Since signing with the Ford Racing Driver Development program at the start of the year, the third generation racer has cemented himself into the GT racing fray with the Blue Oval.
McLeod entered Ford’s sights with a standout performance at the Mustang Challenge Le Mans Invitational in 2025, sweeping both races across the weekend.
Following the recent Monochrome GT4 Australia round at Queensland Raceway, where McLeod and Mason Harvey stood on the Sunday podium, the young gun took the opportunity to reflect on his time so far with Ford.
“It was a year ago I was in Le Mans and [Ford] kind of gave me the hint that, ‘we want you a part of our program and you’ve obviously got what it takes’,” McLeod told Speedcafe.
“I can’t believe it’s been a year, honestly, it’s cool, and they have a lot of belief in me and I wouldn’t be in the program if I didn’t think there was anything in it for me.
“I’ve been big on not just being in a program just to be in it, if you’re paying to be in it, there’s really no point, you know? They want your money, they don’t want you.
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“So to have Ford here and genuinely help me out with racing, it’s just been all around a bunch of positives, no negatives.”
Currently well immersed in Ford’s global GT4 program, McLeod competes full-time in the Australian series and has made starts in Europe, including a podium finish at Monza in just his second start.
For the 21-year-old, however, GT4 is just the beginning of the line.
McLeod hinted at Mustang GT3 laps later this year and, with Ford entering the Hypercar ranks from 2027, his ultimate goal is the highest level of sportscar racing.
“Definitely get to Hypercar, it’s definitely possible, I think there’s no doubt in a few years I’ll be in it,” McLeod added.
“That is the long-term goal to get to that, no doubt, I’m hoping and I’m pushing that it’s where I’m going to get.
“I think this Ford program’s looking really strong and from what they’re telling me, all I’ve got to do is just keep winning races and do my thing and there’s no reason why they won’t do anything with me.”
Ford announced three more drivers for its Hypercar program last weekend at Le Mans, including Australian Matt Campbell.
While GT and sportscar racing is immediately at the forefront for McLeod, the Super2 and Super3 race winner has not let go of the possibility of Supercars racing.
“Supercars is still well on the radar,” McLeod said.
“If there’s an opportunity that arises, 100 percent I’ll be in there, but at the minute there’s just no opportunities for me.”
The young gun has a pair of Bathurst 1000 starts to his name with a best finish of fifth alongside Cam Hill in 2025.
He could yet appear in The Bend 500 this year having been one of several drivers linked to Tickford Racing’s wildcard entry.
McLeod and Harvey currently sit second in the GT4 Australia series with three podium finishes from six races.
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