DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 24, 2008 – Ford’s Drive One campaign has proven to be a successful marketing initiative that has helped draw attention to new Ford cars and trucks and showcasing the company’s innovative technology. This week, Ford Racing launches its own version of the campaign, ‘I’m Driving One,’ that will make its debut online on various Ford, team and driver websites.
Seven high-profile Ford Racing personalities will comprise the core of the ‘I’m Driving One’ initiative, which will be aimed at uniting these racing heroes and their fan base with Ford’s diverse 2009 line-up of products.
“At Ford Racing, we are constantly looking for ways to utilize our personalities and racing programs to support the company’s primary objective of selling cars and trucks,” said Jamie Allison, Manager, Ford Racing Performance Group. “In building this online campaign, we focused on targeting the ardent fan, the one who regularly goes to the team or driver website, but who may not be currently driving a Ford product. These are some of the best drivers in the world and their feedback on the new Ford cars and trucks provides a unique perspective for their fans on our products.”
The seven-week campaign will kick off September 24 featuring NASCAR drivers Carl Edwards, the current Chase for the Sprint Cup points leader, Greg Biffle, the winner of the last two NASCAR Sprint Cup races, and 2003 NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Matt Kenseth, along with their boss, Roush Fenway Racing principal Jack Roush. From the NHRA, the father-daughter tandem of 14-time Funny Car champion John Force and 2007 NHRA Rookie of the Year Ashley Force will be joined by 2008 NHRA Rookie-of-the-Year candidate Bob Tasca III.
“I am excited to be involved in the Ford ‘I’m Driving One” campaign especially since I love to drive a Ford,” said Ashley Force, 2007 NHRA Rookie-of-the-Year. I have driven a Ford ever since I was in high school and I got an F-150 as my first vehicle. I also have a Mustang, which I love to cruise around Southern California. I am looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the new Flex and Lincoln MKS as well as the Focus. Having the chance to drive different Ford vehicles is just one of the great benefits of being in the Ford family and I am looking forward to sharing my experiences.”
The campaign will feature test drives of the 2009 models of Ford Flex, Ford Mustang, Ford F-150, Ford Focus, Ford Fusion and the Lincoln MKS. Each Ford Racing personality will drive a vehicle, utilizing it in their everyday life and blog about their thoughts and the features that they incorporated it into their busy lifestyle. Consumer can read the personalities new blog posts each week.
The promotion will be featured on the driver’s personal websites and on the sites of the teams for whom they drive. In addition, other partner sites, as well as the Ford family of websites (Ford.com, Ford Racing.com, TeamFordRacing.com, Fordvheicles.com and Motorcraft.com) will carry the promotion.
In addition to the driver insight into the new vehicles, fans will have the opportunity to register to win one-of-a-kind prizes through a two-tiered sweepstakes. Each week, a personalized autographed helmet from one of the racing personalities will be given away to a fan. Entry periods do apply. A total of seven helmets, or one for each week of the program, will be given away.
Fans can also earn additional chances to win a grand prize by completing the "Refer a Friend" section of sweepstakes entry form. Three grand prizes will be awarded, including the Ultimate Ford Championship Experience, which features a trip to Ford Championship Weekend in Homestead, Fla., for the NASCAR season finale and the Ultimate California Drag Racing Experience, which features a trip to the 2008 finale in Pomona, California. The third grand prize is the Ultimate Ford Racing Driving Experience at Miller Motorsports Park, a full-day driving school experience for two.
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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 228,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. 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 Technology
Ford Racing Technology, based in Dearborn, Mich., is responsible for major racing operations in North America, including NASCAR (Sprint Cup, Nationwide Series, Craftsman Truck), Grand American sports car racing, NHRA drag racing, USAC midget car racing and the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup. Ford Racing 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 through initiatives such as Team Ford Racing. For more information regarding Ford Racing’s activities, please visit www.fordracing.com.
