Jim Farley Born into a lineage inextricably linked to the American industrial dream, stands as a high-octane visionary steering Ford Motor Company into a bold new era of mobility. His story is one of profound heritage and relentless reinvention, rooted in the legacy of his grandfather, Emmet Tracy, who was among the very first workers at Henry Ford’s legendary River Rouge Plant in 1913. This deep family connection ignited a lifelong passion for automobiles, leading a young Farley to spend his teenage years flipping cars and racing vintage vehicles—a “car guy” soul that remains the beating heart of his leadership today.
Farley’s ascent to the pinnacle of the automotive world is a testament to his “straight-talk” philosophy and his willingness to defy convention. After a transformative 15-year tenure at Toyota, where he spearheaded the successful launch of the Scion brand and revitalized Lexus, he joined Ford in 2007 with a mission to modernize an icon. Since taking the helm as CEO in October 2020, he has become the architect of the ambitious Ford+ plan, an uplifting strategy designed to bridge the company’s storied past with a digital, electric future. His leadership is defined by an authentic, human-centric approach; he famously listens to the frontline, recently calling for greater cultural respect for the essential industrial workers who keep America’s backbone intact.
The 2025–2026 season finds Farley navigating a “historic shift” with the agility of a race car driver. Under his guidance, Ford has transitioned into three distinct units—Ford Blue, Ford Model e, and Ford Pro—to meet the diverse needs of a changing world. As of early 2026, he is championing a radical “clean-sheet” approach to electrification, focusing on a new Universal EV Platform slated for 2027 that aims to deliver affordable, high-quality electric vehicles for the masses. His recent strategic pivot toward hybrids and energy storage solutions reflects a leader who is not afraid to learn “the hard way,” showing the humility and resilience required to guide a global giant through one of the most turbulent eras in industrial history.
Beyond the boardroom and the assembly line, Farley’s motivation is fueled by a genuine desire to give back and inspire the next generation. He is a tireless advocate for technical education, launching the Ford Essential Workforce Initiative with over $5 million in new investments for 2025–2026 to help 100,000 students master the trades of the future. His personal life is marked by a deep faith and a commitment to community, frequently volunteering at the Pope Francis Center in Detroit. Whether he is racing his 1965 Ford GT40 or hosting his “DRIVE” podcast to celebrate America’s love affair with cars, Jim Farley remains a leader who believes that true success is found in the struggle and that the most exciting mile is always the one that lies ahead.
Ignite your passion for the ultimate pursuit of speed as Ford Racing embarks on its most ambitious era in over a century. From the moment Henry Ford won his first and only race with the legendary “Sweepstakes” in 1901—a victory that secured the funding to start the Ford Motor Company—racing has been the very oxygen of the brand. This storied legacy is adorned with an unmatched collection of trophies, including four consecutive 24 Hours of Le Mans titles from 1966 to 1969, multiple NASCAR Cup Series championships, and a record-breaking 176 Formula 1 wins as an engine manufacturer. Whether it is conquering the dust of the Baja 1000 or the high-speed ovals of Daytona, Ford has consistently proven that their “Go Like Hell” spirit is the heartbeat of American motorsport.
The 2025–2026 season represents a thunderous global resurgence, as Ford Racing officially rebrands to unify its competition efforts under one powerful banner. As of January 2026, the energy is electric following the global season launch at Detroit’s Michigan Central Station, marking the final countdown to Ford’s epic return to Formula 1 with Red Bull Ford Powertrains. Across the globe, Ford’s current form is sensational; the Mustang GT3 recently notched its first global victory at Daytona, while the brand dominates the Australian Supercars landscape as the new homologation partner for the legendary Triple Eight Race Engineering. This is a season of “firsts” and “returns,” with Ford leading the charge in everything from the grueling Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia to the technical heights of global GT3 competition.
Driving this relentless quest for glory is an elite roster of factory stars who embody the precision and grit of the Blue Oval. In the IMSA GTD Pro category, the powerhouse duo of Christopher Mies and Frédéric Vervisch leads the charge in the No. 65 Mustang GT3, supported by the rising talent of Sebastian Priaulx for endurance rounds. In the sister No. 64 car, the formidable Ben Barker and Dennis Olsen take on the full season, joined by veteran ace Mike Rockenfeller for the grueling long-distance classics. These drivers represent the pinnacle of Ford’s sports car ambitions, tasked with bringing the updated Mustang GT3 to the top step of the world’s most iconic podiums.
On the high-speed banks of NASCAR, Ford’s 2026 lineup is a masterclass in talent and tenacity. Key players like the 2025 standout Zane Smith and the legendary Austin Cindric continue to lead the Mustang Dark Horse brigade, while the 19-year-old phenom Connor Zilisch makes his highly anticipated full-time Cup Series debut. The veteran leadership of Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney remains the bedrock of Ford’s oval dominance, ensuring that the Blue Oval remains the brand to beat in the hunt for the Bill France Cup. With a squad that balances the wisdom of champions with the raw speed of the next generation, Ford is perfectly positioned to sweep the standings in 2026.
Off the beaten path, Ford’s off-road warriors are tackling the world’s most hostile terrain with the Raptor T1+ and the F-150 Raptor R. The legendary Carlos Sainz Sr. and Nani Roma are currently spearheading Ford’s first-ever official factory assault on the Dakar Rally, bringing decades of winning experience to the dirt. Meanwhile, in the World Rally Championship, the M-Sport Ford World Rally Team continues to push the boundaries of hybrid performance with Adrien Fourmaux and Grégoire Munster. From the sand dunes of the Middle East to the forest tracks of Europe, Ford’s registered drivers for the 2026 season are a united front of speed, ready to prove that no challenge is too great for the Ford family.
Beyond the trophies and the champagne, this 2026 campaign is about the bridge between the track and the street. Every innovation tested by these elite athletes—from the sustainable fuels of F1 to the aerodynamic lessons of the Mustang GTD—is being funneled directly into the Ford vehicles of tomorrow. As the brand prepares to unveil a new street-legal “production road car” with pure racing pedigree this month, the message to fans worldwide is clear: Ford Racing is not just back; it is faster, stronger, and more ambitious than ever. We are more than ready for this challenge, and the journey toward a new golden age of performance starts now.
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