FORD RACING EXTENDS PARTNERSHIP WITH JOHN FORCE RACING FOR FIVE YEARS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FORD RACING EXTENDS PARTNERSHIP WITH JOHN FORCE RACING FOR FIVE YEARS; FORD / FORCE TECHNOLOGY AVAILABLE TO ALL FORD TEAMSCONCORD, NC, March 27, 2010 – The No. 1 team in drag racing will continue to wear the Blue Oval through at least the 2014 season. Ford Racing announced today an extension of its partnership with John Force Racing that will keep the Castrol and Auto Club Force Mustangs wearing the Ford oval through the 2014 NHRA Full Throttle Funny Car season. The successful Ford-Force partnership has set the standard for a manufacturer-team relationship in drag racing, and has crossed over from just the competition side to include engine development, chassis development and safety programs for the sport of drag racing. As part of the extension, Ford and Force have agreed that their joint development programs will now be available to other Ford teams in the sport with JFR acting as a supplier to other team operations.  The new “One Ford�?? approach focuses on all Ford sponsored teams having the same availability to the technology and development, thus making all Ford teams more competitive.   This “One Ford�?? approach will mirror Ford’s NASCAR program, where Roush Fenway Racing jointly develops and supplies chassis for teams such as Richard Petty Motorsports, and all Ford NASCAR teams run engines supplied by Roush Yates Engines.  “We’re very happy to extend our relationship with John Force Racing through to the 2014 season,�?? said Jamie Allison, director, Ford North America Motorsport.  “John and his team are proven winners, both on and off the track. Their on-track record speaks for itself, and off the track they have been an important part of our promotional efforts in the sport. “I’m pleased that John and his team have agreed that going forward, we’ll take a ‘One Ford’ approach to the sport, as we have done successfully elsewhere.  This will help ensure that all our Ford teams have the best chance to be successful.�?? “This extension means a lot to all of us at John Force Racing,�?? said John Force.  “We’ve had a great relationship with Ford since we switched over in 1997, winning lots of races and championships in that time.  But, more importantly, we found a willing partner that wanted to work with us to help take the sport forward, in terms of engine and chassis development, and also in terms of safety for all competitors. “This new ‘One Ford’ approach we are all taking will allow some of the great development work done by Ford and JFR to help more of the Ford teams going forward.�?? Bob Tasca Racing, with support from Ford’s Motorcraft and Quick Lane brands, will make the switch to the BOSS 500 engine and the new three rail chassis as part of this new approach, although it will still remain a separate entity. “I like to say that I’m an all-Ford kid who drives an all-Ford hot rod,�?? said Bob Tasca III. “As a result of Ford Racing’s new ‘One Ford’ approach, my Motorcraft/Quick Lane sponsored Mustang will be powered by the Ford Racing and John Force developed BOSS 500 engine. My grandfather and John Force were the original ‘One Ford’ team and I’m looking forward to being a part of the latest ‘One Ford’ commitment.�??  The on and off track alignment between John Force Racing and Ford Motor Company has grown over the years as JFR drivers such as John Force, Robert Hight, Ashley Force Hood, Brittany Force, and Courtney Force have played high profile roles in various marketing initiatives including the highly successful ‘I’m Driving One’ and Fiesta Movement campaigns.  On the track, John Force Racing has won 122 races and 10 championships since switching to Ford in 1997, including the 2009 NHRA title with Hight. The extension of the contract with John Force Racing mirrors Ford Racing’s commitments as the Official Vehicle of NHRA, Motorcraft and Quick Lane’s long-term commitment to Tasca Racing, as well as the launch of a new Pro Stock development program with partners Larry Morgan Racing and Jim Cunningham Racing. “NHRA drag racing is an important component in our motorsports strategy in terms of reaching a large, passionate consumer base and introducing them to the exciting new Ford lineup of cars like Fiesta, Focus and Fusion,�?? said Allison.  “Our relationship with John Force Racing along with the Tasca Racing, now as a "One Ford" approach, are a cornerstone of our involvement in NHRA and we are happy to have the foundation secure to continue to evolve our drag racing programs both on and off the track.�?? # # # About Ford North America MotorsportsFord North America Motorsports, based in Dearborn, Mich., is responsible for major racing operations in North America, including NASCAR (Sprint Cup, Nationwide Series, Camping World Trucks), Grand American sports car racing, NHRA drag racing, Rally America, USAC midget car racing and the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge. The department also oversees the development and marketing of Ford Racing Engines and Performance Parts, the outreach programs with all Ford Clubs and Ford enthusiasts, and the marketing of the Ford Racing brand through initiatives such as Team Ford Racing. For more information regarding Ford Racing’s activities, please visit www.fordracing.com. About John Force Racing Inc. (JFR)John Force Racing, Inc., based in Yorba Linda, Calif., and Indianapolis, Ind., is a professional sports dynasty, one that has earned 16 Full Throttle championships and claimed 186 professional tour victories. Led by team owner and driver John Force, a 14-time Auto Racing All-America selection and 1996 Driver of the Year for all of American motor racing, JFR is additionally comprised of Robert Hight, driver of the Auto Club Ford Mustang and 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Funny Car Champion; and Ashley Force Hood, driver of the Castrol GTX Ford Mustang and 2007 Rookie of the Year. Brittany and Courtney Force also represent JFR and BrandSource in the Top Alcohol Dragster division. 
Brent Maurer
Ford Racing PR / PCGCampbell
(313) 203-7185 direct 
(313) 434-6924 cell