Latest news with #MustangChallenge
News.com.au
6 days ago
- Automotive
- News.com.au
New series to revive Aussie racing's golden age
The golden age of Australian motorsport will return in 2026 as Ford turns back the clock to the kind of racing that made Peter Brock and Allan Moffat superstars. Back then, racing heroes would take a car from the showroom, make a few minor modifications and hit the track. These days, modern Supercars racing sees multimillion-dollar, purpose-built racing machines fretted over by teams of mechanics and engineers. But a new series from Ford will turn back the clock and make racing a V8-powered Mustang cheaper and easier than before. The Mustang Challenge is a new series in the US that will reach Australia next year.. Andrew, Birkic, President and chief executive of Ford Australia, says the Mustang 'holds a special place in the hearts of Australians, and a dedicated one-make series featuring the Dark Horse R is a natural and incredibly exciting fit for our market'. 'This new championship provides a clear pathway for aspiring drivers and adds another thrilling dimension to the Mustang's legendary racing heritage down under,' he said. 'We can't wait for 2026 to see these incredible cars battling it out on tracks all over Australia.' The series will be run by Driving Solutions, a firm with decades of experience in motorsport and automotive events. We are incredibly proud and excited to partner with Ford Performance to bring Mustang Cup Australia to life,' Driving Solutions director James Stewart said. 'The Mustang Dark Horse R is a spectacular race car, and we believe a one-make series featuring this machine will be a huge drawcard for Australian drivers and fans. 'Our aim is to build a professional, competitive, and accessible series that provides a fantastic opportunity for young drivers to hone their skills, and for experience drivers to enjoy racing a high-performance and market-relevant race car. 'We look forward to working hard to make this series a roaring success.' The series puts drivers in identical Mustang Dark Horse R racing cars, which are purpose-built by Ford Performance in the US but are nearly-identical to the road-legal Mustang except for the added safety features - just like what Brock, Moffat and co. raced in the 1970s. One example of the Mustang Dark Horse R is already in the country to help drum up interest for the category, and six Australian drivers have signed up for June's special race at Le Mans, France. Chris Ward, Ford's global one-make category manager, is overseeing Mustang Challenge and is confident that the series will hit Aussie tracks next year. While there are still a few fine details to get resolved, Ward is confidently planning for an Australian series and said he would be 'thrilled' with a 20 car grid for the first season. Australia already has plenty of racing categories, including the Porsche Carrera Cup and Toyota GR 86 Series, but Ward believes the unique appeal of the Mustang will make it a worthy addition to the local racing scene. 'We are not coming to the market to disrupt what's already there,' he said. 'We want to supplement that, if that's the right word. We want to be supportive. We readily realise that there's a finite number of people in the Australian market that have the wherewithal to go sports car racing. So we're not looking to disrupt that.' Ford's goal, Ward explained, is to help introduce both young and older amateur drivers into the world of racing and hopefully have them progress up through its established pathway of other track-ready Mustangs that includes the GT4 and GT3 class cars. 'We're looking to further the sports car market in Australia where people that are track day enthusiasts, not have such a giant leap to go from the track day warrior, let's call them, to let's say GT4 racing or GT3 racing. We want to fill that little niche in between people that have taken their street cars onto the racetrack to go GT4 racing,' he said. One example of this is reigning Mustang Challenge champion Robert Noaker. The 21-year-old is a throwback to the likes of a young Peter Brock, racing for his own family-run team with only his dad and a few friends to help work on his car. His success in the inaugural season has seen him signed up to be part of Ford's 'junior team' of young drivers that it will groom for future sports car drives across its various activities. This allows him to dream of becoming a professional racing driver, something that was otherwise out of reach for him before Mustang Challenge. 'I'm still keeping the mindset of 'it's not going to happen', so I'm gonna just keep focusing on the business side, with the team. But I'm still doing whatever I can to try to make something out of the program and to try to step up the ladder [into GT4 or GT3].' Not surprisingly, like any racing driver, he has dreams of racing at Australia's greatest track - Mt Panorama, Bathurst - having previously run a race there in a different category. 'Personally, my favourite track is Bathurst. After I ran it, my first lap I'm like 'this has ruined everything else'. So I'd love to do the 12 hour or the 1000. And you know, being Ford is involved in the cars that race in that, I have the experience at the track already and maybe something could happen at some point. And that's the beauty of the program. You know, if you're the right fit for something, you're already in the program and you're able to go up their ladder.'
Edinburgh Live
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Sir Rod Stewart, 80, sums up 'death' with one word after battling deadly disease twice
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Sir Rod Stewart has candidly discussed his mortality and shared his thoughts on dying after twice battling cancer. The beloved 80-year-old singer has been increasingly open about the end of his life following a fight with prostate cancer. Moreover, Sir Rod expressed astonishment at the number of men who are fearful of visiting the doctor for checks. In an interview with Radio Times regarding his perspective on life's end, he stated: "It's unavoidable! I don't worry any more than anybody else. But you can keep yourself fit. "I'm surprised at how many men are so scared of going to the doctor's. I had prostate cancer and I tell people: go to the doctor – finger up the bum, no harm done." The legendary vocalist is set to return to Glastonbury next week, marking his first appearance at the music festival since 2002. Sir Rod was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017, having previously battled thyroid cancer in 2000, reports Glasgow Live. He joins a growing list of male celebrities who have recently disclosed their diagnosis and struggle with prostate cancer, including Stephen Fry and Sir Chris Hoy. Last year, Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris - Britain's second-most decorated Olympian - spoke about his life since being diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer in 2023. The 49-year-old, who competed in the Mustang Challenge support race at Le Mans earlier this month, has been sharing his approach to the disease and the "death sentence" he received. He told TNT Sports: "I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer almost two years ago now, and it shocked me, it rocked my world. "It changed everything in one sentence, you're told that's not curable, but it's treatable. So suddenly, you have this death sentence, and it's terrifying, but I'm here to show that life goes on for many people in that situation." British cycling legend Sir Chris spoke candidly about his cancer journey after making a gallant return at Le Mans alongside ex-Top Gear star Chris Harris. Writing on Instagram he said: "What a few days at Le Mans.. after my cancer diagnosis 20 months ago I never imagined I'd be back racing here again, so when the opportunity arose...I grabbed it with both hands." Committed to making a difference, Sir Chris is also behind the Tour De Four charity bike ride set for September 7 with hopes of raising £1million for cancer research and challenging how stage four cancer is viewed. Discussing his fundraising efforts and personal battle with cancer with TNT, he said: "It's to try and raise £1million for cancer charities across the UK and also try and change perceptions of stage four cancer, because I was diagnosed with stage four cancer almost two years ago now and it shocked me, it rocked my world, it changed everything. "In one sentence you're told its not curable, but its treatable and suddenly you have this death sentence and it is terrifying but I'm here to show that life goes on for many people in that situation."
Scottish Sun
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Sir Chris Hoy candidly opens up on ‘death sentence' cancer diagnosis and vows to prove ‘life goes on'
The Brit Olympic icon plans to raise £1million for UK cancer charities later this year 'ROCKED MY WORLD' Sir Chris Hoy candidly opens up on 'death sentence' cancer diagnosis and vows to prove 'life goes on' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SIR CHRIS HOY vowed to prove "life goes on" for cancer sufferers before his return to race car driving. The British Olympic legend revealed last October that he'd been diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer the previous year. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 British Olympic legend Sir Chris Hoy was diagnosed in 2023 Credit: PA 4 The 49-year-old was given between two to four years to live Credit: GETTY 4 The cycling legend is living life to its fullest, so much so that he recently returned to the race car world Credit: INSTAGRAM@CHRISHOY1 The six-time gold medallist's diagnosis was a terminal one and doctors gave the Scot between two to four years to live. Hoy, 49, is determined to live every day to its fullest, so much so that he decided to give race car driving a go again. The Scot took part in the Dark Horse Stars class of the Mustang Challenge, which is on the bill of the famous Le Mans 24, this weekend. And Hoy, who raced in the full Le Mans in 2016, hopes him living out his final days doing what he loves will inspire other cancer sufferers to do the same. READ MORE CYCING NEWS WIGGO'S BATTLE My son feared I'd die after I became a cocaine addict, reveals Wiggins He told TNT Sports: "I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer almost two years ago now, and it shocked me, it rocked my world. "It changed everything in one sentence, you're told that's not curable, but it's treatable. "So suddenly, you have this death sentence, and it's terrifying, but I'm here to show that life goes on for many people in that situation." After completing the race, a delighted Hoy took to Instagram to write: "What a few days at LeMans. 4 Sir Chris Hoy is determined to show fellow cancer sufferers that life goes on Credit: X@TNTSPORTS "After my cancer diagnosis 20 months ago I never imagined I'd be back racing here again, so when the opportunity arose courtesy of Ford performance and Jay Ward to take part in the Mustang Challenge Invitational I grabbed it with both hands. "The circuit de la sarthe is a special place and the magic never fades, it really is a privilege to drive on this historic track. Fans 'in floods of tears' as Sir Chris Hoy gives rousing speech at BBC SPOTY despite brave cancer battle "As my team mate for the week, Chris Harris said, you never turn down the chance to drive at LeMans. "Speaking of Chris Harris, it was a blast to hang out, talk cars and learn from him. "What a job he did in Race 2, P12 from 31st on the grid, making 11 places in lap one amidst the carnage and bringing the Tour de 4 liveried #77 home in style! "I managed P20 from the same grid position in race 1, very happy to have had some awesome battles throughout the 45-minute race and get a proper hit out after frustrations in qualifying. I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer almost two years ago now, and it shocked me, it rocked my world." Sir Chris Hoy "Massive thanks to Academy Motorsport team for all their hard work and support, what a great bunch they are. "And finally, best of luck to all the drivers in the 24 heures du mans, I wish you a safe and successful race." Hoy will attempt to raise £1million for UK cancer charities with a charity bike ride in September. He said: "The bike ride is to try and get as many people together as possible. "Not just people suffering with cancer but anybody. "To show we can keep on living, make the most of every day and live in the present, because that's all any of us have."
The Irish Sun
14-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Sir Chris Hoy candidly opens up on ‘death sentence' cancer diagnosis and vows to prove ‘life goes on'
SIR CHRIS HOY vowed to prove "life goes on" for cancer sufferers before his return to race car driving. The British Olympic legend revealed last October that he'd 4 British Olympic legend Sir Chris Hoy was diagnosed in 2023 Credit: PA 4 The 49-year-old was given between two to four years to live Credit: GETTY 4 The cycling legend is living life to its fullest, so much so that he recently returned to the race car world Credit: INSTAGRAM@CHRISHOY1 The six-time gold medallist's diagnosis was a terminal one and doctors gave the Scot between two to four years to live. The Scot took part in the Dark Horse Stars class of the Mustang Challenge, which is on the bill of the famous Le Mans 24, this weekend. And Hoy, who raced in the full Le Mans in 2016, hopes him living out his final days doing what he loves will inspire other cancer sufferers to do the same. READ MORE CYCING NEWS He told "It changed everything in one sentence, you're told that's not curable, but it's treatable. "So suddenly, you have this death sentence, and it's terrifying, but I'm here to show that life goes on for many people in that situation." After completing the race, a delighted Hoy took to Instagram to write: "What a few days at LeMans. Most read in Sport 4 Sir Chris Hoy is determined to show fellow cancer sufferers that life goes on Credit: X@TNTSPORTS "After my cancer diagnosis 20 months ago I never imagined I'd be back racing here again, so when the opportunity arose courtesy of Ford performance and Jay Ward to take part in the Mustang Challenge Invitational I grabbed it with both hands. "The circuit de la sarthe is a special place and the magic never fades, it really is a privilege to drive on this historic track. Fans 'in floods of tears' as Sir Chris Hoy gives rousing speech at BBC SPOTY despite brave cancer battle "As my team mate for the week, Chris Harris said, you never turn down the chance to drive at LeMans. "Speaking of Chris Harris, it was a blast to hang out, talk cars and learn from him. "What a job he did in Race 2, P12 from 31st on the grid, making 11 places in lap one amidst the carnage and bringing the Tour de 4 liveried #77 home in style! "I managed P20 from the same grid position in race 1, very happy to have had some awesome battles throughout the 45-minute race and get a proper hit out after frustrations in qualifying. I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer almost two years ago now, and it shocked me, it rocked my world." Sir Chris Hoy "Massive thanks to Academy Motorsport team for all their hard work and support, what a great bunch they are. "And finally, best of luck to all the drivers in the 24 heures du mans, I wish you a safe and successful race." Hoy will attempt to raise £1million for UK cancer charities with a charity bike ride in September. He said: "The bike ride is to try and get as many people together as possible. "Not just people suffering with cancer but anybody. "To show we can keep on living, make the most of every day and live in the present, because that's all any of us have."
Daily Mail
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Sir Chris Hoy reveals he is competing in race event at iconic Le Mans track to prove 'life goes on' - amid Olympic legend's stage four cancer diagnosis
Sir Chris Hoy has revealed that he is competing in the long Le Mans Invitational race to 'show that life goes on' for people with terminal cancer. The legendary cyclist, 49, was diagnosed with Stage four terminal prostate cancer in September 2023 following a routine check on a shoulder strain showed a tumour, before a further scan revealed the primary cancer to be in his prostate which had spread to his bones. This weekend he will take part in the Dark Horse Stars class of the Mustang Challenge alongside ex-Top Gear presenter Chris Harris, as part of the Le Mans car invtiational race. The six-time Olympic gold medallist first said he was having cancer treatment last February before he made the prognosis public in October, adding he only had two to four years to live despite undergoing chemotherapy. Hoy, an 11-time world champion, said his diagnosis was 'terrifying'. He told TNT Sports: 'I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer almost two years ago now, and it shocked me, it rocked my world. 'It changed everything in one sentence, you're told that's not curable, but it's treatable. 'So suddenly, you have this death sentence, and it's terrifying, but I'm here to show that life goes on for many people in that situation.' The former cyclist, who became Scotland's most succesful Olympian in 2008, took part in Le Mans proper in 2016, finishing 18th in the 60 car race. He admitted it was 'unlike anything else' he had experienced in sport. 'It's always been the endurance event. If you get the chance as an amateur driver, this is the cherry on top of the icing on top of the cake, this is the big one,' he said. 'I still pinch myself that I got to do it, when you watch on TV or come to watch it live, I still can't quite believe I was out there, elbows out with the big boys. Last month Hoy revealed that he is 'feeling good' and has entered a 'stability stage' amid his battle with cancer. He offered a positive update on his health, admitting that cancer is not the 'first thing' he thinks about in the morning. 'I'm feeling good, exercising, riding the bike, busy and most importantly cancer is not the first thing I think about in the morning when I wake up and it's not the last thing I think about when I go to bed at night,' he said. Hoy retired in 2013 before acting as a pundit and commentator for the BBC. The father-of-two said he received the 'biggest shock' of his life after tumours were discovered in his shoulder, pelvis, hip, spine and rib. He later released a brave public statement confirming his diagnosis. 'Initially, it's not easy,' he said. 'We tried to keep it private and keep it to ourselves in the first few weeks and months, just to get our heads around the situation. 'Our hand was forced initially in that a journalist started snooping around, so we had to make an announcement that I'd been diagnosed with cancer. 'I was going through treatment at that point, through chemotherapy, but that I was doing OK and would explain more in due course. That was probably the hardest part, explaining the full situation. It was a big step but we knew it was the right thing to do. 'I think it's almost not wanting speculation. You want to be sure that the facts are out there. The less you give, the more people are going to speculate and the more the media are going to pry and maybe come up with false information.
