Manoli Katakis 
The seventh-generation, S650 2024 Ford Mustang GT is set to make its NASCAR pace car debut this weekend at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, VA. The pace car spec in particular isa Grabber Blue S650 Mustang GT featuring a light bar and custom Ford Performance and Mustang exterior graphics.
Details On The S650 Ford Mustang GT NASCAR Pace Car
Along with Martinsville, the 2024 Ford Mustang is scheduled to pace seven races 2023.The other NASCAR races include: Talladega (April 21-23), Dover (April 29-30), Darlington (May12-14), Nashville (June 23-25), Chicago (June 30-July 2) and the annual Labor Day Weekend at Darlington (Sept. 1-3).
“We’ve had great success racing Mustang globally, including winning last year’s NASCAR championship,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Performance Motorsports. “Racing leads to better products, and seeing the all-new Mustang GT setting the pace at NASCAR make this connection even stronger with our customers and fans.”
The available active-valve performance exhaust system enables the fourth-generation 5.0L Coyote V8 engine in the Mustang GT to deliver 486 horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque. Without the bi-valve exhaust, which adjusts the sound levels of the engine electronically based on the driving mode selected, the Mustang GT has 480 hp and 415 lb-ft. Power output is the same regardless if the customer chooses a manual or automatic transmission.
The fourth-generation Coyote V8 features a segment-first, dual intake and dual throttle body induction system that’s matched with structural improvements and upgraded oil pan. This helps minimize induction loss by enabling higher air flow rates. For those that want more power from the 5.0L DOHC V8, the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse officially punches out 500 horsepower, making it the most powerful naturally aspirated muscle car one can buy. And by the end of 2024, it will be the only new V8 muscle car on the market. RIP Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, and Chevrolet Camaro.
When it comes to racing the Ford Mustang in NASCAR, Michigan-born Brad Keselowski leads all active Ford drivers with two NASCAR Cup Series wins at Martinsville, while defending champion Joey Logano has one victory and five poles. Overall, Ford has registered 30 all-time victories at the half-mile paperclip-shaped oval, which began hosting NASCAR races in 1949.
