FF: National Championship trophy unvieled

FORD RACING UNVEILS HENRY FORD CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY FOR FORD FOCUS NATIONAL CHAMPION

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Racing unveiled yesterday the Henry Ford Championship Trophy that will be presented annually to the USAC Ford Focus Midget Series National Champion, beginning in 2005.

The trophy is a cut glass recreation of the original glass punch bowl trophy presented to Henry Ford when he won his first and only race at Grosse Pointe, Mich., on Oct. 10, 1901.

Ford's victory in a 10-lap event at the Detroit Driving Club's one-mile dirt track earned him the punch bowl and the national renown of being a winner. That recognition ultimately gained him the financial backers who would help him start the Ford Motor Company.

More than 100 years later, Ford Racing celebrates Henry's racing accomplishment with the Henry Ford Championship Trophy.

"Mr. Ford's victory helped him realize his dream to build Ford Motor Company. Helping these aspiring, talented USAC Ford Focus Midget drivers realize their dream is what this National Championship is all about," said Dan Davis, director of Ford Racing Technology.

"This event will bring the best-of-the-best together for two days of very competitive, hard fought competition with one driver coming out on top," continued Davis. "That driver will be remembered for beating the best - much like Henry Ford did back in 1901."

During the 2005 season, more than 140 Ford Focus Midget drivers will compete nationwide in over 100 USAC-sanctioned events. Limaland (Ohio) Motorsports Park and Anderson (Ind.) Speedway will host the inaugural USAC Ford Focus National Championship Invitational events on Sept. 17 and 18, 2005.

--USAC--