Ford unveiled the new generation Fusion in early January 2011 at the Detroit Auto Show and, right on cue, it has been followed by the NASCAR version. This is, in fact, the third time Ford has simultaneously launched production and NASCAR versions of a new model. The first dual launch came in 1968, with the sleek fastback Ford Torino and then again in 2006 with the Fusion.
The NASCAR Ford Fusion features a very aggressive stance from the outside and the inside, but keeps the proportions found in the production Fusion. There are brand and design cues on the side of the vehicle and an identifiable front end grill with the distinctive look of a Ford.
"This is a seminal moment in the sport where we had a chance to get it right once again and make sure the race cars are race versions of street cars. And I am proud because I believe we have accomplished just that," said Jamie Allison, director, Ford Racing. "The 2013 Fusion is a stunning car and the 2013 NASCAR Fusion is even more stunning and I can’t wait to see it perform on the track and connect with race fans."
The new NASCAR Ford Fusion will be enduring its testing season for the entire year and will then have its racing debut at the 2013 Daytona 500 in February.
The upcoming NASCAR Sprint Cup series races at the Atlanta Motor Speedway and the Richmond International Raceway will get a pinkish treat when a specially themed Chevrolet Camaro SS will serve as the official pace car for the two events.
Decked in an eye-catching pink color finish with all the matching decals, this special edition Camaro will be used in the continuous effort of raising awareness against breast cancer.
While there doesn’t appear to be any performance modifications done on the American muscle car, the significance of its participation in the Sprint Cup will come in the form of $200 donations made by Chevrolet for each caution lap the pink pace car does in the two races.
In society’s continuing battle with the deadly disease, Chevrolet has been one of the fiercest supporters in the fight against breast cancer. “For 100 years, Chevy has been helping people along the journey of life in countless ways,” said Alan Batey, the company’s vice president for Sales and Service.
"Together with our race fans, Chevrolet wants to help the American Cancer Society create a world with less cancer, more birthdays and longer journeys.”
As it stands, the Camaro SS is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 412 horsepower and 408 lb/ft of torque. Impressive numbers to say the least; but in this particular case, powertrains and engine outputs aren’t all that important compared to the symbolism surrounding the pace car’s pink paint finish.
There’s no denying that motorsports is still a male-dominated sport, but over the past few years, we’ve seen a number of skilled and able women drivers participate in varying levels of competitive racing. And while some have been more successful than others, the growing number of lady racers has become a fresh of breath air on a sport that has long been considered a "man’s league".
From the Danica Patricks to the Jodie Kidds and the Susie Stoddarts, there’s no shortage of talent for the fairer sex when it comes to sitting behind the wheel of a racer and going bumper-to-bumper with some of the best male racers in the world. With all these names already in the fold, we come to Maryeve Dufault, an up-and-coming racer that’s scheduled to make her NASCAR debut in the NAPA Auto Parts 200 on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal this weekend. Though not as popular as some of her veteran contemporaries, the Quebec-born Dufault has exhibited great skills as a race car driver through her stint in the ARCA feeder series. But more than her talents on the track, Dufault has also been turning heads recently because, in so many words, she’s hot. As in really, really hot. As in model-caliber hot with a list of credits to her name, including a stint with the New York Euphoria team in the Lingerie Bowl and on The Price is Right.
We don’t know exactly how Dufault’s going to do in her baptism of fire in the world of NASCAR, but we certainly wouldn’t mind seeing her in action behind the wheel of a stock car or, you know, that whole modeling thing she does.
The weekend is here and if you’re looking to find a fun way to spend your time then check out the new game called "Mobil 1 Track Challenge." This has to be the coolest game we have seen in a very long time because it gives players the ability to choose from a list of extraordinary drivers, including F1’s Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton and NASCAR’s Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman.
The graphics aren’t cheesy like a lot of online games and you get to choose from hundreds of tracks to race on. Players can even build their own track and play along with their friends. All they have to do is sign in under the wide range of social sites available and get to work. There’s even personalized clips from the champion drivers!
To start, choose your professional driver and start your engines! The arrow keys are used to navigate the vehicle and the space bar is used for the brake. Maneuvering the up arrow to accelerate and the left and right arrows to turn at the same time is a bit tricky, but you get the hang of it once you really get going.
Click here to play Mobil 1 Track Challenge.
Every racetrack these days seem to be in the spirit of one-upping the other with their own set of pace cars. The 2011 Quaker State 400 NASCAR event at the Kentucky Speedway, though, will have something a little different in mind. In collaboration with Ford, the Kentucky Speedway is set to unveil a special edition 2012 Ford Mustang GT Convertible called “the Kentucky Speedway Mustang Pace Cars”.
Limited to only 43 units to signify the number of entrants that will compete in the inaugural Quaker State 400, the special edition Mustang will come with a number of unique features, including a special exterior package that comes with an all-white paint finish, an “Official Pace Car” badging, a pedestal spoiler, side scoops, a decklid panel, and NASCAR and Kentucky Speedway logos. Each of the 43 Mustangs will be numbered individually for collection purposes, making each of them a true collector’s piece.
Talking about the partnership with Ford, Kentucky Speedway General Manager Mark Simendinger said: "It’s natural for us to work together to spotlight the first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series visit to this region. Ford Racing and our regional Ford dealers are coming through once again with great programs that showcase our ’Quaker State 400’ and the outstanding Ford lineup,"
Those interested in buying one of the 43 limited edition models will also receive free tickets to the Quaker State 400 race on July 9, 2011, as well as an opportunity to drive their Mustang around the track during the parade lap with a Sprint Cup driver.
A special edition Ford Mustang and a chance to drive around an actual NASCAR event during the parade lap? That’s a pretty good deal, if you ask us.
