autoevolution
 

2012 Ford Focus Becomes NASCAR Pace Car

Aiming to promote the all-new Focus, Ford decided to do the same it did last year with the Fiesta: make it serve as the NASCAR pace car at the Michigan International Speedway this weekend. None other than Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas, will be behind the wheel of the new Focus pace car as the “celebrity” driver.

Ford is taking advantage of the fact that fuel mileage usually is a problem for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers to highlight the fact that the 2012 Focus will have more than enough petrol to get the job done.

That is because it delivers an EPA-certified 40 miles per gallon on the highway. This means that while NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers will need to pit five or six times during the 400-mile race, the 2012 Focus, could go race distance and more, pushing 497 miles (or 248 laps at Michigan International Speedway) before needing to pit.

“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.”

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.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories