Le Mans (FR), June 17, 2025 - Last week, Belgian outfit TeamFloral made its debut at an event supporting the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The team entered the Mustang Le Mans Invitational, an international one-make series featuring the Ford Mustang Dark Horse R, as part of the prestigious support races of the 93rd edition of the legendary endurance race.
The Mustang Le Mans Invitational brought together forty identical Ford Mustang Dark Horse R race cars, driven by a mix of promising young drivers from around the world. Both TeamFloral drivers – Belgian Nathan Vanspringel and American Jenson Altzman – are part of the official Ford Performance Junior Program and represent the next generation of talent supported by Ford on their path to a professional career in motorsport.
The Ford Mustang Dark Horse R is the most track-focused model in the Mustang range, specifically developed for competition in one-make series and equipped with a powerful 5.0-litre V8 engine.
First appearance on the big stage
For TeamFloral, the Le Mans entry was not only a sporting challenge, but also a logistical feat. One of the race cars was flown in from the United States at the very last minute, but thanks to thorough preparation and teamwork, both cars were fully ready for action in time.
In Race 1, both Ford Junior drivers secured a top ten finish on their debut at the iconic Circuit de la Sarthe. Jenson Altzman finished fifth in a field of more than forty identical cars, while Nathan Vanspringel crossed the line in eleventh position.
In Race 2, Altzman impressed once again with a strong fourth place, missing out on the overall podium by just four tenths of a second. Vanspringel was again running competitively but had to retire shortly before the end of the race due to suspension damage. A top five finish had been within reach.
“A true honour to race here”
Jean-Marc Valckenaere, team manager of TeamFloral, called the weekend a successful baptism of fire: “It was a true honor for us to be on the grid here as a Belgian team, among the international reference points in GT racing. Le Mans is a unique experience – for the drivers, but also for the team. Despite limited preparation time, we were able to show what we’re capable of, and this leaves us wanting more.”
TeamFloral extends its sincere thanks to all mechanics, partners, sponsors and supporters who made this remarkable debut possible.
The remainder of the season follows quickly, with the Belgian round of the GT4 European Championship taking place on another legendary circuit: Spa-Francorchamps.
On 26, 27 and 28 June, Nathan Vanspringel and teammate Michiel Haverans will showcase their skills at their home track behind the wheel of the Ford Mustang GT4.