Few names in motorsport history carry as much weight as Ford. From dominating Le Mans in the 1960s to leading in NASCAR, NHRA, and rally racing today, Ford has spent more than a century pushing limits on and off the track.
At Chuck Anderson Ford, we’re proud to represent a brand with such deep racing roots. Whether it’s the roar of a Mustang on the drag strip, the endurance of an F-Series truck in off-road competition, or the innovation of Ford Performance vehicles like the GT and Dark Horse, Ford’s racing heritage continues to inspire every car and truck we sell today.
1910 W Jesse James Road, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
816-648-6419
www.chuckandersonford.com
Built on Integrity. Backed by Family.
The Early Years: Racing is in Ford’s DNA
Ford’s racing story began long before official race teams or professional circuits. In 1901, Henry Ford himself entered a race in Grosse Pointe, Michigan — driving a homemade car called the “Sweepstakes.”
Against all odds, Ford won the race, defeating one of the era’s best drivers and capturing national attention. That victory gave Ford both the confidence and the financial backing to start the Ford Motor Company in 1903.
From the very beginning, racing wasn’t just a hobby — it was part of Ford’s DNA.
1930s–1950s: Innovation Meets Competition
By the 1930s, Ford vehicles were already making waves on dirt tracks and in endurance events across America. The flathead V8 engine, introduced in 1932, became legendary for its reliability and affordability, powering both racers and moonshiners through the early days of stock car racing.
By the 1950s, Ford began factory-backed racing efforts, establishing its reputation in motorsport with vehicles that blended strength, simplicity, and speed.
Ford’s engines became favorites among racers, and models like the Thunderbird and Fairlane began setting records on the drag strip and oval tracks alike.
The 1960s: Ford Conquers the World at Le Mans
No story in Ford Racing history is more iconic than the battle against Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
After Ferrari rejected Ford’s offer to buy the company in 1963, Henry Ford II decided to beat them on the track instead. The result was the Ford GT40, a purpose-built endurance racer designed to win at all costs.
In 1966, Ford made history — sweeping 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place at Le Mans, breaking Ferrari’s six-year winning streak. The GT40 went on to win four consecutive years (1966–1969), cementing Ford’s reputation as a world-class racing powerhouse.
That same decade saw the birth of Carroll Shelby’s partnership with Ford, producing iconic performance cars like the Shelby Cobra, GT350, and GT500 — names that still command respect today.
The 1970s–1980s: NASCAR and Drag Racing Domination
While Ford’s endurance racing efforts slowed, the company turned its focus toward NASCAR, NHRA drag racing, and rally competition — and found success everywhere.
Ford’s 351 Cleveland and 427 engines powered cars to victory lane across the U.S., and legendary drivers like Richard Petty, David Pearson, and Bill Elliott helped solidify Ford’s place as a stock car powerhouse.
In the drag racing world, the Ford Mustang quickly became a favorite among racers, offering powerful V8s and lightweight design that made it an NHRA staple.
Meanwhile, Ford’s rally programs in Europe produced icons like the Escort RS, Capri, and later, the Sierra Cosworth — vehicles that proved Ford could handle any terrain.
The 1990s–2000s: Ford Racing Becomes Ford Performance
By the 1990s, Ford’s motorsport operations were officially organized under one name — Ford Racing.
During this era, Ford supported nearly every major form of motorsport:
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NASCAR: The Ford Taurus and later Fusion became mainstays in the Cup Series.
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NHRA Drag Racing: The Mustang Funny Car and Pro Stock classes saw continued Ford dominance.
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Rally: The Focus RS WRC became a global rally icon.
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Le Mans Revival: Ford revisited endurance racing with the GT40’s modern successor — the Ford GT.
In 2015, Ford rebranded its motorsport division as Ford Performance, aligning all its racing and high-performance road cars under one global identity.
Ford Performance Today: Engineering the Future
Ford Performance isn’t just about racing — it’s about bringing track-tested innovation to every driver.
The division is responsible for engineering Ford’s most thrilling modern vehicles, including:
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Mustang Dark Horse – The most powerful 5.0L V8 in Mustang history, built for road and track.
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Mustang GTD – A street-legal supercar inspired by Ford’s Le Mans GT3 race car.
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F-150 Raptor and Raptor R – High-performance off-road trucks designed for desert racing.
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Ford GT (2017–2023) – A carbon-fiber supercar that returned to win Le Mans in 2016, exactly 50 years after the GT40’s first victory.
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Ranger Raptor – Combining power, control, and global rally DNA.
Ford Performance continues to blend racing technology with everyday drivability, ensuring every Ford enthusiast can experience the same spirit of speed that began in 1901.
The Ford Performance Philosophy: Race. Learn. Improve.
What sets Ford apart is how it uses racing to make all its vehicles better. The lessons learned from competition directly influence production models — improving powertrains, aerodynamics, and technology across the Ford lineup.
Every time Ford hits the track, it’s not just to win trophies — it’s to test innovations that end up in your driveway.
That’s why the same spirit that drives the Mustang Dark Horse also powers the F-150, Bronco, and Explorer ST — proving that performance and practicality can coexist.
Ford Racing’s Legacy of Champions
Over more than a century, Ford has captured victories in:
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Le Mans (GT40 & GT)
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NASCAR Cup and Truck Series
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NHRA drag racing
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World Rally Championship (WRC)
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IMSA and FIA GT3 racing
From the racetrack to the dirt trail, Ford’s racing DNA is woven into every vehicle it builds — and every driver who takes the wheel.
Experience Ford Performance at Chuck Anderson Ford
If Ford’s racing heritage excites you, imagine bringing that same energy to your everyday drive.
At Chuck Anderson Ford, you’ll find the latest lineup of Ford Performance vehicles, including:
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Mustang GT and Dark Horse
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F-150 Raptor
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Bronco Raptor
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Explorer ST
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Ranger Raptor
Whether you’re chasing horsepower, towing power, or off-road adventure, these vehicles embody everything Ford has learned from over a century of racing excellence.
Chuck Anderson Ford
1910 W Jesse James Road, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
816-648-6419
www.chuckandersonford.com
Built on Integrity. Backed by Family.