Ford has been on a roll at the Nürburgring Nordschleife lately. Following the Mustang GTD’s then-record setting lap of 6:52, the automaker returned with its electric SuperVan 4.2 racer and managed to rip off a 6:48.393, good enough for seventh place all time on the prototype leaderboard. The Blue Oval was also running its other EV demonstrator, the F-150 Lightning SuperTruck that day as well, and it has just shared confirmation of yet another record-setting lap.
According to a post from Global Director of Ford Performance Mark Rushbrook, the Ford F-150 Lightning SuperTruck managed to tackle the 12.9-mile course in just 6:43.482. That sort of pace puts the “pickup truck” in fifth place all-time on the prototype list, and behind the likes of more normal cars like the Manthey Racing 911 GT2 RS (6:43). Usual Ford EV demonstrator driver Romain Dumas was at the wheel for the attempt. Dumas is the all-time electric lap champ with a 6:05.336 in the VW ID.R. That is the same car that Dumas also used to set the all-time record at the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb, where he more recently has raced Ford’s EV demonstrators. FoMoCo has yet to truly threaten that record.
“That time represents something bigger than speed,” said Rushbrook in a blog post. “It’s proof that when we go electric, we’re bringing everything Ford stands for with us—the toughness, the capability, the reliability you’ve counted on for decades.”
Every minute we spend on that track is an investment in making your next Ford better.,” Rushbrook continued. “This is what happens when Ford’s spirit meets tomorrow’s tech. We’ve always led by doing, not by talking. That’s not changing now.”
While the times themselves are striking on paper, it’s hard to gauge their importance. These dedicated racing machines are running on slick tires with aero packages even Manthey wouldn’t dream of installing. While these learnings are going to be important for Ford’s next-gen EVs, they do not really mean as much as that GTD lap. That does not mean the team should not keep pushing, however. We already know that the ‘Ring is part of Ford’s development plans moving forward. With these runs set as a baseline, that EV record may be in the brand’s crosshairs.
Ford achieved the record with the F-150 Lightning SuperTruck by utilizing a purpose-built, race-spec electric demonstrator rather than a production vehicle. The truck, which resembles an F-150, is a custom-built prototype with extreme performance enhancements.
Extreme Aerodynamics: The SuperTruck is equipped with a massive aero package designed to generate immense downforce. It can produce 6,000 pounds of downforce at 150 mph, which is crucial for high-speed cornering and stability on the Nürburgring.
Powerful Electric Powertrain: The vehicle is powered by three electric motors, which were tuned to produce 1,200 horsepower for the Nürburgring run. Some reports also suggest a four-motor, 2,200 horsepower configuration. This instant and immense power from the electric motors is a significant advantage.
Specialized Components: The SuperTruck runs on slick tires and features a lightweight carbon-magnesium construction, along with a liquid-cooled battery pack to manage thermal temperatures during the demanding lap.
Expert Driver: The lap was set by Romain Dumas, a seasoned racing professional and the all-time electric lap champion at both the Nürburgring and Pikes Peak. His expertise and familiarity with the track were critical to achieving the record.
Ford’s motorsport history is a comprehensive narrative of ambition, innovation, and engineering excellence across multiple racing disciplines. From endurance racing to open-wheel series and rallying, the company has secured some of the most notable records in the sport’s history.
Le Mans and Endurance Racing
Ford’s rivalry with Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans is its most famous chapter. After a failed bid to acquire Ferrari in 1963, a frustrated Henry Ford II launched the GT40 project with the explicit goal of beating the Italian marque at its own game. The project, led by Carroll Shelby, was a massive engineering undertaking.
The GT40’s Dominance: The Ford GT40, named for its Gran Turismo class and 40-inch height, won the 24 Hours of Le Mans for four consecutive years from 1966 to 1969.
1966 1-2-3 Finish: The most celebrated victory was in 1966, when Ford’s GT40 Mk IIs finished 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, a decisive blow that ended Ferrari’s six-year winning streak. The winning car was driven by Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon.
Modern Return: Ford returned to Le Mans with the new Ford GT in 2016. In an emotional victory on the 50th anniversary of its 1966 triumph, the new Ford GT won the LMGTE Pro class, cementing its legacy.
Formula One
Ford’s involvement in Formula One was primarily as an engine supplier through its partnership with Cosworth.
Ford-Cosworth DFV Engine: The Ford-Cosworth DFV (Double Four Valve) engine, which debuted in 1967, is one of the most successful engines in F1 history. It was designed to be a stressed member of the chassis, a revolutionary concept at the time that allowed for lighter and more compact car designs.
Record Wins: Ford-Cosworth engines powered cars to an astonishing 176 Grand Prix victories, 13 drivers’ championships, and 10 constructors’ championships between 1968 and 1982. This engine democratized the sport, as its widespread availability allowed privateer teams to be competitive against factory teams like Ferrari.
NASCAR
Ford has been a major force in American stock car racing since the sport’s inception.
Manufacturer Wins: Ford has more than 700 Cup Series race wins and has secured 17 manufacturer titles in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Iconic Models: Over the decades, Ford’s racing vehicles, including the Thunderbird, Taurus, and Mustang, have become icons of the sport.
Rally and Off-Road
Ford’s success extends to some of the most challenging forms of motorsport.
WRC: Ford has won three Manufacturers’ World Rally Championships (1979, 2006, and 2007) with iconic rally cars like the Escort RS and Focus WRC.
Toughness and Durability: In off-road racing, Ford vehicles like the F-150 and Bronco have a strong record of success in events like the Baja 1000, demonstrating the durability and engineering of their production vehicles.
Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
In recent years, Ford has used its EV demonstrators to set new benchmarks in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, a demanding race to the summit of a 14,115-foot mountain.
Ford SuperVan 4.2: In 2023, the electric SuperVan 4.2, driven by Romain Dumas, set a new Pikes Peak Open-class record with a time of 8:47.682.
F-150 Lightning SuperTruck: The F-150 Lightning SuperTruck, another electric prototype, set a new overall qualifying record for the event in 2024 with a time of 3:32.831, and a race time of 8:53.553, despite a mid-race technical issue. These records highlight Ford’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle technology.
The Ford F-150 Lightning SuperTruck is a one-of-a-kind, purpose-built electric racing demonstrator, not a production vehicle you can buy. Its future lies not in commercial showrooms but as a “rolling laboratory” for Ford’s electric vehicle technology.
Performance and R&D: The SuperTruck’s primary function is to push the limits of EV technology in extreme conditions, such as the Nürburgring and Pikes Peak. It’s a testbed for advanced battery cells, electric motor controls, and aerodynamic innovations that could be integrated into future production EVs.
Technology Transfer: Ford’s goal is to learn from these high-performance demonstrators and apply that knowledge to its consumer vehicles. The insights gained from the SuperTruck’s aggressive regenerative braking, thermal management, and powertrain efficiency will likely inform the development of next-generation F-150 Lightning models and other EVs.
Brand Marketing: The SuperTruck also serves as a powerful marketing tool, showcasing Ford’s engineering prowess and commitment to electric performance. By setting impressive records, it helps build excitement and demonstrate that an electric future doesn’t mean sacrificing capability or speed.