Ford’s Century of Motorsport Mastery

The Ford Motor Company’s remarkable journey in the automotive industry is intrinsically linked to its deep roots in motorsport. This connection dates back to the company’s very inception, shaped significantly by its early successes in car racing. These victories played a crucial role in attracting investors and establishing Ford as a formidable player in the automotive sector.

Henry Ford, the visionary founder, encapsulated the essence of this connection when he quipped, “auto racing began five minutes after the second car was built.” His personal foray into motorsports began with his first creation, the Quadricycle, which he built in 1896. This vehicle, capable of reaching a modest 32 km/h, marked the start of Ford’s illustrious motorsport chronicle. Ford’s entry into motor racing in 1901 was a landmark event, where he achieved a stunning upset victory over Alexander Winton, America’s top racer at the time.

The success in motorsport led to the founding of the Ford Motor Company in 1903. Since then, Ford has remained steadfast in its commitment to performance, challenging and proving itself against global benchmarks. The company boasts an impressive track record, with numerous wins across various racing formats including Formula One, NASCAR, World Rally, and V8 Supercars, among others.

Ford’s influence in motorsport extended to local motorsport scenes as well. The opening of Kimberley’s first racetrack saw Ford’s participation, with significant performances like Sylvester MacKenzie’s in the Ford V8 Special. These local races paved the way for Ford’s participation in the country’s first international Grand Prix race in East London, where JH Case finished an impressive second in his homebuilt V8 Special.

After World War II, Ford continued its dominance in international circuits, marked by victories like Red Byron’s in the first-ever NASCAR race at Daytona Beach. Meanwhile, the local motorsport scene evolved with saloon car racing gaining prominence in the late 1950s. Ford shifted its focus to smaller European models, which led to numerous local track successes.

The 1960s heralded a golden era for Ford in racing, both internationally and locally. The Ford GT40’s 1-2-3 finish in the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans race stands out as a defining moment. This victory was preceded by notable performances in South Africa, including the near-win of the Ford GT in the Kyalami Nine-Hour race.

Ford’s success in South Africa was further cemented by the Meissner and Superformance developed Ford Cortinas, dominating local saloon car racing. The legendary Escort also made a significant impact, especially in rallying, driven by icons like Sarel van der Merwe.

Ford’s motorsport narrative would be incomplete without mentioning the Cosworth V8 DFV engine, a dominant force in Formula One. This engine, developed with Ford’s support, helped local racing heroes achieve numerous victories in the South African F1 championships during the 1970s.

In the 1970s, local modifications to saloon car rules led to the creation of iconic vehicles like the Ford Capri Perana V8, which dominated the racing scene. The introduction of the Sierra XR8 in the 1980s, a locally developed version with a Mustang engine, continued Ford’s legacy of innovation and success in motorsport.

The 1990s saw Ford’s partnership with Sasol, leading to a significant presence in various forms of local racing. Notably, Sarel van der Merwe’s achievements in the Rousch-built Ford Mustang and the Ford Laser in rallying were remarkable.

In more recent times, Ford’s focus shifted to rallying and off-road racing. Significant victories like Conrad Rautenbach’s win in the National Rally Championship in a Ford Fiesta S2000 and the achievements of the Neil Woolridge Motorsport team with the Ford Ranger in the South African Cross Country Series have continued Ford’s legacy.

The announcement of Ford Performance’s expansion into global motorsports, including participation in the legendary Dakar Rally, signifies a new era of commitment to motorsport and performance. This ongoing dedication, exemplified by the success of the T1+ Ranger and the planned participation in the 2024 Dakar Rally, reaffirms Ford’s enduring commitment to proving its products and technologies against the world’s best.

As Ford South Africa celebrates its centenary, its storied history in motorsport comes full circle, highlighting the brand’s unwavering commitment to performance and technological innovation, cementing its legacy as a pivotal player in the evolution of motor racing.

Images : Supplied by Ford, Tony Alves

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