Ford is [Eventually] Bringing Ranger to Dakar

When it comes to modern international blue oval dirt bike, there are really only two names in the conversation. With M-Sport Ford has had decades of World Racing Championship competition, including 2017 and 2018 titles for Sebastien Ogier. In South Africa, Ford partnered with NWM Sport to build raiding competition trucks, like the new Ford Ranger T1+.

In a new partnership between Ford, M-Sport and NWM Sport, the Ranger will now be available as a factory-supported customer racing truck. M-Sport will become the European headquarters for NWM trucks, paving the way for customer support, which is an important first step towards the ambitious Dakar endeavour. M-Sport will partner with NWM to test and develop the Ranger.

Dakar still has a long way to go for the trio of racing brands. Both M-Sport and NWM are eager to get their trucks on the world stage, but have not specified a time frame for when that would be possible. For now, it’s been described by M-Sport boss Malcolm Wilson as a “long-term goal”.

“It’s an important and exciting prospect for me, after nearly 45 years in the business of rallies, raids, and Dakar,” Wilson said. “It is a discipline that I do not underestimate, and I also know that it requires years of experience and expertise. M-Sport and NWM have a common vision, we feel that our respective skins complement each other in a way that will create an unrivaled raid outfit. The NWM Ranger has clear potential, it’s built on a very solid foundation, Matthew tested the car during our visit and was very positive about his experience.

“It’s fair to say I’m not one to shy away from challenge, that’s what I love about motorsport and it’s no secret that we have some work to do to compete for the prestigious Dakar Rally. That said, I am confident that M-Sport and NWM have the tools and know-how to push the Ford Ranger T1+ to the next level.”

In South Africa, NWM currently uses Ranger to compete in the South African Cross Country Championships. It is currently locked in battle with Toyota GazooSouth Africa’s Hilux and Century Racing CR6 raid, is a wild 2WD truck-like truck that uses a 7 liter GM engine and SADEV sequential transmission. All of these vehicles sound like a lot of fun to drive. With proper plant and technology support Backed by M-Sport, NWM will be able to join the Toyota factory lineup in South Africa and elsewhere. Up to and including Dakar.