A couple of weeks ago, we gave you the rundown on who will be in attendance at the Carlisle Ford Nationals in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, at the end of May. Recently, we received word that a special, super rare Ford GT will be in attendance as well.
The Carlisle Ford Nationals presented by Meguiar’s will take place from May 31st through June 2nd at the Carlisle Pennsylvania Fairgrounds. While Ford will be on-hand to show off its latest offerings, blue oval enthusiasts will come from around the world to showcase their treasured Fords as well. Carlisle has seen its fair share of Ford GTs, but it has never seen this one: the 2009 Matech Ford GT Prototype GT1 race car.
This particular GT has never been on display in the United States, making its appearance at Carlisle an exclusive experience. The GT will be flanked by the #60 Matech Ford GT1 Race Car.
What makes this GT so special, you ask? This particular car is one of two prototype Ford GT1 race cars built by Swiss racing team Matech Competition.
The GT competed in the FiA GT Championship Series in 2009 as a Prototype GT1. The Matech team utilized the car to learn how to improve following competitive cars, specifically focusing on aerodynamics. In 2010, Matech launched its new GT1 race car with the support of Ford, which allowed Matech to test its new cars in Ford’s wind tunnel, perfecting the GT’s aerodynamics. This support enabled the team to refine and dial in along the path to competing at Le Mans.
Visitors to the Carlisle Ford Nationals in a few weeks will be able to set their sights on the prototype during its United States show debut, along with the aforementioned #60 car. That GT1 has a storied history of its own, having been a front runner at Le Mans through most of the race before devastatingly being rear ended, removing it from competition. The car was repaired and brought to the United States in 2014, and will be in attendance with a handful of other GTs in a special display. Several of the GTs will be making hot laps on the Gateway Classic Mustang Autocross course on Saturday, June 1st.