American Ford Mustang owners to get driving lessons

Owners of the latest seventh-generation 2024 Ford Mustang will be offered the chance to participate in company-run driving courses designed to improve their skill behind the wheel.

The catch is that, for now at least, the courses are only available to customers in the US, but Ford Performance could roll out the program to other markets if there’s enough interest.

Built around an online Mustang portal, the new scheme’s flagship driving activities are initially centred on the track-focused Dark Horse before owners of other models become eligible to join the program.

Based at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina, the program will teach Dark Horse owners how to get the best out of their flagship pony car.

Boasting a 3:1 driver-to-instructor ratio, owners will be taught how to use the no-lift-shift function as well as undertake a variety of car control lessons on a skid pad and a dedicated autocross course.

The end of the day-long experience will see owners test out their newfound (or honed) skills on a fast lead-follow 20-minute session of the full track, followed by a passenger hot lap of the notoriously tricky circuit.

Other driving events at Charlotte Motor Speedway will also be offered to Mustang EcoBoost and Mustang GT owners, where they’ll be able to learn how to drift, drive fast on track and even execute line-lock burnouts.

Helping make it a community activity, Mustang owners will be able to use the new portal to engage and interact with fellow fans. Ford hopes owners will then take part in – and create their own – other cross-country events that involve both lifestyle and motorsport activities.

Commenting on the new scheme that begins with the Dark Horse driving program in January 2024, Ford Enthusiast Vehicles boss Matt Simpson said: “The Ford Mustang is all about two things: its community of passionate fans and racing. We’re combining those qualities and giving owners the opportunity to learn some of the same skills our racing drivers will take to Daytona and Le Mans next year.”

Ford Australia has been a strong advocate of driver training and recently brought back its popular Driving Skills for Life program that targets younger driver and helps improve their hazard recognition, vehicle handling, speed management and spatial awareness, while understanding the dangers of distracted and impaired driving.

Last year it also announced it was considering introducing driver training for the latest Ford Ranger Raptor.

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