In conjunction with celebrating the 125th anniversary of Ford’s racing heritage, the “Blue Oval” has unveiled special liveries for this weekend’s IMSA season finale, the 10-hour Motul Petit Le Mans at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta (MRRA), for its pair of Ford Mustang GT3s.
The liveries pay tribute to the color scheme of Ford’s first race car, the 1901 “Sweepstakes,” which was driven by company founder Henry Ford. Ford went on to defeat famed racer Alexander Winton in the race, an achievement that helped establish his reputation in the automotive industry and ultimately preceded the creation of Ford Motor Co.
The revitalized design features a black base accented by gold and red, recreating the distinctive color scheme of the “Sweepstakes.” The livery will adorn both the No. 64 and No. 65 Ford Mustang GT3 entries for Saturday’s race.
The 1901 “Sweepstakes” was powered by a single-cylinder gasoline engine producing approximately 26 horsepower and capable of reaching speeds of up to 50 mph. More than a century later, its modern counterpart, the Ford Mustang GT3, represents a significant evolution in performance, with a top speed of approximately 180 mph.
The Mustang GT3’s Evo package, introduced for 2026, further improved the car’s vehicle dynamics, braking efficiency and setup sensitivity, while maintaining its competitive top-speed range.
Entering the weekend, Ford Racing sits fourth and fifth in the GTD Pro championship standings, with the No. 65 pairing of Christopher Mies and Frédéric Vervisch currently holding the higher position of the two Mustang GT3 entries.
Sebastian Priaulx, who will make his Hypercar debut with Ford Racing in the 2027 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), rejoins the lineup as the team’s endurance driver. Meanwhile, Ben Barker and Dennis Olsen will look to secure back-to-back victories and close out the 2026 campaign on a high note in the No. 64 Mustang GT3, with fellow 2027 Ford Hypercar driver Mike Rockenfeller rejoining the lineup for the final IMSA race of the season.
Saturday’s Motul Petit Le Mans at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta begins at noon ET, with live coverage across NBC, NBCSN and Peacock in the United States. International viewers can watch via IMSA.tv and IMSA’s official YouTube channel.
Opening practice for this weekend’s race, which will provide the first opportunity to see the special Mustang GT3 liveries on track, is scheduled for Thursday, October 1, at 10:40 a.m. ET.
