DEARBORN, Mich., April 16, 2012 – Ford Motor Company is again making NASCAR history this month as the all-new Focus Electric becomes the first all-electric pace car to ever lead the field for a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at the Richmond 400.

The all-new Focus Electric will perform all pace car duties at Richmond International Raceway on April 28.

“Ford research shows the majority of Americans would consider buying an electrified vehicle but do not yet understand the different technologies,” said Mark Fields, president of The Americas. “Highlighting the Focus Electric as a pace car is a fun way to educate consumers about the kinds of benefits our electrified vehicles deliver and show people our commitment to provide Ford customers the power of choice for leading fuel economy in the vehicle that best meets their needs – from EcoBoost®-powered gasoline vehicles and hybrids to plug-in hybrids and full electrics.”

Approximately 35 percent of new car intenders are motorsports fans and 78 percent of them support NASCAR, according to Ford research. Additionally, Ford race fans are 67 percent more likely to consider Ford products than general market consumers.

Continue reading “FORD MAKES NASCAR HISTORY FOCUS BECOMES FIRST ALL-ELECTRIC PACE CAR AT RICHMOND”

Childress Statement on No. 27 Team Speculation

WELCOME, N.C. (September 16, 2011) – The following is a statement by Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing, regarding speculation surrounding RCR’s No. 27 team last week at Richmond International Raceway:

“There were no team orders despite all the speculation in the media. I know Paul Menard well enough that he wouldn’t have spun out on purpose even if he had been asked. We are at Chicagoland Speedway to win the race and get a great start toward the championship.”

There will be no further statements from RCR about the issue.

SHOW #174 – Kyle Petty joins us on this weeks show, as always he offers up some great insight. We also recap Richmond, rundown the Top 12 drivers, and preview the first Chase Race at Chicagoland. Hosted by Kerry Murphey and Paul Northrop
(About 46 mins)

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Continue reading “The Final Lap #174 – Guest Kyle Petty Makes Chase Picks”

Mighty Chase Field Blows Into Windy City
Five past NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champions pepper the field. A few more seem likely to win a title in the future. Another is the eight-time Most Popular Driver. All are multi-race winners.

This season’s Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup field just might be the strongest ever, making it seem like Jimmie Johnson’s five-year title run may finally come to an end.

Continue reading “A look at the 2011 NASCAR Chase Field heading to Chicagoland”

The Wonderful Pistachios 400 at Richmond International Raceway promised bumping and grinding on the 0.75-mile track as drivers raced for their last chance for a berth in Chase for the Sprint Cup championship Saturday night.

Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch, Jimmie Johnson, Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Ryan Newman, Matt Kenseth, Kurt Busch and Brad Keselowski were locked into the Chase before the green flag. The final three spots were secured by Dale Earnhardt Jr., Tony Stewart and Denny Hamlin. Earnhardt and Hamlin overcame wrecks to get in.

Author: Dwight Drum racetake.com

Wild-card spots were secured by Keselowski and Hamlin, but the real wildness seemed to be between Kurt Busch and Jimmie Johnson.

Continue reading “FYI WIRZ: NASCAR’s Kevin Harvick, Carl Edwards and Jeff Gordon pass Richmond”