Ford Focus Electric becomes the first ever all-electric pace car to lead the file for a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at the Richmond 400.
According to the Monday's announcement from the company, the all-electric Ford Focus Electric will appear at Richmond International Raceway on April 28, performing its all pace car duties.
"Ford Motors research shows that the majority of U.S. citizens would prefer buying an electric vehicle. And yet could not understand the different technologies involved in the making," 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."
According to a survey conducted by Ford Motors, approximately 35 percent of new car buyers are motorsports fans and 78 percent of them support NASCAR. The report also revealed that these fans are 67 percent likely to consider Ford vehicles compared to other car buyrs. The Focus Electric pace car will be launched at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond on April 28 where it will serve as a pace car for the weekend’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event.
“Fans of Ford are customers. And just like in racing, they expect both fuel economy and performance from their daily drivers. And we believe that’s what we are doing at the Ford Motors,” says Jamie Allison, director of Ford Racing.
Being the first manufacturer to challenge with a four-door sedan as its flagship model in 1998, the Ford was also the first one to use a hybrid to start a NASCAR event when the Fusion Hybrid served as pace car for the Ford 400.
See Now: OnePlus 6: How Different Will It Be From OnePlus 5?
