Ford Motor Company Hosts Henry Ford Health System ‘Get Your Heart Racing’ Fundraiser Featuring Vaughn Gittin Jr.

DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 30, 2012 – Ford Motor Company will host Henry Ford Health System’s annual 2^nd annual “Get Your Heart Racing” fundraiser at its Dearborn test track Sept. 22, an exclusive opportunity for auto enthusiasts to take part in a series of thrilling driving events and demonstrations and raise money for Henry Ford Health Systems at the same time.

Formula Drift championship leader Vaughn Gittin Jr. will headline the Monster Energy Pit Party with a demonstration of his big-smoke style of drifting in the Monster Energy Falken Tire Ford Racing Mustang RTR. And one very lucky guest will walk away with the ultimate door prize – a customized 2012 Ford Focus upgraded with a Euro Series body kit.

Event proceeds benefit the work of the Edith and Benson Ford Heart & Vascular Institute at Henry Ford Health System. Tickets can be purchased at www.getyourheartracing.org.

Monster Energy Pit Party guests will enjoy cocktails, dinner, music, Monster gear, and a slew of automotive-themed activities all staged on the legendary, ultra-private Ford test track.

“Get Your Heart Racing is more than a fundraiser; it’s a car enthusiast’s dream come true – an exclusive opportunity to experience our renowned test track and proving grounds with an assortment of thrilling driving events and demonstrations,” said Raj Nair, co-chairman of the event and global vice president of Product Development for Ford.

“We invite the community to join us to raise money for Henry Ford Health System and experience many of Ford’s most exciting products on coned courses or in drag races, or hop in with pro drivers for drifting hot laps or wet-pad demonstrations,” Nair added.

“Monster Energy doesn’t do traditional advertising,” Gittin explained. “Rather, Monster supports the scene, their athletes and their fans by being involved in just about everything awesome.

“I am pumped the Monster Energy family is so supportive of this charity event, the private track experience, the sick cars, and an exclusive daylong itinerary that is essentially a drivers’ paradise and exactly the type of fun we love to have,” Gittin added. “I can’t wait to get crazy out on the test track, and I look forward to doing my part to help support Henry Ford Health System.”

Gittin recently won his second-consecutive Formula Drift event before a sold-out crowd at Evergreen Speedway in Washington. With the win, he is now series points leader.

“Sept. 22 was already one of the most eagerly anticipated days on the automotive calendar,” said Sandy Hudson, chief development officer at Henry Ford Hospital. “The addition of the Monster Energy Pit Party with drifting champion Gittin in attendance has it soaring to new heights. Whether you’re part of the full-day activities or plan to come just to the pit party, Get Your Heart Racing is a can’t-miss experience for the auto enthusiast.”

Get Your Heart Racing offers two ticket opportunities. The full-day Shelby driving tickets are $1,000 each or $1,750 for a two-person team, and offer a one-of-a-kind daylong driving experience that includes both right-seat and left-seat activities in high-performance Ford vehicles. Monster Energy Pit Party tickets are $250 each, and offer participation in all evening activities including the Gittin drifting demonstration. Both tickets include sumptuous food, beverage and music, along with the drifting demonstration.

All guests can participate in a special live auction that will be highlighted by a one-of-one 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 with massive 662-horsepower V8 engine. The auction will include a variety of other unique opportunities like “American Idol” final tickets and a suite at a Detroit Lions football game. All guests are entered to win the customized Ford Focus. With only about 600 tickets to be sold to this exclusive event, the odds of winning might never be better.

Get Your Heart Racing is open to Ford employees. For more information, to see a video from last year’s event, or to purchase tickets to this year’s fundraiser, please visit www.getyourheartracing.org.