Here's what happens when someone with no experience hits an iconic racetrack in a 795-hp beast
A powerful first track drive
Matt Reigle, a motorsports fan, had hoped to try track driving as a bucket-list experience. He expected a modest first car, such as a Mazda MX-5, but instead drove Ford’s 795-horsepower Mustang Dark Horse SC.
The 4,100-pound car took him to Sebring International Raceway, a circuit known for its difficulty. Reigle described driving the powerful sports car there as a striking experience.
Testing the car on cones
Before taking on the circuit, Reigle drove the Track Package on a cone-based autocross course. Its lower speeds and traction control helped make the test a more manageable introduction.
The car’s 660 pound-feet of torque still made him wary of accelerating too hard. Reigle joked that a mistake could leave him reluctant to show his face near Sebring.
Built for track and road
The Dark Horse SC is described as the spiritual successor to the discontinued Ford Shelby GT500, rather than a simple rebadging. A Track Package Special Edition is available in Shadow Black or Oxford White, with carbon and red accents.
Reigle said the car has racing-car character while remaining suitable for daily use. Its design, he noted, allows owners to drive it to a track, use it there and then drive home.
Key points
- Matt Reigle drove Ford’s 795-horsepower Mustang Dark Horse SC at Sebring without prior track-driving experience.
- The car weighs 4,100 pounds and produces 660 pound-feet of torque.
- Reigle first tested the Track Package on a cone-based autocross course.
- He said the car has racing-car character but is also suitable for daily use.