By SEMA News Editors
Ford Debuts Red Bull Ford F1 Car, Announces New Mustang for Cup Series, WEC Details
Ford made several major announcements regarding its participation in multiple series at the unveiling of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Formula 1 Team's livery for the 2026 Formula 1 season.
In addition to unveiling the liveries for both the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 Team and Racing Bulls team, marking the Blue Oval's return to Formula 1 for the first time in 22 years, Ford also announced the powertrain for its factory-backed FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) effort, as well as the team's driver lineup, and revealed that the new Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC will debut in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2027
Under the moniker "Red Bull Ford Powertrains," the automaker is supporting the build of the Formula 1 team's power unit for the 2026 season. Using advanced manufacturing to cut lead times by more than half, Ford Racing is currently fabricating unique components for the combustion engine, charge air system and energy recovery systems for the team's power units.
Ford Racing also announced its driver lineup for its FIA WEC Hypercar team, which will consist of veteran sportscar drivers and current members of the Ford stable, Sebastian Priaulx and Mike Rockenfeller, as well as former Formula 1 driver Logan Sargeant.
Set to begin competition in 2027, Ford's ORECA-based Hypercar will be powered by Ford's naturally aspirated 5.8L V8 Coyote engine, which is already found under the hood of the Ford Mustang Dark Horse R, GT4 and GT3 competitors.
In other news, Ford will debut the Mustang Dark Horse SC in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2027. Based on the newly revealed street car powered by a supercharged 5.2L V8, the Dark Horse SC will make its official debut in the 2027 Daytona 500.
For more information, visit fordracing.com.
RCR Announces Cup Series Leadership Appointments
Welcome, North Carolina-based Richard Childress Racing has announced several key appointments to its NASCAR Cup Series competition leadership team.
Mike Dillon has been named chief operating officer, a position that will focus heavily on competition administrative functions, according to the team's announcement. Dillon will provide forward thinking and direction in all areas of performance and operations, with an emphasis on recruiting and retaining top talent in the industry.
He has served in key roles such as vice president of competition, director of team operations, driver and spotter. Dillon helped launch RCR's successful NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series program in the late '90s and has been instrumental in RCR's driver development program over the years.
John Klausmeier will focus on competition leadership for RCR as technical director, overseeing all technical engineering activities with a focus on vehicle systems engineering, design and metrology, and will continue to provide departmental oversight for RCR's engineers and crew chiefs. Klausmeier has more than 20 years of motorsports experience. All competition departments report to Klausmeier, while Klausmeier reports to Dillon.
Andy Street has been named performance director for RCR, focusing on research and development and increasing overall on-track performance across the company. He will also serve as crew chief for RCR's part time No. 33 Chevrolet entry in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2026.
Additionally, Richard Boswell will continue as crew chief for the No. 3 Chevrolet Cup Series team and Jim Pohlman will work as crew chief for the No. 8 Chevrolet Cup Series team.
For more information, visit rcrracing.com.
