When you hear the word “sweepstakes”, the first thing that comes to mind is a contest or a gamble of some kind. Looking from that perspective, Henry Ford’s vision 125 years ago was just as much of a gamble, but not in the way we think today.
In 1901, Henry Ford was a struggling entrepreneur in the automotive industry. However, he was determined to prove efficient “, safe and mass-produced automobiles could be viable. In what some might call a last-ditch effort, Ford entered his newest vehicle, known as “Sweepstakes,” in a local race in Grosse Pointe, Michigan scheduled for October 10 of that year. Going up against heavy favorite Alexander Winton, Ford managed the upset and rode “Sweepstakes” to an astounding victory. The win can, in-part, be attributed to the engine durability that was displayed in “Sweepstakes”. Durability and quality craftsmanship remain key elements Ford Motor Company still prides itself on today. The excitement surrounding the win allowed Ford to attract new investors for his next business venture, one that today we know as Ford Motor Company.
Now, as part of Ford Racing’s 125th anniversary celebration, a special IMSA GTD Pro livery will be showcased at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta’s Petit Le Mans on Saturday, October 3. The familiar blue and white colors of the Ford Racing factory Mustang GT3 race cars will be replaced by less a livery and more a living time-capsule.
The championship-chasing factory Ford Racing Mustang GT3s will carry a livery drawing from the “Sweepstakes” racer that started it all, highlighted by both the design and color scheme debuted by Henry Ford himself. The concept goes so deep to ensure historical accuracy, a comprehensive color-matching process was performed to perfectly replicate the color palette of the original "Sweepstakes" and the Nos. 64 and 65 Mustangs.
Notable elements of the livery include the use of the original Ford Motor Company logo as well as a nod to Ford’s 1903 founding date. Those watching closely will also notice other historical details and Ford facts when the cars roll off the Petit Le Mans grid on Saturday, October 3. And it’s not only the livery that will take part in the anniversary celebrations. The drivers’ firesuits replicate a turn of the 20th century three-piece suit, recognizing Henry Ford’s race day attire 125 years ago.
Ted Ryan, Heritage Brand Manager and Archivist at Ford, has been a part of the process since inception and, himself, has taken a real hands-on approach. Ryan is featured on the announcement video voicing the history perched in a replica of the original “Sweepstakes”. Ryan enthusiastically had this to say about his experience as passenger of the open two-seat racer on the streets of Grosse Pointe; “it was the scariest, but most fun experience of my life!” While a nearly idle speed for today’s Mustang GT3, “Sweepstakes could reach speeds approaching 60 miles per hour, an impressive feat at the time it was designed.
But Ford Racing only looks back so it can move itself forward. As the 10-hour event northeast of Atlanta unfolds, race fans will notice some key aesthetic evolutions that point squarely to the future of America’s Race Team. Once the sun comes down, the pair of Ford Racing entries will shift to a more modern aesthetic taking fans on a trip through time from 1901 to 2026.
For the first time, the “Glow Pony” – version 2.0 as Scott Bartlett, Manager of On-Road Racing and Product Marketing likes to call it – will be fully illuminated. As opposed to only the outline of the Mustang fans have come to look for in the night at international sports car races, the inner section of the “Glow Pony” will brightly display the American flag in black and gold colors, acting as a nod to the 250th anniversary of the United States.
By blending the popular “Glow Pony” illumination on the rear fender with a tribute to America’s 250th Anniversary, there will be no mistaking Ford’s American spirit.
When explaining how this ode to “Sweepstakes” came about, Bartlett pointed to a visit to the Henry Ford museum last year. “We delivered a heritage livery right across from the Sweepstakes display,” said Bartlett. “I thought this could be something cool to blend and fun to put together, and working with the Ford Archives, we made it happen.”
After all the time that has passed, seeing what came about from Henry Ford’s ambitious vision, highlighted by his risky decision to enter “Sweepstakes” in a local race, can be appreciated.
“Everything we do in racing is a gamble,” offered Bartlett. “But without Henry Ford taking a risk on October 10, 1901, we wouldn’t be able to watch the Ford Mustang GT3 wearing the colors of Sweepstakes at Petit Le Mans on October 3, 2026. To this day, we live by his example. You have to push the limits and sometimes put it all on the line to create the future. That is what we do at Ford Racing.”
There was no guarantee, no crystal ball that could show what 125 years would bring to the Ford name. But today, it’s safe to say his gamble paid off.
Adam Tropper is this year’s winner of the Rod Campbell Award and is serving as an intern working on the Ford Racing program this summer.
Behind every trophy are hundreds of names. Add yours to the Ford Racing team roster – we’re hiring.
