Ford Racing is honoring its 125-year legacy in motorsport by debuting a special commemorative livery on its factory Mustang GT3s at IMSA’s Petite Le Mans event in Atlanta. The black, red, and gold color scheme replicates the original paint of Henry Ford’s 1901 “Sweepstakes” race car.
The “Sweepstakes” Mustang GT3 features a fully illuminated “Glow Pony,” a Mustang logo decal on the rear fender, and the original Ford Motor Company logo on the hood. The pony will be filled with a black-and-gold American flag.
Scott Bartlett, Ford’s manager of on-road racing and product marketing, states that everything they do in racing is a gamble. However, without Henry Ford taking a risk on October 10, 1901, they would not be able to watch the Ford Mustang GT3 wearing the colors of Sweepstakes at Petit Le Mans on October 3, 2026.
The original “Sweepstakes” race car had a black body draped over a red chassis, an opposed twin-cylinder engine, and produced 26 horsepower. It was a 2,430-pound machine with a top speed of 72 miles per hour. Notably, the motor reached 900 rpm, demonstrating the engineering capabilities of the time.
The “Sweepstakes” was fast enough to defeat car magnate Alexander Winton in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, in 1901. This victory attracted the investment needed to establish the Ford Motor Company, which was Henry Ford’s second attempt at starting a car manufacturer. During the race, Ford initially fell behind by 300 yards but managed to pass his rival on the straightaway at the Grosse Pointe Race Track, showcasing his driving skills and the car’s performance.
Ford’s presence in racing has remained an important part of the company’s brand, from its ’60s Le Mans program and the Cosworth DFV to its current collaboration with Red Bull Racing in F1 and its upcoming Le Mans Hypercar effort. They have continued to be involved in various racing programs over the years.
