The Race Car 'That Changed The World' to Make First Charlotte-Area Appearance As Part of Ford's 100-City Centennial Blitz Tour May 15

Sweepstakes: The Incredible Story:

Back when he was a 38-year-old technician for the Edison Lighting Company in Detroit who had already failed in trying to start a car company, Henry Ford gambled his professional automotive future on a race car he built named "Sweepstakes."

On October 10, 1901, Mr. Ford, who had never raced before, shocked the automotive world with an upset win over Alexander Winton, the premier car builder and racer of the day. That victory gave him the notoriety and the financial backers to start the Ford Motor Company on June 16, 1903.

Edsel B. Ford II, Mr. Ford's great-grandson and a member of the Ford board of directors, said, "without that victory, there likely would have never been a Ford Motor Company."

Your Chance to Ride and Drive in Sweepstakes:

Ford Motor Company is bringing a Sweepstakes replicar to Charlotte for the first time as part of the Company's 100-city Centennial tour that will wrap up in Dearborn, Michigan, on June 16, the 100th birthday of Ford. Media are invited to join Ford Racing Technology director Dan Davis in a special ride- and-drive session, Thursday morning, May 15, to get a chance to experience first-hand the car "that changed the world."

A Legend Makes its first Charlotte appearance:

Experience the legendary "Sweepstakes" in a special drive program at the 1/5 mile "Legends Track," located behind Turn 3 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord. Media are invited to come out between 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. for their chance to see and feel what Mr. Ford likely felt that October morning 102 years ago.

That evening, after 5 p.m., the car will run demonstration laps and be on display as part of the "Sneak Preview" Grand Opening of the new Dale Jarrett Ford, located at 88 Dale Jarrett Blvd. (Independence Blvd.) in Indian Trail, NC. There will also be a classic car show and autographs by NASCAR team owner Jack Roush.

More Info and R.S.V.P.'s, CONTACT: Kevin Kennedy of Ford Racing Public Affairs, +1-313-203-7108, cell: +1-313-410-3570, or kevink@campbellco.com .

PRNewswire -- May 13