Mastery Delayed: Ford’s High-Performance Mustang GTD Nurburgring Debut Pushed Back
Ford Mustang GTD Nurburgring Attempt: Weather, Temperature, and Track Rental Costs Pose Challenges
The quest to break the seven-minute mark at the Nurburgring Circuit has Ford Performance still experimenting with their Mustang GTD. The automaker’s latest attempt was thwarted by wet track conditions, low ambient temperatures, and windy weather, forcing them to push the 800-plus horsepower monster safely. If Ford wants to make their mark on the iconic German track, they may need to wait until spring, as the weather will only get colder as fall and winter approach.
The costs associated with such a lap time attempt are also noteworthy. According to Misha Charoudin, a YouTuber and racing driver, the total expense for track rental, licensing fees, and team setup can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars. Adding the cost of shipping the car and equipment, it’s no wonder Ford won’t take unnecessary risks.
Mustang GTD: Nurburgring-Bound
In addition to the track time attempt, Ford also used their visit to capture some breathtaking footage of the Mustang GTD, which features a unique track map under the "GTD" logo on the trunk lid. It’s clear that the brand is focused on this specific goal and will likely keep this symbol of their aspiration in place until they achieve it.
The Impact of Weather Conditions
We recently saw how significant the impact of weather conditions can be when Mercedes-AMG One took their F1-derived hypercar to the Nurburgring, shaving off five seconds from their previous lap time. This highlights the critical importance of optimal track conditions when chasing a fast lap time.
A Possible American Record
The chance to become the first American performance car to break the seven-minute mark at the Nurburgring is likely a major driving force behind Ford’s determination to achieve this goal. With no American car having accomplished this feat, making history as the first could be a significant motivator.
Watch Misha Charoudin’s Nurburgring Footage
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