Entering its second year, Mustang Cup USA is ready to take the racing world by storm. Hear from new Series Director Sean Sermini and United States Auto Club (USAC) Vice President Jack Hoaglin on the introduction of a new class, keeping costs low for competitors, and how the series is setting itself apart from other one-make championships.
Sean, you’re joining Mustang Cup USA as Series Director. What are you most excited about as we approach your first season in this role?
Sean: I went to the Lime Rock Park round and I loved it. I just thought it was cool. The cars were big, loud, American horsepower, and they sounded incredible. A while later I had the opportunity to come over here and run the series, and I was pumped. I truly care about this series, and I love the pressure that comes with running it. We’re going to take this thing to the top of the podium.
What are the benefits, both for competitors and the series, of the introduction of the Mustang Cup Classic Class and the cost reduction incentives?
Sean: For me, it’s less about the benefits and more about the fact we’re giving an opportunity for people to come out and race in a professional series for the first time ever. If they’ve never raced, if they’re moving up from karting to cars, if they’re someone older who finally has the money to get a nice car, we’re giving them an opportunity to race in a professional series where safety is our first focus and fun is our second. And we’re doing this at a price point that’s more affordable than almost anything else in motorsport.
What do you think sets Mustang Cup USA apart from other series?
Jack: One thing is the ability to rent a car. In other one-make series, you have to buy the car. Here, if cost is an issue, you still have the ability to get your feet wet by renting the car for a weekend. This is a unique ability to get people in a car that may not have the means to buy one at the moment. Additionally, our championship format sets us apart. Mustang Cup USA has two championships, and each championship has one qualifying session and one race per event weekend. This means that two drivers could share one Dark Horse R, split the costs of running the car, and still be able to fight for a championship.
What else sets Mustang Cup USA apart from other entry level series?
Jack: I think the experience we provide off track really sets us apart from other series. We have a great hospitality area, and we have receptions at every event. It’s just a big family, and everyone has fun on track and off track. This is the friendliest paddock I’ve ever been in. We have competitors helping each other work on their cars, and you don’t get that anywhere else.
Sean: Another thing that sets us apart is the fact we take fun seriously. For us, we want your experience, whether you’re winning on track or still learning the ropes, to be great. And like Jack said, it’s not just about on track. We also want you to have fun in our paddock, in our lounge area. Racing should be fun, especially in an entry level series, and we do everything we can to ensure Mustang Cup USA is fun for everyone.
What is something you want people who are considering racing in Mustang Cup USA to know?
Jack: We want people to know we’re not some corporate hierarchy that you have to send emails to and hope you get a response back. We want people to come right to us if they have a question and we’ll answer them right away. Putting customers first and making things easy for the competitors is what we’re all about.
Sean: We’re very hands on from the top management in our series all the way out to the driver, the team managers, the crews. You could be the guy who only takes care of the right rear tire and I will call you just to chat and see how things are going.
Finally, what are the goals for Mustang Cup USA in 2026 and beyond?
Jack: Right now, it’s about increasing brand awareness. We are the base of the Ford Racing pyramid, so if you want to work your way up, this is where you need to start. And now, with the classic class, Mustang Cup USA is one of the only places in America where you can race in a one-make Mustang series with your classic car from the 2000s. We’ve also lowered operational costs for teams and drivers by around 30%, and we want people to know that we’re working to keep the series as accessible as possible.
Sean: I want to, and I am working on, bringing great incentives to the series so that when you look at us, it’s a no brainer to decide to race with us. Long term, my goal is to continue with the motto “Let’s have fun, let’s enjoy it.” It’s so important to make sure that everyone has a good time during their time in the series.
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About Mustang Cup USA
Mustang Cup USA is an entry-level, one-make racing series designed for novice and hobby racers. It serves as the first step in the Ford Racing pyramid, providing a professionally organized, club-level competition environment. The series features the Mustang Dark Horse R, a track-focused race car built to deliver high performance and an exhilarating racing experience.
New for 2026 is the Mustang Cup USA Classic class which invites vehicles such as the 2005-2008 Ford Mustang FR500S, 2005-2008 Ford Mustang FR500C, 2012-2014 Ford Mustang Boss 302S, 2012-2014 Ford Mustang Boss 302R, and the 2017 Ford Mustang FP350S to compete alongside the current generation of Mustang Dark Horse R race cars. This new class gives these classic vehicles a new lease on racing life and an opportunity to be back on track in a professional racing atmosphere at some of the best racing facilities in North America.
Unique to Mustang Cup is the option of an optional two-driver format. Each race in a doubleheader format will count towards separate championships – the Miles Cup and Parnelli Cup – allowing two drivers to pursue separate championships or one driver to compete in both.
Drivers with a current club racing license from accredited sanctioning bodies will be recognized and issued a USAC Mustang Cup license. Drivers without a racing license, but who have track experience and wish to race in Mustang Cup, may obtain a nationally recognized club racing license from a number of accredited racing schools, in order to receive an equivalent USAC Mustang Cup license.
Visit the Mustang Cup USA website for more information.
Contact Series Director Sean Sermini with any questions: sean@usacnation.com
