New Race Format for Mustang Cup; 2027 Calendar Released

Photo: Ford

Mustang Cup USA will feature a new race format next year as part of its 2027 calendar, which was released on Wednesday.

The USAC-sanctioned single-make series, featuring the Ford Mustang Dark Horse R, will now have four races per weekend, with 30-minute contests for each pair of Miles Cup and Parnelli Cup championships.

The idea for the revised format was suggested by Ford Racing’s global customer racing manager Chris Ward to Sportscar365 in August.

In addition to the four 30-minute races, each weekend will also feature two 40-minute practice sessions and a pair of 15-minute qualifying sessions.

“There are a few reasons for these changes,” said Ward. “The first is that this new format allows for more racing, which means more fun.

“Additionally, for racers getting their start, it allows them to gain more competitive racing experience, which will only help them as they move up our Ford Racing Sports Car Pyramid.

“Having more, shorter races throughout the weekend will also make it easier for our Cup Classic entries to compete without putting too much wear and tear on their classic Mustangs.

“For those sharing a Dark Horse R, this format ensures that both drivers get a more equal number of laps throughout a weekend, making it more fun and rewarding for everyone.

Between the calendar and the new, exciting, weekend format, we expect 2027 is going to be the best year yet for Mustang Cup USA.”

The six-event season will kick off at Sebring International Raceway in late February for the second consecutive season, prior to a return to Barber Motorsports Park in early April on the NTT IndyCar Series weekend.

Lime Rock Park returns to the schedule after a year away, scheduled for mid-May, followed by an event at Virginia International Raceway, two weeks prior to the Mustang Challenge Spa Invitational.

There will then be a six-week break to accommodate drivers and teams taking part in the second round of the Mustang Challenge Global Invitational.

Action will resume at Watkins Glen International Raceway in late July, as part of the GRIDLIFE weekend before concluding its season at Road America in mid-August, one month earlier than last year’s finale at Circuit of The Americas, which is not on next year’s schedule.

Additionally, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta has also dropped off the calendar as part of the addition of the two Northeast races.

2027 Mustang Cup USA Schedule:
Feb. 26-28 — Sebring International Raceway
April 2-4 — Barber Motorsports Park
May 13-15 — Lime Rock Park
June 11-13 — Virginia International Raceway
July 23-25 — Watkins Glen International
Aug. 13-15 — Road America

Source: Sports Car 365