Staff, Tuesday July 19, 2005.
Page 1 of 1
The 2006 Ford Fusion race car, based on the production model that will hit showrooms in the USA later this year, has been officially named Ford Racing?s new race car for NASCAR competition.
The 2006 NASCAR Ford Fusion will make its competition debut at the 2006 Daytona 500 in February, and Ford teams will use it in next year?s NASCAR Nextel Cup Chase for the Championship, as well as Busch Series competition.
?We?re thrilled to be unveiling the new Fusion,? said Dan Davis, director, Ford Racing Technology.
?The Fusion production car represents a fresh, new attitude for Ford in the mid-size sedan lineup. This Fusion race car has the same bold look, and it represents an all-new era in our Ford NASCAR racing program.?
The 2006 Fusion will become Ford?s first all-new nameplate car for NASCAR racing in 38 years, since the 1968 Ford Torino made its debut in both the showroom and on the racetrack.
The NASCAR Fusion will replace the Ford Taurus race car, which has captured four NASCAR championships (three Nextel Cup, one Busch), and 100 Nextel Cup victories since it made its competition debut in 1998.
?We?d like to send Taurus out with one more championship,? said Davis, noting six Ford drivers are currently in contention to qualify for the final, 10-race Nextel Chase for the Championship. ?But the time is right to move on to Fusion.?
Ford submitted the Fusion to NASCAR officials several weeks ago, and is awaiting a final, on-track test before the car is officially certified for competition.
?With Fusion?s dynamic new look, I think we have a car that NASCAR fans will easily recognize out on the track, in victory lane and in their own driveway," said Davis. "We?re excited, and I know our teams are as well.?
Two-time V8 Supercar Champion Marcos Ambrose (Pirtek Racing) currently leads the 2005 V8 Supercar Championship standings. The Tasmanian has announced that he will leave Australia at the end of this season to pursue a drive in NASCAR competition.
"Here's hoping the Fusion can do what the BA Falcon did in Australia back in 2003 ? win plenty of awards on the track and on the road," said Ambrose.
"It's an exciting time for me to be heading over to the US from 2006. Ford has clearly put a mark in the sand with the link between racing and car sales with the Fusion. I'm sure they'll get a great return in both stakes.
"Whether it's the 2006 direction with Fusion in NASCAR, the World Rally Championship and the Australian Rally Championship with Focus, Fiesta in Formula Ford in Australia, and of course the great return for Falcon in V8 Supercars, Ford is unmatched with its commitment to racing."
"I can't yet confirm if I will drive the Fusion in competition in 2006. We'll continue to work on our options next year with the Truck Series as well as Busch and Nextel Cup racing."
"Right now I'm focussed on the V8 Supercar Championship Series and giving it everything to win our third straight title."
For Further information contact:
Ben Beazley
Media Coordinator
Ford Racing Australia
Phone: 03 9359 8190
Mobile: 0417 262 753
Email: benb@global-marketing.com
Previous Article: Formula for the Future
Next Article: Gardemeister Fourth in Argentina after Thrilling Final Day
VHRR Festival of Sport - for all motor sports enthusiasts
Ford Fiesta Drives Away with the 2009 Best Car Awards
Ford Triumphs at Global Green Challenge
Ford Teams Meeting the Green Challenge
Ford Teams Get Ready for the Challenge
Ford Fiesta ECOnetic - Australias most fuel efficient car
Ford Sponsored Solar Car Arrives Down Under
Fords Global CEO Reveals New Ford FIGO
New Ford Figo Launched In India
Ford Introduces Value-Packed G6 Limited Edition