THE incoming Mustang Cup Australia series has recognised Ford icons Dick Johnson and Marcos Ambrose with the establishment of trophies named in their honour.
With the category’s 2026 formats to revolve around a pair of 40-minute races each meeting, points accrued from Saturday races will go towards the Johnson Cup while Sunday points count for the Ambrose Cup.
That’s in line with an option for entrants to split driving duties between two pilots, or stick with just the one.
“Having the support of legends like Dick Johnson and Marcos Ambrose is a huge coup for Mustang Cup Australia,” said series manager Liam Curkpatrick.
“We appreciate their support and look forward to honouring them for years to come as our drivers compete to hold up their cups each year.
“Like all modern one-make and sportscar categories, there’s a class structure that opens up ‘races within races’ – ensuring that whoever you are and wherever you are running, there’s always something to race for.
“On top of awarding an outright Mustang Cup champion each year, we are excited to introduce the unique opportunity of an optional two-driver format, allowing two drivers to pursue separate championships or one driver to compete in both. It creates further opportunities and excitement within the series.”
Johnson welcomed the category’s arrival.
“I’m really pleased to see the Mustang Cup come to Australia for 2026,” he said.
“The Dark Horses are a serious bit of gear, and they are the perfect choice of car for young kids taking their first steps into V8-powered racing, or for the older drivers looking to get bang for their buck.
“I feel honoured to have my name on one of the prizes that will be awarded at the end of the season, and I’m really looking forward to seeing the category launch in March next year.”
Ambrose added: “I’ve driven for a lot of other manufacturers around the world, but none are as close to my heart as Ford and my time racing here in Australia with the Blue Oval.
“We had a great time together, we had a huge fanbase, we did a lot of winning and it really was just a glorious time to be around motorsport and the Ford brand.
“When the Mustang Cup Australia and Ford came to me to talk about the category and whether it would be ok to put my name on one of their trophies, I said ‘absolutely!’
“It’s such a great thing. I love Mustangs, I’m a huge fan of Ford, I have a huge soft spot in my heart for the brand here in Australia. I’m certainly happy to help.
“You can race for the Ambrose Cup or the Johnson Cup, but my trophy is going to be bigger! So, you better race for the bigger one.”