Ford Racefest Visits Fort Lauderdale; Launches Ford Championship Weekend

A Number of Ford Racing's Top Drivers Plus Designer Chip Foose to Sign Autographs for Fans; Live Performance by Funkmaster Flex

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 8 -- Race fans in South Florida will again have an opportunity to meet their favorite drivers by visiting the Ford Championship Weekend Racefest at Las Olas Riverfront in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., from noon-10 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 15.

The event will feature Ford NASCAR Nextel Cup drivers Matt Kenseth, Carl Edwards, Greg Biffle, Jamie McMurray, David Gilliland and David Ragan, Ford Busch Series drivers Marcos Ambrose, Kelly Bires and Richard Johns, Ford Craftsman Truck Series drivers Travis Kvapil, Rick Crawford, David Starr, Joey Clanton, Erik Darnell and TJ Bell, and noted designer Chip Foose, who developed the Foose Ford F-150 pace truck. The drivers and Foose will sign autographs and participate in question-and-answer sessions for the fans.

Additionally, Ford Racefest will feature live performances by nationally renowned hip-hop DJ Funkmaster Flex, bands Kilroy and Curbstone, and autograph sessions and performances by the Miami Dolphins' Cheerleaders, The Marlin Mermaids and Panther Ice Dancers.

For the sixth consecutive year, Ford Racefest will help launch Ford Championship Weekend at nearby Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 16-18. The race will be the culmination of the NASCAR Nextel Cup Chase for the Cup, and is the season finale for both the Busch and Truck series.

Ford Racefest is a free event and no tickets are necessary. Ford drivers will be signing autographs at different times between 4-8 p.m. As schedules permit, other Ford drivers may be added to the event. All schedules and drivers are subject to change without notice.

Ford Racefest also will give car enthusiasts of all ages the opportunity to enjoy interactive racing displays, show cars, team merchandise, production and concept vehicles, and demonstrations. A "Kids Zone," created for younger race fans, will have games, prizes and entertainment.

For more information, fans can call 877 TFR Club or visit fordracingevents.com.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Participating Ford Racing drivers will be available for media interviews.