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Ford's groundbreaking LMDh vehicle has commenced its initial testing phase at the Circuit Paul Ricard, signaling a pivotal step towards its 2027 World Endurance Championship debut. This development highlights the American manufacturer's commitment to cutting-edge endurance racing.

Details of Ford's LMDh Prototype's First Outing

On Monday, August 17, 2026, Ford's innovative LMDh race car undertook its inaugural shakedown at the famed Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet. This location was strategically selected due to its proximity to the headquarters of ORECA, the manufacturer providing the chassis for Ford's unnamed prototype. The heart of this new challenger is a powerful 5.4-liter naturally-aspirated V8 engine, a derivative of the Coyote series, which was meticulously developed and tested at Ford's Dearborn facilities. The engine was successfully integrated into the chassis and activated for the first time just last month, paving the way for this crucial track testing. According to an official statement from Ford Racing, the Hypercar's testing commenced on Wednesday, August 5, with several days dedicated to smooth running-in procedures. The team meticulously followed a comprehensive program to activate and verify every control system, all of which are now fully operational. This sets the stage for intensive track tests scheduled for the current and upcoming weeks.

Renowned works drivers Matt Campbell and Logan Sargeant were at the helm during these initial runs, meticulously evaluating the vehicle's performance. Their teammates, Tom Blomqvist and Mike Rockenfeller, are slated to participate in subsequent testing sessions. Nick Yelloly and Sebastian Priaulx are also integral to this ambitious project, contributing to the development ahead of Ford's anticipated Hypercar entry next year. The vehicle's striking appearance features a distinctive blue-and-white camouflage livery adorned with "Ford Racing" branding and a sleek black fin. Its design incorporates a notably low nose, reminiscent of the Ferrari 499P, although without the signature wing seen on other ORECA-based models. A raised, contoured splitter seamlessly connects to a central 'nose' that extends from beneath the bodywork. Aerodynamic 'flicks' are prominently featured on the sides to enhance airflow management. The front mudguard showcases intricately contoured sections above the future headlight placement, currently concealed by the paintwork, alongside the conventional wheel arch openings. A 'tunnel' strategically positioned between the wheel arch and side skirts efficiently channels airflow from the front of the car beneath the body. At the rear, the side wing supports ingeniously attach to the wheel arch's extremity, which boasts an unprecedented hollowed-out design, merging with the central bodywork where a horizontal LED light strip is visible. The elegantly curved lower panels seamlessly integrate with a wider, more squared-off central diffuser section. Furthermore, the bonnet fin exhibits a design very similar to the Porsche 963, featuring a large air intake accentuated by a yellow outline on the cockpit cover.

This initial shakedown at Circuit Paul Ricard represents a significant stride for Ford in its return to top-tier endurance racing. The meticulous testing and sophisticated aerodynamic design evident in their LMDh car demonstrate a focused approach to compete at the highest level in the upcoming World Endurance Championship. It will be fascinating to witness how this innovative machine performs against its rivals as its development progresses.

The recent NASCAR Cup Series event at Richmond International Raceway has concluded, leaving behind a trail of triumphs and tribulations for various teams and drivers. As the dust settles, a closer look reveals significant shifts in standings and impactful performances that could shape the remainder of the season, with only two races left before the critical Chase reset.

NASCAR Cup Richmond Race: Unpacking the Outcomes

In a gripping spectacle at the Richmond International Raceway on Saturday night, Joey Logano, piloting the No. 22 Team Penske Ford, clinched a hard-fought victory. He skillfully fended off challenges from Chase Briscoe and Ryan Blaney, demonstrating remarkable control in a race characterized by extended green-flag periods and multi-groove racing. This classic Richmond event saw minimal retirements, with only one DNF recorded, yet featured extensive position changes throughout the field.

Logano's ascent has been particularly noteworthy; just six races prior, he was positioned 20th in the championship standings, and now, with two wins and three top-five finishes in his last four outings, he stands ninth. His impressive momentum at this pivotal time suggests a strong bid for a fourth championship title in 2027, fueled by a desire to quiet critics who question his previous playoff-format victories.

Conversely, the Richmond race proved challenging for Carson Hocevar of Spire Motorsports. His standing plummeted from fifth to 11th after consecutive finishes outside the top 30, costing him 25 bonus points. A critical error in downshifting incorrectly ultimately led to his first retirement of the 2026 season, marking a significant setback for the young driver.

Meanwhile, Austin Cindric of Team Penske delivered his strongest performance of the year, securing a third-place finish and accumulating 48 points. This surge has propelled him to 15th in the standings, safely above the cut-line and providing a much-needed boost for his team.

For Austin Dillon of Richard Childress Racing, the Richmond track, where he had hoped to achieve a historic third consecutive win, did not yield the desired results. Despite briefly cracking the top ten, he finished 19th, leading his team but failing to replicate his past successes.

Hendrick Motorsports enjoyed a strong collective outing, with all four of its drivers finishing within the top ten—a first for the team in the 2026 season. Chase Elliott led the quartet in fifth, followed by Kyle Larson in sixth, William Byron in ninth, and Alex Bowman in tenth. While they showed solid performance, they were not serious contenders for the win, indicating room for further improvement. Notably, Kyle Larson showcased incredible versatility by immediately traveling from Richmond to Iowa to win the rain-delayed Knoxville Nationals.

Ryan Preece of RFK Racing experienced a disappointing race despite starting from a promising sixth position, a year after securing pole position at the same track. He failed to earn stage points and finished 16th, losing significant ground in the Chase battle, now trailing Shane van Gisbergen by 50 points with only two races remaining before the playoff reset.

The Richmond race offered a blend of high-octane action, strategic masterclasses, and unexpected downturns. It highlighted the dynamic nature of NASCAR racing, where fortunes can shift dramatically within a single event. Logano's victory is a testament to his resilience and competitive drive, while the struggles of others underscore the unforgiving demands of the sport. As the season nears its playoff phase, every race becomes a crucial battleground, with drivers and teams pushing the limits to secure their spots and championship aspirations.