Ford announces Fiesta pace car, debut at MIS

NEW FIESTA SET TO PACE NASCAR FIELD FOR FIRST TIME; WILL DEBUT AT MICHIGAN SPRINT CUP RACE IN AUGUST

DEARBORN, Mich., July 27, 2010 - It's already setting the pace when it comes to hot new vehicles coming into the market. Now, Ford's new 2011 Fiesta will bring its great looks and segment-leading fuel economy to NASCAR for the first time when it becomes the official pace car for the CarFax 400 at Michigan International Speedway on Aug. 15.

The new Fiesta pace car was officially unveiled today at the Henry Ford Museum by Ford NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Matt Kenseth and Jamie Allison, director of Ford North America Motorsports, in a media event to promote the upcoming race.

"When we got a chance to drive the Fiesta in June before the first Michigan race, I was really impressed with it," said Kenseth. "It's a fun car to drive, with great handling, and you can't beat the fuel economy or technology. I can't wait to see how it looks on the track. I hope I get a real close view of it at the race, because that will mean we're running at the front."

Today's announcement is the latest in a busy week of racing-related ventures for Fiesta, which will look to defend its X Games gold medal with an all-star, four-man driver lineup that includes Ford rally superstar Ken Block and defending champion Kenny Brack at X Games 16 in Los Angeles on July 31. Block and Fiesta will also be featured in a national television ad campaign that kicks off this weekend, highlighting the 2011 Fiesta.

"We've said all along that Fiesta is fun-to-drive, featuring great handling and tremendous fuel economy. It's the type of car that race fans need to get to know,' said Allison. "We're excited to bring the first Fiesta pace car to Michigan International Speedway, giving us the chance for more than 100,000 fans at the track, and millions more watching on television, a chance to see what the excitement is all about."

-source: ford racing