Australian motorsport fans have plenty to look forward to in 2026, as two major developments signal a surge of innovation and ambition across the racing landscape. First, the much-anticipated Mustang Cup Australia will roar onto the scene as part of the SRO Motorsports Australia-promoted Shannons SpeedSeries program, with Michelin officially named as the exclusive tyre supplier for the new one-make series. Meanwhile, on the international front, reigning FIA F3 Team Champions and current F1 Academy Team Championship leaders Campos Racing are teaming up with endurance specialists Brutal Fish Racing Team, announcing a strategic alliance to field a joint LMP3 entry from 2026 in a yet-to-be-confirmed series.
For Michelin, the Mustang Cup Australia deal marks a significant expansion of its already impressive footprint in the country. The French tyre giant, whose Australian motorsport portfolio includes the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia and the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge, is set to provide the premium rubber that will underpin the competitive edge of the Mustang Cup. Speaking about the new partnership, David Laing, Michelin Australia’s marketing manager, emphasized the deep roots both brands share in global motorsport. “The Michelin and Ford Racing brands are synonymous with racing heritage, with an alignment and history that runs deep with our brands,” Laing explained. “Together, we’ve achieved success in the FIA World Rally Championship, 24 Hours of Le Mans, the IMSA Ford Mustang Challenge and now, we celebrate the introduction of Mustang Cup Australia.”
Laing went on to outline Michelin’s mission for the series: “For Michelin, as a global leader in mobility and motorsport, our mission is to deliver a premium tyre for the category that enhances the competitive edge of the series, empowers teams and thrills fans, while supporting long-term growth of the Mustang Cup in Australia. Michelin are thrilled to be supporting the competitors and teams set to join this category and look forward to seeing the Mustang Cup Australia series in action across 2026.”
The Mustang Cup, promoted by Driving Solutions, will feature a six-round championship running alongside the GT World Challenge Australia. The announcement has already sparked excitement among teams and fans alike, with series manager Liam Curkpatrick highlighting the strategic significance of the Michelin partnership. “We are excited to welcome Michelin as a trusted partner,” Curkpatrick stated. “We had an excellent response to the tyre tender process and we had a great number of very competitive options, but for us, Michelin was the best fit for our ambitions with this category. Partnering with Michelin marks a strategic step forward in our journey. Their global expertise, experience with the Mustang Dark Horse R race car and commitment to excellence align with our goals. There are some really exciting initiatives coming that Michelin will be a driving force behind, which we’re looking forward to working with David and team in bringing these to life.”
This new chapter for Michelin and Ford Racing reflects a broader trend in motorsport: the increasing importance of technical partnerships that not only drive performance on the track but also foster long-term growth and fan engagement. With the Mustang Cup Australia set to debut in 2026, all eyes will be on how Michelin’s renowned tyre technology shapes the competition and the spectacle for fans.
Meanwhile, the international racing community is abuzz with the news that Campos Racing, a powerhouse in single-seater competition, is making a bold move into endurance racing. The Spanish team, fresh off championship success in FIA F3 and leading the F1 Academy Team Championship, has joined forces with Brutal Fish Racing Team, a mainstay in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo paddock. Together, they plan to field a joint LMP3 entry from 2026, marking Campos Racing’s first foray into the world of endurance racing.
Campos Racing’s current resume is nothing short of impressive, with active campaigns in FIA Formula 2, FIA Formula 3, F1 Academy, Eurocup-3, and F4 Spain. The decision to branch out into endurance racing is both a strategic and sentimental one for Team Principal Adrián Campos. “I am very proud of the alliance we have forged with Brutal Fish Racing Team with the aim of being present in the world of endurance racing, which in recent years has been enjoying a new golden era,” Campos said. He added, “This project is especially meaningful to me because it was in this discipline that my father put the finishing touch on his sporting career, competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1997, shortly before founding Campos Racing. We are already working with great enthusiasm on this new venture, and I am confident it will bring us plenty of joy.”
While the exact series for the LMP3 entry remains unconfirmed, the likely options are the Michelin Le Mans Cup or possibly the Ultimate Cup, as the European Le Mans Series is reportedly oversubscribed with established teams. This calculated approach indicates Campos Racing’s intent to build a solid foundation in endurance racing before potentially stepping up to more prestigious championships in the future. The alliance with Brutal Fish Racing Team also brings valuable experience from the world of Lamborghini Super Trofeo, providing the technical and operational expertise needed for success in multi-hour, multi-driver events.
The move by Campos Racing mirrors a growing interest among single-seater teams to diversify their portfolios and embrace the unique challenges of endurance racing. The discipline demands not just speed and precision, but also teamwork, strategy, and adaptability—qualities that have defined Campos Racing’s rise through the ranks of junior formulae. With LMP3 serving as an accessible and competitive entry point, the partnership with Brutal Fish Racing Team could well be the first step in a long and successful endurance racing journey for both outfits.
Back in Australia, anticipation is building for the Mustang Cup’s debut season. The series is expected to attract a mix of established teams and ambitious newcomers, all eager to test their mettle in identical machinery on Michelin tyres. The synergy between Ford Racing’s iconic Mustang platform and Michelin’s motorsport pedigree promises close racing and plenty of drama. With Driving Solutions at the promotional helm and a calendar aligned with the popular GT World Challenge Australia, the Mustang Cup is poised to become a highlight of the national motorsport calendar.
As both the Mustang Cup Australia and the Campos-Brutal Fish LMP3 project prepare for their respective launches in 2026, the motorsport world is reminded that innovation and collaboration remain at the heart of racing’s enduring appeal. Whether it’s the roar of V8 Mustangs battling for supremacy Down Under or the strategic chess match of endurance racing on Europe’s storied circuits, fans can expect new rivalries, fresh stories, and unforgettable moments in the years ahead.
With Michelin’s commitment to excellence and Campos Racing’s bold leap into endurance, 2026 is shaping up to be a milestone year for motorsport enthusiasts both in Australia and abroad. The groundwork is laid—the only question now is who will seize the moment when the lights go out and the engines fire up.
