Ford Racing has confirmed that its 2027 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship entries will duplicate last season’s configuration, retaining both GTD Pro cars, drivers and the Mustang GT3 hardware after two victories in 2026.
Drivers and cars locked in for another season
The #64 entry will feature Ben Barker and Dennis Olsen, while the #65 will keep Christopher Mies partnered with Frederic Vervisch. Their respective pairings will compete for a third year, maintaining continuity across the squad.
Both driver line‑ups entered the 2026 season with an identical structure, a change from the split arrangement the previous year, and have secured two wins and multiple podiums in the GTD Pro class.
- #64 Ford Mustang GT3 – Ben Barker & Dennis Olsen
- #65 Ford Mustang GT3 – Christopher Mies & Frederic Vervisch
2026 successes explained by a major Evo upgrade
Ford’s performance surge is linked to an overhaul package presented before the start of the 2026 season. The evo release focused on aerodynamic efficiency, kinematic balance and braking responsiveness, delivering immediate gains in lap times.
Following its introduction, the Mustang GT3 claimed a win at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in May and a second victory at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in September, reinforcing the team’s contention for both driver and manufacturer titles.
Drivers’ view of the Mustang GT3’s performance
During the Laguna Seca event, Vervisch noted that the car’s handling through fast corners had improved significantly, a development that was “ahead of schedule” in terms of potential race‑winning capability.
Barker, while reflecting on the season, characterised the Mustang’s evolution as a “real, like family” integration with the crew, describing how the safety‑car strategy in IMSA keeps teams constantly engaged.
Team manager Alex Allmandinger emphasized that carrying the momentum from 2026 into 2027 would position the American Racing Team to challenge for all three GTD Pro titles, citing the Mustang’s continuous development as a key advantage.
2027 outlook: staying in the hunt for titles
Ford remains second in the Manufacturer’s Championship, trailing the leader by 68 points and still in contention for the title at the season finale in Atlanta. Their driver standings—Vervisch/Mies in fourth and Olsen/Barker in fifth—highlight the squad’s competitiveness moving forward.
With the assembly of its most stable lineup yet, Ford’s strategy is clear: leverage the seasoned drivers, the refined Mustang GT3, and the proven evo package to stay breathless in the championship battle.
"