Automotive racing is a dream likely held by many, although it can prove difficult to get into if you haven’t got the cash available and opportunities present – as well as the car to do it in. Hailie Deegan, automotive YouTuber and aspiring racer fills us in on her testing down at Daytona Beach in a Ford Mustang racing car and there are a few surprises along the way as always.
We check out the video for a behind-the-scenes look at how racing can go from good to interesting as the weather decides the fate of all those involved as well as this awesome Ford.
Racing A Ford Mustang GT4 At Daytona International Speedway
Hailie, as extroverted as always, gives some background on her trip. She is currently on day one at the road course at Daytona for the IMSA test, where the day will be more relaxed compared to full-on racing. During the video, Hailie mentions that it’s possible to try things out in this kind of scenario and that while the cars can spin out, it’s possible to carry on back on and keep learning.
The car is a Ford Mustang GT4, a car developed by Ford Performance and Roush-Yates, with a racing-grade 5.2-liter V8 and a price tag of up to around $250,000. Although power is still at around 450 hp like the Ford Mustang road car, meaning it is all about track modifications to the car.
There is some great footage of the car going around the track, too, in what seems like good weather. However, the meteorological conditions change later in the video.
Racing In Bad Weather: The Ford Mustang GT4 Gives All
In the end, the next session does happen in the rain though Hailie says that it’s perhaps a blessing in disguise. This is due to the fact that the challenging conditions enable you to learn about different conditions, so you can see how the car reacts and improve your skills.
There’s more footage of the awesome race car throwing down some awesome laps in the rain with the windshield wipers going, while the team has another anecdote to offer.
One of the team members mentions that one time they had the windshield wipers fail and had to keep on driving in the rain despite the fact that it was highly difficult to see where they were going, showing the commitment that many racers show to the sport.
It will be interesting to see where Hailie heads next, and of course her return to Daytona International Speedway for truck racing.