{"id":22828,"date":"2026-02-17T16:44:12","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T16:44:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tt-blogs.dealerfire.com\/akinsford\/?p=22828"},"modified":"2026-02-17T16:44:12","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T16:44:12","slug":"mustang-gt3-racing-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.akinsford.com\/blog\/mustang-gt3-racing-in-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"The Pony Takes on the Mountain: Ford Mustang GT3 Goes to Bathurst"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2>Mustang GT3 Racing in 2026\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The roar of American muscle is finally echoing through the Blue Mountains of New South Wales as the Ford Mustang GT3 makes its highly anticipated debut at the legendary Bathurst 12 Hour. While our team at Akins Ford in Winder, GA, usually focuses on helping local drivers find the perfect truck or SUV, we cannot help but watch with pride as America\u2019s Race Team tackles one of the most grueling circuits on the planet. This entry represents a massive milestone for the program, marking the first time we see the Mustang GT3 racing in the 2026 season spirit in the Southern Hemisphere.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-50\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-black-background-color has-text-color has-background\" href=\"https:\/\/www.akinsford.com\/new-vehicles-winder-ga\">View our inventory<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-50\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-black-background-color has-text-color has-background\" href=\"https:\/\/www.akinsford.com\/contact-akins-ford-in-winder-ga\">Contact us<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3>Conquering Mount Panorama&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For a driver like Christopher Mies, the journey to Bathurst is about more than just the race; rather, it is about the emotional experience of driving through the scenic gateway toward a circuit that demands absolute respect. Since the latest Mustang GT3 race efforts began in 2024, the goal has remained clear: to prove that this pony car is a global contender. Furthermore, the 12-hour endurance test at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au\/Services\/Facilities\/Mount-Panorama\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mount Panorama<\/a> is the perfect laboratory for this mission. The track is famous for its narrow walls and 174-meter elevation changes that force drivers to blindly crest sectors like Skyline in fifth gear.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"395\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-ds.com\/blogs-media\/sites\/678\/2026\/02\/17164041\/Feb26_Share03_AkinsFord_b_o_2026_mustang_gt3_ext_front_quarter-1024x395.jpg\" alt=\"The Mustang GT3 racing 2026 debut at Bathurst.\" class=\"wp-image-22829\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn-ds.com\/blogs-media\/sites\/678\/2026\/02\/17164041\/Feb26_Share03_AkinsFord_b_o_2026_mustang_gt3_ext_front_quarter-1024x395.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn-ds.com\/blogs-media\/sites\/678\/2026\/02\/17164041\/Feb26_Share03_AkinsFord_b_o_2026_mustang_gt3_ext_front_quarter-300x116.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn-ds.com\/blogs-media\/sites\/678\/2026\/02\/17164041\/Feb26_Share03_AkinsFord_b_o_2026_mustang_gt3_ext_front_quarter-768x296.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn-ds.com\/blogs-media\/sites\/678\/2026\/02\/17164041\/Feb26_Share03_AkinsFord_b_o_2026_mustang_gt3_ext_front_quarter.jpg 1038w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3>Engineering Built for the Global Stage&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The vehicle competing Down Under is a masterclass in modern engineering, specifically designed to withstand the most extreme racing conditions. Consequently, the performance data gathered on tracks like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nuerburgring.de\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">N\u00fcrburgring<\/a> and Bathurst directly influences the production models you find at your favorite Ford dealership near Winder. The technical prowess of the Ford Mustang GT3 includes:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>A 5.4-liter naturally aspirated <a href=\"https:\/\/www.akinsford.com\/blog\/how-the-coyote-engine-howled-its-way-into-ford-history\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Coyote<\/a>-based V8 engine.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>A rear-mounted six-speed Xtrac sequential transaxle for optimal weight distribution.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Bespoke short-long arm suspension paired with Multimatic DSSV dampers.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Carbon fiber body panels and a high-downforce aerodynamic package featuring aggressive dive planes.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>You Might Also Like: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.akinsford.com\/blog\/the-next-generation-mustang-gt3\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">VIDEO: The Next Generation of Ford Mustang GT3<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3>A Legacy in the Making&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, the effort is bolstered by a powerhouse driver lineup featuring Mies, Dennis Olsen, and local sensation Broc Feeney. While Feeney is a newcomer to the Mustang GT3 racing 2026 roster, his intimate familiarity with &#8220;The Great Race&#8221; provides a vital edge. This collaboration between Ford Racing and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hauptracingteam.de\/en\/home.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Haupt Racing Team<\/a> (HRT) signals that Ford is in Australia with great purpose. In addition to the GT3 program, the growing presence of the GT4 and Dark Horse R ensures that the Mustang remains an icon of speed for the next 62 years and beyond.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Visit Akins Ford for Your Own Performance Icon&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Although you might not be navigating the tight corners of Forrest\u2019s Elbow this weekend, you can still experience the DNA of Ford Performance right here in Georgia. As a premier Ford dealership near Winder, we are proud to offer a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.akinsford.com\/new-vehicles-winder-ga\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">wide selection of vehicles<\/a> that share the soul of these world-class racers. Whether you are looking for a rugged truck or a street-legal pony car, our staff is ready to help you find your next vehicle. Visit us today to see our inventory and celebrate the future of Mustang GT3 racing in 2026 with the local experts who know Ford best.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Mustang GT3 Racing in 2026\u00a0 The roar of American muscle is finally echoing through the Blue Mountains of New South Wales as the Ford Mustang GT3 makes its highly anticipated debut at the legendary Bathurst 12 Hour. While our team at Akins Ford in Winder, GA, usually focuses on helping local drivers find the perfect [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":22830,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[3,11,179,228],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v16.1.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover the Mustang GT3 racing in 2026 debut at Bathurst. Akins Ford explores the engineering and grit behind Ford\u2019s iconic return to Mount Panorama.\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/tt-blogs.dealerfire.com\/akinsford\/mustang-gt3-racing-in-2026\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Mustang GT3 Racing in 2026 Begins at Bathurst - Akins Ford\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover the Mustang GT3 racing in 2026 debut at Bathurst. Akins Ford explores the engineering and grit behind Ford\u2019s iconic return to Mount Panorama.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/tt-blogs.dealerfire.com\/akinsford\/mustang-gt3-racing-in-2026\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Akins Ford\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-02-17T16:44:12+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/cdn-ds.com\/blogs-media\/sites\/678\/2026\/02\/17164340\/Feb26_Share03_AkinsFord_a_o_2026_mustang_gt3_ext_front_quarter.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1038\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"400\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\">\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"3 minutes\">\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.akinsford.com\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.akinsford.com\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"Akins Ford\",\"description\":\"Official Blog\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":\"https:\/\/www.akinsford.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\",\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/tt-blogs.dealerfire.com\/akinsford\/mustang-gt3-racing-in-2026\/#primaryimage\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/cdn-ds.com\/blogs-media\/sites\/678\/2026\/02\/17164340\/Feb26_Share03_AkinsFord_a_o_2026_mustang_gt3_ext_front_quarter.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn-ds.com\/blogs-media\/sites\/678\/2026\/02\/17164340\/Feb26_Share03_AkinsFord_a_o_2026_mustang_gt3_ext_front_quarter.jpg\",\"width\":1038,\"height\":400,\"caption\":\"The 2026 Ford Mustang GT3 race car debuting for the 2026 season\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/tt-blogs.dealerfire.com\/akinsford\/mustang-gt3-racing-in-2026\/#webpage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/tt-blogs.dealerfire.com\/akinsford\/mustang-gt3-racing-in-2026\/\",\"name\":\"Mustang GT3 Racing in 2026 Begins at Bathurst - Akins Ford\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.akinsford.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/tt-blogs.dealerfire.com\/akinsford\/mustang-gt3-racing-in-2026\/#primaryimage\"},\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-17T16:44:12+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-17T16:44:12+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.akinsford.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/4a015fb239678798a9f156ccdcb6d9c0\"},\"description\":\"Discover the Mustang GT3 racing in 2026 debut at Bathurst. Akins Ford explores the engineering and grit behind Ford\\u2019s iconic return to Mount Panorama.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/tt-blogs.dealerfire.com\/akinsford\/mustang-gt3-racing-in-2026\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/tt-blogs.dealerfire.com\/akinsford\/mustang-gt3-racing-in-2026\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/tt-blogs.dealerfire.com\/akinsford\/mustang-gt3-racing-in-2026\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"item\":{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.akinsford.com\/blog\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.akinsford.com\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"Home\"}},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"item\":{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/tt-blogs.dealerfire.com\/akinsford\/mustang-gt3-racing-in-2026\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/tt-blogs.dealerfire.com\/akinsford\/mustang-gt3-racing-in-2026\/\",\"name\":\"The Pony Takes on the Mountain: Ford Mustang GT3 Goes to Bathurst\"}}]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.akinsford.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/4a015fb239678798a9f156ccdcb6d9c0\",\"name\":\"Admin\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.akinsford.com\/blog\/#personlogo\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/115586f809dce898c2e47e3cedf57ea2?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/115586f809dce898c2e47e3cedf57ea2?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Admin\"}}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.akinsford.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22828"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.akinsford.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.akinsford.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.akinsford.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.akinsford.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22828"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.akinsford.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22828\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22831,"href":"https:\/\/www.akinsford.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22828\/revisions\/22831"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.akinsford.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22830"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.akinsford.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22828"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.akinsford.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22828"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.akinsford.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22828"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}