By: Kelly Crandall | 6 hours ago Ford Performance rolled out its 2019 Mustang in grand fashion Wednesday afternoon.Following a flyover and under bright blue Michigan sky, the car rolled out to its official unveiling with three-time NASCAR champion Tony Stewart at the wheel and confetti flying. The Mustang will be run in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series next season. It is replacing the Fusion.

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Ford has used the Mustang in the NASCAR Xfinity Series since 2011.“Mustang has raced since it was first sold in 1964,” said Hau Thai-Tang, the Ford executive vice president of product development and purchasing. “After more than a half-century, it feels great to finally let Mustang run in the top echelon of America’s most popular stock car racing series.”All 13 Ford drivers in the Cup Series were on hand for the unveiling in addition to various team owners. Also in attendance were NASCAR’s Mike Helton and Steve O’Donnell.“Ever since we announced in April that Mustang would be going to the Cup level in 2019, we’ve heard nothing but positive feedback,” said Ford global director Mark Rushbrook. “Our Ford Performance team has worked hard with the Ford Design team to create a Mustang that will be competitive on the track while remaining true to its proud heritage. We can’t wait to see it winning races in the NASCAR Cup Series next year.”