Ford
Ford is a historic and leading manufacturer in NASCAR, renowned for its competitive spirit, engineering innovation, and deep roots in stock car racing. With a legacy dating back to NASCAR’s earliest days, Ford has powered championship-winning teams and iconic drivers across the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Craftsman Truck Series. As of 2025, Ford continues to be a dominant force in NASCAR, fielding numerous competitive entries through prominent teams like Team Penske and RFK Racing.
Early Days and Background in NASCAR
Ford’s NASCAR journey began at the inception of the sport, with early records showing participation and wins dating back to the late 1940s. The brand secured its first official NASCAR Cup Series win in 1950 at Dayton Speedway with driver Jimmy Florian in a Ford vehicle. Over the decades, Ford introduced numerous successful race car models including the Fairlane, Thunderbird, Galaxie, Torino, Thunderbird (later model), Taurus, Fusion, and currently, the Ford Mustang.
Ford played a crucial role throughout NASCAR history, powering legendary drivers such as Ned Jarrett, Bill Elliott, Mark Martin, and Kevin Harvick. The manufacturer is credited with over 800 NASCAR Cup Series wins spanning its Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury divisions, making Ford one of the most successful and enduring brands in NASCAR.
Driver Lineup (Car Details, Manufacturer Association) – 2025
For the 2025 NASCAR season, Ford powers several key teams using the Ford Mustang GT in the Cup Series, including:
No. 22 Ford Mustang — Driven by Joey Logano for Team Penske, crew chief Todd Gordon; Logano is a three-time Cup Series champion.
No. 12 Ford Mustang — Driven by Ryan Blaney for Team Penske, crew chief Jonathan Hassler; 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion.
No. 6 Ford Mustang — Driven by Brad Keselowski for RFK Racing, crew chief Bob Osborne; veteran driver with 36 career Cup wins.
No. 17 Ford Mustang — Driven by Chris Buescher for RFK Racing, crew chief Scott Graves.
No. 21 Ford Mustang — Driven by Harrison Burton for Wood Brothers Racing, affiliated with Team Penske.
Ford’s manufacturer support includes engineering, engine development, and technical alliances, helping its partner teams remain competitive through innovation and performance enhancements.
Net Worth
While specific NASCAR-related net worth is not publicly disclosed, Ford, as a global automotive giant, has a reported overall valuation in the hundreds of billions of dollars. Ford’s motorsports investments in NASCAR contribute significantly to its marketing and brand positioning. Sponsorships, race winnings, and technical development programs form key components of Ford’s NASCAR business, supporting its sustained presence in the sport.
Legacy in NASCAR
Ford’s legacy in NASCAR is remarkable:
NASCAR Cup Series: Ford has over 800 combined race wins and 12 manufacturer championships. Iconic drivers such as Richard Petty, Bill Elliott, and Jeff Burton have competed in Ford vehicles.
NASCAR Xfinity Series: Ford is a major contender with multiple manufacturer championships and active support for strong teams and emerging drivers.
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series: Ford has had substantial success in truck racing, winning multiple manufacturer championships and helping develop talent.
Ford’s role in NASCAR has shaped many eras, influencing car design, safety innovations, and race strategies, allowing it to maintain a key place in NASCAR history and culture.
Recent Controversies
Ford as a manufacturer has maintained a clean legal and ethical record in NASCAR through 2024 and 2025. Any controversies in NASCAR involving Ford generally relate to team-level incidents rather than manufacturer actions. Ford emphasizes compliance with NASCAR’s evolving regulations and collaborates closely with its teams to navigate competitive and technical challenges.
Key Highlights from Seasons 2024 and 2025
2024: Ford continued its competitive dominance, with Joey Logano securing the NASCAR Cup Series championship driving the No. 22 Ford Mustang. Ryan Blaney also recorded a strong season with multiple wins and a runner-up finish in the championship. Ford-powered teams aggregated numerous race victories and playoff appearances, cementing their role as championship contenders.
2025 (to date): Ford teams maintain robust performance with multiple top-10 finishes and race wins. Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney continue as key championship contenders. Brad Keselowski contributes veteran leadership with consistent finishes. Ford’s engineering advancements on the Mustang platform remain pivotal in sustaining competitive advantages amid intense rivalries.
Category | Details |
Manufacturer Name | Ford Motor Company |
NASCAR Debut | Late 1940s (first official Cup win in 1950 at Dayton Speedway) |
Base Location | Dearborn, Michigan, USA |
Cup Manufacturer Titles | 12 |
Total Cup Wins | 800+ (combined wins under Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury divisions) |
Current Flagship Car | Ford Mustang GT |
Key Teams (2025) | Team Penske (Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney), RFK Racing (Brad Keselowski, Chris Buescher), Wood Brothers Racing (Harrison Burton) |
Other Series Titles | Multiple championships in NASCAR Xfinity Series and Craftsman Truck Series |