The Road Ahead: Ford’s New Junior Team Program for Racing’s Rising Stars

Ford Performance has introduced the Ford Performance Junior Team for 2025, an innovative driver development program aimed at identifying and nurturing young, emerging talent within the Mustang racing ecosystem. This program offers a comprehensive pathway for drivers from entry-level competitions to elite international GT racing series. By providing both mentorship and hands-on experience, it supports the progression of promising drivers into professional motorsports, ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary skills and exposure to succeed at the highest levels of racing.

Program Overview

The Ford Performance Junior Team focuses on discovering the next generation of racing talent by supporting drivers participating in various competitive platforms, such as the Mustang Challenge, Mustang Cup, and GT4 events. This initiative goes beyond just track performance, offering participants mentoring from veteran racers and factory Mustang GT3 drivers, coaching during race weekends, and training in Ford Performance’s state-of-the-art simulators.

In addition to the technical and physical aspects of racing, the program emphasizes the mental and strategic components of becoming a successful professional driver. Junior Team members receive guidance on fitness, media relations, and sponsorship acquisition, which are all crucial to building a sustainable and successful racing career. This holistic approach aims to develop well-rounded drivers who can handle the pressures and challenges of the racing world, both on and off the track. The ultimate goal of the program is to prepare drivers for the opportunity to compete in high-level sports car racing, with the possibility of advancing to vehicles like the Mustang GT4 or GT3.

Inaugural Team Members

The first class of the Ford Performance Junior Team features six exceptional drivers who have shown remarkable promise in their respective racing series. These drivers include:

• Marco Signoretti (Canada)

• Erik Evans (USA)

• Nathan Vanspringel (Belgium)

• Robert Noaker (USA)

• Sam Paley (USA)

• Jenson Altzman (USA)

Each of these drivers has already made a name for themselves in Mustang racing series, demonstrating both skill and potential. Their selection marks the beginning of what Ford Performance hopes will be a long and successful partnership in the motorsports world. With the guidance and resources provided by the Junior Team program, these drivers are well-positioned to make significant strides in their careers.

Mentorship and Development

A key feature of the Ford Performance Junior Team is the mentorship provided to its members. In North America, drivers will be mentored by Mike Rockenfeller, a factory driver for Ford’s Multimatic Motorsports team. In Europe, legendary racing figure Andy Priaulx will offer his expertise. Both mentors bring a wealth of knowledge and experience from their years in touring car and sports car racing, and they will play an instrumental role in shaping the development of the Junior Team members.

Mentorship is central to the Junior Team’s philosophy, as it provides drivers with invaluable insights into racing strategies, vehicle dynamics, and the overall mental and physical demands of professional motorsports. Additionally, mentorship helps drivers refine their racing style and approach, allowing them to evolve and adapt to different racing environments.

Global Expansion: GT3 Junior Drivers

As part of its commitment to fostering talent on a global scale, Ford Performance has also introduced a dedicated GT3 Junior Driver segment, in collaboration with the Haupt Racing Team in Europe. This new segment is focused on supporting two silver-rated drivers in their journey through the world of GT3 racing. The drivers, Salman Owega and Finn Wiebelhaus, both from Germany, have demonstrated great potential in international motorsport and are now part of a specialized program designed to help them advance in the competitive field of GT3 racing.

The launch of the Ford Performance Junior Team represents a significant investment in the future of motorsports. By providing a structured, supportive environment for young drivers, the program aims to develop the next generation of racing talent. Through mentorship, hands-on experience, and comprehensive training, the Junior Team provides aspiring drivers with the tools they need to succeed in the competitive world of professional racing. As the program continues to evolve and expand, it is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Mustang racing legacy.