Ford has released official photos of the 2024 Mustang GT that will be making its NASCAR pace car debut this weekend at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Virginia. The pace car's appearance over the weekend will be the first of seven NASCAR races it'll pace this year.

The new Mustang pace car will also feature at Talladega (April 21-23), Dover (April 29-30), Darlington (May12-14), Nashville (June 23-25), Chicago (June 30-July 2), and the annual Labor Day Weekend at Darlington (Sept. 1-3).

"We've had great success racing Mustang globally, including winning last year's NASCAR championship," said Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance Motorsports. "Racing leads to better products, and seeing the all-new Mustang GT setting the pace at NASCAR makes the connection even stronger with our customers and fans."

The Grabber Blue Mustang GT pace car you're looking at is bone stock with the only exceptions being a light bar and custom Ford Performance and Mustang exterior graphics. Under its hood lies the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter Coyote V8 that pumps out a now-confirmed 486 horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque, but only when equipped with the optional active-valve performance exhaust system. Without it, horsepower remains the same but torque drops to 415 lb-ft, which Ford points out is still the most standard torque to date.

Whether you opt for the six-speed manual or optional ten-speed automatic transmission, those horsepower and torque figures remain the same for the Mustang GT and the Dark Horse.

The Coyote V8, now in its fourth generation, comes with a segment-first, dual intake and dual throttle body induction system aided by structural improvements and an improved oil pan.

Ford says this helps minimize induction loss by enabling higher air flow rates. For those who feel the V8 is too much engine for them, there's the base 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo four with 315 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque on tap.

For those who don't follow NASCAR, the Mustang also races in addition to its pace car duties. Brad Keselowski is the leader for all current Ford drivers with two NASCAR Cup Series wins at Martinsville and defending champion Joey Logano has one victory and five poles under his belt.

Be sure to tune in this weekend when all three of NASCAR's top touring series compete at Martinsville Speedway. The action begins at 3 pm EST on Saturday.