Homestead-Miami Speedway news 2008-11-13

Edsel B. Ford Named Grand Marshal for Sunday's Sprint Cup Series-Crowning Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway

MIAMI--In an announcement linking motorsports history and its future, Edsel B. Ford II-- great-grandson of Henry Ford and member of the Ford Motor Company Board of Directors--will serve as Grand Marshal for Sunday's Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

As Grand Marshal, Ford will give the famous command, "Gentlemen, start your engines," and also participate in pre-race ceremonies, driver introductions and post-race activities in Gatorade Victory Lane--most notably, presenting the winner of this year's Sprint Cup Series season finale.

"I'm honored to be named Grand Marshal of the Ford 400," Ford said. "Racing has always been such an important part of our heritage at Ford, and events like Ford Championship Weekend fit in well with our strategy to use the excitement of our racing program to appeal to millions of race fans nationwide. My great-grandfather understood what racing success could do for a company; he knew that racing could provide benefit in terms of both marketing and technical innovation. And those are the reasons we still race today."

Indeed, it was more than 100 years ago, on Oct.10, 1901, that Henry Ford made history when he ran his one and only automobile race and defeated Alexander Winton--known as the greatest racer of his era. This upset victory ultimately attracted investors to Ford and helped Henry Ford start Ford Motor Company less than two years later. This race has long since been known as the start of the Ford Racing program.

"It's a perfect fit that a legacy of the Ford Racing program serves as Grand Marshal for the final race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup," said Homestead-Miami Speedway President Curtis Gray. "What an honor to have Mr. Ford join us for Ford Championship Weekend."

Said International Speedway Corporation President Lesa France Kennedy: "Ford has elevated Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami to the ranks of the most thrilling year-end events in all of sports--which is fitting for the premier Ford brand. It has been an outstanding year in NASCAR, and I look forward to Edsel Ford presenting the season-finale Ford 400 trophy."

Edsel Ford's career at Ford Motor Company spans more than 25 years. Named president and chief operating officer of Ford Motor Credit Company in 1991, he was elected a company vice president in 1993. His grandfather is Edsel B. Ford, company president from 1919-1943; and his late father, Henry Ford II, was president of the company from 1945-60 and chairman from 1960- 80. Edsel Ford was elected to the Ford Motor Company Board of Directors in 1988.

GREAT SEATS ARE STILL AVAILABLE for Ford Championship Weekend 2008, Nov.14-16 on Homestead-Miami Speedway's 1.5-mile oval, as the NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Craftsman Truck Series all crown champions under the lights. To secure tickets for NASCAR's championship finales, call (866) 409-RACE or visit www.HomesteadMiamiSpeedway.com.

-credit: hms