DEARBORN, Mich. June 15, 2011 – Fuel mileage may be a problem for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers when they come to Michigan International Speedway for this weekend’s Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400, but it will be all green-flag conditions for one fuel-sipping car in the field.
The all-new 2012 Ford Focus, which delivers an EPA-certified 40 miles per gallon on the highway, will have more than enough petrol to get the job done when it serves as pace car for the first time at a NASCAR-sanctioned event.
While NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers will need to pit five or six times during the 400-mile race, the 2012 Focus, with its outstanding fuel economy, could go race distance and more, pushing 497 miles (or 248 laps at Michigan International Speedway) before needing to pit.
Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas, will be behind the wheel Sunday as the “celebrity” pace car driver.
“Bringing the 43-car field to the green flag will be an honor, but the real highlight of my day will be showing millions of race fans at MIS and across the country how much fun the new Focus is to drive,” Fields said. “Focus is delivers on high-speed ovals, challenging, twisty roads and everything in between. This car – built right here in Michigan – is built for people who love to drive.”
Focus is Ford’s most significant global car with more than 10 million units sold since being launched in 1998.
“When I saw the new Focus, I couldn’t believe it,” said Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne. “I think this car is going to appeal to a lot of young people like myself because it offers the latest technology and has that sporty look many of us want when we go shopping for a car.”
Ford hopes consumers nationwide share Bayne’s reaction.
“Just like last year when we unveiled Fiesta as the Michigan pace car, we’re using this race as a platform to promote another one of our fun-to-drive, fuel-efficient vehicles,” said Jamie Allison, director, Ford Racing. “Focus is a fantastic car that has captured the imagination of consumers everywhere, and we hope our fans are going to like what they see when it hits the track on Sunday.”
Ford has been at the forefront of using its NASCAR pace car program to highlight its extensive line of new cars, trucks and sport utility vehicles. This includes being the first company to have Hybrid pace the start of a NASCAR race when the Fusion Hybrid led the field to green for the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2009. In addition, the Mustang GT 5.0L V-8 and all-new 2011 Explorer SUV have served as pace vehicles within the last year.
In addition to being the pace car at MIS this weekend, Focus is also the feature vehicle of a new national on-line sweepstakes in which 40 fans will win the new model if Ford Racing drivers capture the NASCAR Sprint Cup, NHRA Funny Car and World Rally championships. Fans can register for that opportunity at www.Ford40MPG.com.
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About the 2012 Ford Focus
The 2012 Ford Focus is all-new and is available as a four-door sedan or sporty five-door hatchback. It is one of four Ford Motor Company vehicles to offer EPA-certified 40 mpg on the highway and achieved that distinction with a six-speed automatic transmission, which is overwhelmingly preferred by American drivers.
The outstanding fuel economy of the Ford Focus is complemented by available class-exclusive technology and features usually found only on larger cars, such as available push button-start, voice-activated navigation, and Active Park Assist, which takes the stress our of parallel parking.
With SYNC® voice-control functionality, Bluetooth connectivity and array of options for connecting external media, the all-new 2012 Ford Focus surpasses its competition in technology while remaining fun to drive.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 164,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.
About Ford Racing - North America
Ford Racing - North America, based in Dearborn, Mich., is responsible for major racing operations in North America, including NASCAR (Sprint Cup, Nationwide Series, Camping World Trucks), Grand American sports car racing, NHRA drag racing and RallyCar. The department also oversees the development and marketing of Ford Racing Engines and Performance Parts, the outreach programs with all Ford Clubs and Ford enthusiasts, and the marketing of the Ford Racing brand. For more information regarding Ford Racing’s activities, please visit www.fordracing.com.
