How the 2011 Mustang Set the Pace for a New Era

While Ford Mustangs have been busy dominating the NASCAR Cup Series, winning three consecutive championships, the iconic Pony car has only paced the field at the series’ signature race, the Daytona 500, one time in the event’s nearly 70 years. The 2010 running featured a Race Red Mustang, which heralded the return of the classic 5.0-liter V8 to the Mustang lineup.

The 2010 race marked the first time in four decades that a Ford-built vehicle led the field to the green flag following a 1970 pacesetting run by the Ford Torino GT convertible. The 2011 Mustang GT included a 5.0-liter V8 engine and a Daytona 500 striped paint scheme in addition to a glass roof. It also featured a special Brembo brake package previously available on the Mustang Shelby GT500, Ford Racing suspension and unique 19-inch painted wheels, among other upgrades from the base production model. Race Red was one of three new colors available for Mustang in the 2011 model year, as well as Yellow Blaze Tri-Coat and Ingot Silver.

The 2011 model year was also notable because it marked the return of the famed 5.0-liter engine to the Mustang GT for the first time since 1995, though its return had been discussed for several years before its accelerated development began in 2007. The all-new aluminum engine introduced in 2011 was capable of delivering 412 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque, making it the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 Ford had ever offered in a production vehicle. Two new six-speed transmissions, available in automatic and manual, were offered for pairing with the power plant. 

Also, the Mustang pace car was the first to be auctioned by Barrett-Jackson prior to ever turning a lap, going for $300,000 a couple weeks before the race, according to the auctioneer’s website. All proceeds from sale over MSRP were donated to Ford Motor Company’s longtime charitable partner, Breakthrough T1D, formerly known as JDRF, a leader in Type 1 diabetes research and advocacy. In addition to the auction, 50 pace car special-edition Mustangs were made available for sale to the public. 

Mustang's Daytona Legacy

Despite Mustang’s big moment, fate was not on Ford’s side in the Daytona 500 that year. However, the Blue Oval did take the next two installments of the season-opening race during a stretch that saw Ford win three out of four between 2009 and 2012. 

While the 2010 Daytona 500 may be the Mustang's only appearance as a pace car, the iconic car’s legacy looms as Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney and other Ford Performance drivers begin their quest to deliver Ford a fourth consecutive NASCAR Cup Series championship this weekend.

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