Ford Offers Mustang to Any Ford Driver Who Wins the Daytona 500
Posted February 13, 2010; Source - Ford Racing Communications

DEARBORN, Mich. (February 12, 2010) – As if winning the Daytona 500 and hoisting the Harley J. Earl trophy in Victory Lane isn’t enough incentive already, Ford has upped the ante for its 13 NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers even more by offering them a new 2011 Mustang GT, powered by Ford’s new 5.0-liter engine, if they win Sunday’s “Great American Race.”

“When we unveiled the Mustang pace car in Charlotte a couple of weeks ago, the response from the media, enthusiasts, and our drivers was unbelievable,” said Jamie Allison, director, Ford Racing North America Motorsports. “We know how much prestige goes with winning the Daytona 500, but we wanted to do something that would be an added bonus for our drivers and this is it.”

The 2011 Mustang GT being offered is one of only 50 special editions that will be built and sold to the public, and is a replica of the pace car being used Sunday. This will mark the first time in 40 years a Ford Motor Company car will be pacing the field for the Daytona 500

This latest version of Ford’s legendary muscle car is a Race Red glass roof coupe with an all-new 5.0-liter V-8 engine capable of producing 412 horsepower, while delivering a class-leading 25 mpg on the highway.

The one-of-a-kind model will feature a special Daytona 500 graphics package, Ford Racing suspension, strut tower brace, mufflers, and special interior treatment, including specially branded lit sill plates.

“I wanted to drive that Mustang home as soon as I saw it in Charlotte,” said Elliott Sadler, driver of the No. 19 Ford Fusion. “It’s good to know now that if I win on Sunday, I’ll actually be able to do that. Everybody knows how close I came to winning this race a year ago, so I’m even hungrier this time around.”

The actual Mustang that is serving as the pace car on Sunday was recently auctioned off at the 39th Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Auction for $300,000 with all proceeds over MSRP going to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Ford has won the Daytona 500 a total of 11 times, including last year’s triumph by Matt Kenseth. Other winners include: Tiny Lund, Fred Lorenzen, Mario Andretti, LeeRoy Yarbrough, Bobby Allison, Davey Allison, Bill Elliott (twice) and Dale Jarrett (twice).