that our first innovation as a company was not in a laboratory, but on the racetrack,” said Mark Fields, Ford president and chief executive officer, referring to Henry Ford’s win of a 1901 car race that inspired financial backers to invest in his company. “We are passionate about innovation through performance and creating vehicles that make people’s hearts pound.”

The all-new GT supercar features rear-wheel drive, a mid-mounted engine, and a sleek, aerodynamic, two-door coupe body shell. It is propelled by the most powerful EcoBoost production engine ever – a next-generation twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 producing more than 600 horsepower.

The GT makes extensive use of lightweight materials, including carbon fiber and aluminum – enabling outstanding acceleration and handling with improved efficiency.

Ford’s commitment to and capability in delivering technologies typically offered only in elite vehicles is evident in the GT. These include advanced active aerodynamics, such as a deployable rear spoiler, and a host of material and technology innovations to help better serve the driver, such as SYNC® 3 – the latest version of Ford’s advanced connectivity system.

“The GT is the ultimate execution of an enthusiast supercar,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “GT includes innovations and technologies that can be applied broadly across Ford’s future product portfolio – another proof point that Ford continues raising the performance bar while ultimately improving vehicles for all of our customers.”

Carbon fiber innovation
Few innovations provide a more wide-ranging performance and efficiency advantage than reducing weight. All factors of a vehicle’s capabilities – acceleration, handling, braking, safety, efficiency – can improve through the use of advanced, lighter materials.

The all-new GT features advanced lightweight composites, which will help serve Ford’s entire product lineup moving forward. With the broad application of structural carbon fiber elements, the GT will exhibit one of the best power-to-weight ratios of any production car.

Anchored by a carbon fiber passenger cell, the GT features aluminum front and rear subframes encapsulated in structural carbon fiber body panels. Carbon fiber is one of the world’s strongest materials for its mass – enabling an ultra-stiff foundation for chassis components, while creating a lighter overall package for increased dynamic performance and efficiency.

Most powerful production EcoBoost ever
Ford EcoBoost technology is available in every new Ford car, utility and light-duty pickup in North America beginning this year.

EcoBoost engines power a growing number of Ford performance models, including the new Mustang, just-announced F-150 Raptor, as well as Fiesta ST and Focus ST.

Based on the same race-proven engine architecture serving Ford’s IMSA Daytona Prototype endurance racing efforts, the next-generation twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 in the GT features a wide powerband with impressive time-to-torque characteristics.
The engine demonstrates remarkable efficiency – a key attribute of its endurance racing-derived powertrain, where exceptional performance combined with efficiency is a critical competitive advantage.

Ford’s twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 raced to three wins in its first season of the IMSA TUDOR United SportsCar Championship in 2014, including a win in the prestigious 12 Hours of Sebring, along with seven podiums over more than 15,000 endurance racing miles.

The GT features an all-new, port/direct dual fuel-injection setup to improve engine response, plus a low-friction roller-finger-follower valvetrain. The twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 will be paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transaxle for near-instantaneous gear changes and exceptional driver control.

Aero innovation gets active
Aerodynamic efficiency is at the heart of the GT design, actively reducing drag while aiding downforce and stability.

From its optimum tear-drop shape to its aircraft-inspired fuselage and visibility-enhancing curved windshield, every slope and shape is designed to minimize drag and optimize downforce.

Although each surface on the GT is functionally crafted to manage airflow, it also features fully active aerodynamic components to improve braking, handling and stability.

An active rear spoiler is keyed to both speed and driver input, reactively deploying and adjusting its height and/or pitch angle depending on conditions.

Designed for purpose
While it shares a legacy with classic Ford racing and performance cars, GT is a fully contemporary and functional shape that communicates modernity and pure beauty.

The state-of-the-art chassis is suspended by an active racing-style torsion bar and pushrod suspension, with adjustable ride height. The 20-inch wheels are shod with Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup 2 tires featuring a unique compound and structure designed specifically for the Ford GT. Multi-spoke wheels encircle carbon-ceramic brake discs at all four corners.

The narrow-profile canopy reduces frontal area and caps a purposeful interior that provides state-of-the-art technology to ensure control, comfort and safety. The two-seat cockpit is accessed by upward-swinging doors, and features driver and passenger seats integrated directly into the carbon fiber passenger cell.

This configuration significantly reduces seating hardware and weight, and provides a consistent and direct sensory connection to the chassis. The fixed seating is combined with adjustable pedals and steering column to accommodate a very wide range of driver statures.

An F1-style steering wheel integrates all necessary driver controls, creating a stalkless steering column that allows uncluttered access to the transmission paddle-shift controls. A fully digital and configurable instrument cluster provides a wealth of driver-focused data. The display is configurable for multiple driving environments and different driving modes.

“While we hope enthusiasts rejoice about this all-new GT, all Ford customers will benefit from the ultimate performance Ford and its new-generation innovations,” said Nair.
 
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RALPHIE

GT Owner
Mar 1, 2007
7,278
In "Fast News from Ford Performance, March 19, 2015, Vol. 8, Issue 11

PERFORMANCE VEHICLES

View attachment 37701

Le Mans-Winning Ford GT40 Ready to Be Restored by RK Motors

VIDEO: RK MOTORS CHARLOTTE AQUIRES, BEGINS RESTORING LE MANS-WINNING GT40

View attachment 37702

RK Motors Charlotte announced it has purchased one of motorsports history’s most iconic racecars -- the 1966 Le Mans-winning #2, P/1046 GT40, the first American-built car to win endurance racing’s most prestigious competition.

The company also revealed a comprehensive, 20-month restoration has begun, culminating with a formal re-introduction at the 2016 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in Monterey, Calif. That event will mark the 50th anniversary of the Le Mans victory.

Read more about this historic project and see more photos on the RK Motors Charlotte website.


http://www.rkmotorscharlotte.com/co...mans-winning-p1046-gt40/?category=GT40 P/1046

[video=youtube;IOXiJI_HILQ]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOXiJI_HILQ[/video]
 

DataDale

Ford GT Team Alumni
Aug 21, 2007
70
Dearborn Hgts.
Very cool, see you in Aug. here in Dearborn.
Thanks Ralphie
 

RALPHIE

GT Owner
Mar 1, 2007
7,278
In "Fast News from Ford Performance, June 10, 2015, Vol. 8, Issue 23

View attachment 38445

http://racing.ford.com/enthusiasts/...lected-you-to-be-in-our--ford-fan-spotli.html
 

Indy GT

Yea, I got one...too
Mark IV Lifetime
Jan 14, 2006
2,526
Greenwood, IN
Yep, I know Terry!
And he loves his GT. He will be a first time attendee at R10.
 

Biginch Blake

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Nov 4, 2008
983
Rockville, Indiana
Me and Indy GT have known Terry for years. He is the "Ford Performance Enthusiast" for sure. Loves to drive and show his FGT and has several Mustangs as well. Never been on the Forum but know a lot of other FGT owners around the area. Great guy and I think he has plans to attend the really this year.
 

RALPHIE

GT Owner
Mar 1, 2007
7,278
In "Fast News from Ford Performance, June 12, 2015, Vol. 8, Special Edition

>> LATEST NEWS

JUN 12, 2015 | LE MANS, FRANCE
MEDIA ROOM: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: DAVE BANNISTER OF FORD GT FORUM

View attachment 38476

By TRENTON ZEISLER
FORD PERFORMANCE


The Ford Performance announcement about an all-new Ford GT race car making a return to Le Mans for 2016 has rocked the Ford enthusiast world. But to Ford GT superfans and last-gen owners, such as David Bannister, founder of Ford GT Forum.com,

Today’s press reveal marks the beginning of a new era of Ford Performance.

Immediately after the Ford GT press conference in Le Mans, Ford Performance cornered Bannister for a quick Q & A to offer us some perspective on the announcement from a true Ford GT insider:

Q - FORD PERFORMANCE: You just witnessed automotive history – what thoughts are going through your mind right now?

A - BANNISTER: “It’s a great day to be a Ford enthusiast! Ford getting back on the grid at Le Mans in a GT is a real dream come true, and the company is going all-in with the effort. Having Bill Ford, Mark Fields and Raj Nair here to announce the program shows how committed the company is. The fact we’ll get to watch a new Ford GT race not just Ferrari, but also Porsche, Aston Martin, Corvette, etc., in full WEC and Tudor seasons at race tracks around the world? I can’t wait. The thought of a Chip Ganassi Ford GT going through the corkscrew at Laguna or through Eau Rouge at Spa is spine-tingling stuff!”

Q - FORD PERFORMANCE: What’s your favorite part of the Ford GT race car?

A - BANNISTER: “First, it looks off-the hook, but it’s also amazing how close it is to the road car. You get the same light weight, aerodynamic efficiency and powertrain technology in either one, and that highlights how performance is really driving Ford right now. Plus it’s just stunningly beautiful. It’s so futuristic, but also obviously another evolution of the GT lineage. Makes me wonder how cool a Ford GT LM edition road car would be.”

Q - FORD PERFORMANCE: What do you think the other car manufactures are thinking right now?

A - BANNISTER: “I’d guess a lot of them are thinking they would love to play spoiler next year. Competition at Le Mans is brutal and unforgiving enough as it is. With the level of attention the GT brings, it’s just going to make it that much tougher. But this level of racing is like boxing; nobody that sets foot in the ring is scared -- or they wouldn’t do it. Still, I’m sure they are also thinking, ‘Great, now we have to deal with that in full seasons of Tudor and FIA WEC?’ All it takes is one look at the car to know that Ford was really trying to raise the bar when this car was designed”.

Q - FORD PERFORMANCE: When was the first time you remember seeing a Ford GT?

A - BANNISTER: “The first time I saw a Ford GT in the wild, I was heading west on Interstate 94 in Michigan and a white-and-blue blur came flying past me in the other direction. I’ll never forget it because not only was I thinking how amazing the car looked actually out on road, but it passed just as I went by the exit for ‘Race Road.’ I thought that was amusingly appropriate.”

Q - FORD PERFORMANCE: How would you describe the passion for this car from an enthusiast’s standpoint?

A - BANNISTER: “Ford GT is such an icon that it really stands alone amongst all other cars for me. The history, the iconic shape, the fact that it is an American supercar that creates such enthusiasm around the world; it’s easy to be passionate about such a special car. And it’s extra special to me because of the Blue Oval. It doesn’t just compete with the best -- but it has beaten, and continues to beat, the best the world has to offer!”

View attachment 38477
 

RALPHIE

GT Owner
Mar 1, 2007
7,278
In "Fast News from Ford Performance, June 18, 2015, Vol. 8, Issue 24

View attachment 38500

Ford Performance Director Dave Pericak Reveals Plans for Ford GT, 2016

Ford Performance is ready for an exciting 2016. Unveiled last week was the Ford GT race car set to compete in Le Mans as well as a full '16 racing schedule. Dave Pericak, director of Ford Performance, has been a busy man discussing plans for the GT of late, and back at last weekend's NASCAR race, he gave some hints on what is yet to come in North America.

http://racing.ford.com/series/road-...director-dave-pericak-talks-about-gt-rac.html
 

RALPHIE

GT Owner
Mar 1, 2007
7,278
Also in "Fast News from Ford Performance, June 18, 2015, Vol. 8, Issue 24

View attachment 38501

Ford GT to Star in New Forza 6 Video Game

http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/ford-gt-forza-6-motorsport-microsoft-xbox-1-2015-06-06
 

RALPHIE

GT Owner
Mar 1, 2007
7,278
In "Fast News from Ford Performance, June 18, 2015, Vol. 8, Issue 25

View attachment 38562

GT350R-C Poised to Make Racing Debut at Watkins Glen

The all-new Shelby GT350R-C will make its much-anticipated competition debut this weekend at Watkins Glen. Powered by a 5.2-liter flat-plane crankshaft V-8, expectations are high for the Multimatic Motorsports drivers prepping to be behind the wheel of the new "Competition" version GT350R. Alongside the GT350R-C Mustang, the new Ford GT is still generating buzz even in New York from the drivers, "It's beautiful, isn't it?" said Joey Hand, driver of the No.01 Ford EcoBoost Riley. Check out our preview of Ford Performance at "The Glen" and thoughts about the GT from Ford Drivers HERE -

http://racing.ford.com/series/road-...ward-to-exciting-new-cars-as-imsa-tackle.html
 

RALPHIE

GT Owner
Mar 1, 2007
7,278
Also in a sidebar - "Fast News from Ford Performance, June 18, 2015, Vol. 8, Issue 24

View attachment 38563

Ford Performance Teams Busy After GT Announcement

http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/118389-imsa-busy-months-ahead-for-ford-gt-program
 

RALPHIE

GT Owner
Mar 1, 2007
7,278
In "Fast News from Ford Performance, July 9, 2015, Vol. 8, Issue 27

View attachment 38668

Watch Rare Footage from the Development of the Ford GT

Focusing on efficiency and weight, a select group of designers working in complete secrecy developed the all-new Ford GT in only 14 months. With no detail overlooked, the Ford GT is a true masterpiece. In two videos, Ford raised the curtain for a behind-the-scenes look at the GT team's studios and a time-lapse of the GT's foam model.

http://racing.ford.com/series/more-...hind-the-scenes-with-the-all-new-ford-gt.html

(Dave - Is that you in the 1st video? at ~ 0:57)
 
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RALPHIE

GT Owner
Mar 1, 2007
7,278
In "Fast News from Ford Performance, July 9, 2015, Vol. 8, Issue 28

PERFORMANCE VEHICLES

View attachment 38710
PC World Calls Ford GT 'Sick With Innovation'

http://racing.ford.com/series/more-...ord-gt--absolutely-sick-with-innovation-.html
 

RALPHIE

GT Owner
Mar 1, 2007
7,278
In "Fast News from Ford Performance, July 30, 2015, Vol. 8, Issue 30

View attachment 38816

Ford Performance Reveals Exclusive Look at Ford GT Race Car's Secret First Shakedown Test

In a never-before-seen video from Ford Performance, you can witness the all-new Ford GT Le Mans race car's first shakedown test on The Fontange test track in the south of France. The video was shot days before the car's global reveal at Le Mans 2015. The Ford GT race car will run the full 2016 schedule of the FIA World Endurance Championship and TUDOR United SportsCar Championship, making its competition debut in January 2016 during the Rolex 24 at Daytona in Florida. Stay tuned for more exclusive Ford GT videos from Ford Performance.

http://racing.ford.com/series/road-...-exclusive-look-at-ford-gt-race-cars-sec.html