Ford Fiesta Debuts At MIS As Pace Car In August

DEARBORN, July 29, 2010: It’s already setting the pace when it comes to hot new vehicles coming into the market. Now, Ford’s new 2011 Fiesta will bring its great looks and segment-leading fuel economy to NASCAR for the first time when it sets the pace for the CARFAX 400 at Michigan International Speedway on Aug. 15.

The new Fiesta pace car was officially unveiled Wednesday at The Henry Ford Museum by NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Matt Kenseth and Jamie Allison, director of Ford North America Motorsports, in a media event to promote the upcoming race.

“When we got a chance to drive the Fiesta in June before the first Michigan race, I was really impressed with it,” Kenseth said. “It’s a fun car to drive, with great handling, and you can’t beat the fuel economy or technology. I can’t wait to see how it looks on the track. I hope I get a real close view of it at the race, because that will mean we’re running at the front.”

A Ford also led the pace laps at Michigan International Speedway for the first time with a Mustang in June.

“We are pleased to showcase the next generation of Ford vehicles for a great partner of ours in August,” Director of Corporate Partnerships Josh Burgett said. “We're excited Ford has chosen MIS as one of its marketing platforms for the Fiesta. It allows the more than 100,000 fans in attendance at our racetrack a chance to see what NASCAR excitement is all about when that car leads 43 of the best drivers in the world to the green flag during the CARFAX 400.”

Ford Fiesta has it all, and more

The all-new Fiesta features an expressive, vibrant design, fuel-efficient engine, high-quality materials, and a number of features and technologies not found on competitive vehicles. Designed to be versatile, personal and adaptable, Fiesta delivers best-in-class highway fuel economy of 40 mpg, convenience and connectivity, and an expressive color palette.

The available, all-new North American industry-exclusive PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission combines the responsive performance and fuel economy of a manual with the convenience of a traditional automatic in one advanced, dual dry-clutch package.

Fiesta delivers a number of standard and available features that increase convenience and add connectivity. Among them is Ford SYNCŪ, integrating a driver’s mobile phone with Fiesta’s onboard, voice-activated communications and entertainment system.

Fiesta offers keyless entry and push button start, a feature unique within the segment. Fiesta also features Ford’s Easy FuelŪ capless fuel filler system, a North American industry-exclusive, as standard equipment.

Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is the Great Escape, a venerable NASCAR national park where fans can get away and enjoy the very best in racing and camaraderie. It’s the love of racing and the thrill of a great time for race fans and drivers alike.

Tickets for the Nationwide Series CARFAX 400 start at $25 for adults with kids 12 and under free. Visit MISpeedway.com or call the MIS ticket hotline at 800-354-1010 today to take advantage of great pricing for 2010 events at MIS.