Ford Performance Announces Participation in 2024 Dakar Rally with the Ranger T1+Ford Performance has announced its participation in the 2024 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia with the Ranger T1+. The rally truck has been developed in collaboration with longtime partners M-Sport and Neil Woolridge Motorsports (NWM). The Ranger T1+ will compete in the Rally Raid T1+ class and looks like an evolution of the Rally-Raid Rangers built in South Africa by NWM over the past decade. As is evident from its grille and headlights, it is based on the previous generation of the Ford Ranger and features a modified 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine and a wonderfully wild bodywork.The development program will include competition entries like the Spanish Baja España Aragón in July and the Moroccan Rally du Maroc in October, leading to the 2024 Dakar Rally which will take place between January 5 and 19 in the dunes of Saudi Arabia. Ford will compete on a “finish and learn” basis which means that the team doesn’t aim for the stars in 2024, which is the beginning of a factory-backed multi-year plan.Mark Rushbrook, Global Director at Ford Performance Motorsports said: “We cannot underestimate the enormity of the challenge ahead of us. We need to finish and learn first with Ranger T1+ and partners like M-Sport and NWM, who bring their expertise to bear”. The high-ranked official added: “Our first time in Dakar will be a learning adventure that will help inform how we compete in the future. But as with all racing, we’re not just racing to win, we’re also racing to help build better products for our customers.”Ford Performance said that more racing versions of the Ranger and Ranger Raptor are coming, as part of its expansion in global off-road racing. The highlight among those will be the all-new custom-built Ranger Raptor T1+ that is under development for the 2025 Dakar Rally, based on the current generation of the truck.Secondary Headers:Ford Performance’s Participation in the 2024 Dakar RallyThe Ranger T1+ Rally TruckCollaboration with M-Sport and Neil Woolridge MotorsportsThe Development ProgramFord’s “Finish and Learn” BasisMark Rushbrook’s StatementExpansion in Global Off-Road RacingAll-New Custom-Built Ranger Raptor T1+ for 2025 Dakar RallyFord Performance’s Participation in the 2024 Dakar RallyFord Performance has announced its participation in the 2024 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia with the Ranger T1+. The rally truck has been developed in collaboration with longtime partners M-Sport and Neil Woolridge Motorsports (NWM). The Ranger T1+ will compete in the Rally Raid T1+ class and looks like an evolution of the Rally-Raid Rangers built in South Africa by NWM over the past decade.The Ranger T1+ Rally TruckAs is evident from its grille and headlights, the Ranger T1+ is based on the previous generation of the Ford Ranger and features a modified 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine and a wonderfully wild bodywork. The rally truck has been designed to compete in the harsh conditions of the Dakar Rally, which is known for its unforgiving terrain and extreme weather.Collaboration with M-Sport and Neil Woolridge MotorsportsThe development of the Ranger T1+ has been a collaborative effort between Ford Performance, M-Sport, and NWM. M-Sport is a British motorsport company that specializes in the design, development, and preparation of rally cars. NWM is a South African motorsport company that has been building and racing Ford Rangers for over a decade. The collaboration between these three companies has resulted in a rally truck that is designed to perform at the highest level.The Development ProgramThe development program for the Ranger T1+ will include competition entries like the Spanish Baja España Aragón in July and the Moroccan Rally du Maroc in October. These events will serve as a testing ground for the rally truck, allowing the team to fine-tune its performance before the 2024 Dakar Rally. The team will compete on a “finish and learn” basis, which means that they don’t aim for the stars in 2024, which is the beginning of a factory-backed multi-year plan.Ford’s “Finish and Learn” BasisFord’s decision to compete on a “finish and learn” basis is a smart one. The Dakar Rally is one of the toughest motorsport events in the world, and even experienced teams can struggle to finish. By focusing on finishing the race and learning from the experience, Ford can build a strong foundation for future success.Mark Rushbrook’s StatementMark Rushbrook, Global Director at Ford Performance Motorsports said: “We cannot underestimate the enormity of the challenge ahead of us. We need to finish and learn first with Ranger T1+ and partners like M-Sport and NWM, who bring their expertise to bear.” The high-ranked official added: “Our first time in Dakar will be a learning adventure that will help inform how we compete in the future. But as with all racing, we’re not just racing to win, we’re also racing to help build better products for our customers.”Expansion in Global Off-Road RacingFord Performance’s participation in the 2024 Dakar Rally is part of its expansion in global off-road racing. The company has been investing heavily in this area, and it plans to introduce more racing versions of the Ranger and Ranger Raptor in the coming years. The highlight among those will be the all-new custom-built Ranger Raptor T1+ that is under development for the 2025 Dakar Rally, based on the current generation of the truck.All-New Custom-Built Ranger Raptor T1+ for 2025 Dakar RallyThe all-new custom-built Ranger Raptor T1+ is set to be the highlight of Ford Performance’s expansion in global off-road racing. The rally truck is currently under development and is based on the current generation of the Ranger Raptor. The Ranger Raptor T1+ will be custom-built for the 2025 Dakar Rally, and it is expected to be one of the most advanced and capable rally trucks ever built.ConclusionFord Performance’s participation in the 2024 Dakar Rally with the Ranger T1+ is an exciting development for motorsport fans. The collaboration between Ford Performance, M-Sport, and NWM has resulted in a rally truck that is designed to perform at the highest level. By competing on a “finish and learn” basis, Ford can build a strong foundation for future success. The company’s expansion in global off-road racing is also promising, and the all-new custom-built Ranger Raptor T1+ is sure to be a highlight of the coming years.