Ford Drivers to Appear at Second Annual Metro Detroit Ford Dealers Fan Appreciation Day

3 June 1999
Ford Drivers to Appear at Second Annual Metro Detroit Ford Dealers Fan Appreciation Day
    DEARBORN, Mich., June 2 -- See all of the Ford's professional
racing drivers in one place at the largest gathering of Ford's racers this
year.  The second annual Metro Detroit Ford Dealers Fan Appreciation Day will
be held Thursday, June 10, 1999, at the Michigan State Fairgrounds.
    The stars of NASCAR Winston Cup, CART, NHRA Drag Racing and Best in the
Desert Off-Road Truck Racing will be signing autographs from 4 to 8 p.m.  In
addition, there will be a series of question and answer sessions hosted by
national radio and television personality Allen Bestwick.
    And there is no admission charge.  Fans and Ford employees may pick up a
ticket for this unique event by simply visiting one of the 31 Metro Detroit
Ford dealers from May 24, through June 12.
    NASCAR drivers who will be on hand to sign autographs and answer questions
include Dale Jarrett, Mark Martin, Jeff Burton, Ricky Rudd, Jeremy Mayfield,
and Winston Cup Champions Bill Elliott, Rusty Wallace, and Darrell Waltrip.
Eight-time NHRA Mustang Funny Car Champion John Force will attend along with
teammate Tony Pedregon.  Michael Andretti, Christian Fittipaldi, P.J. Jones
and Max Papis will represent CART.  Off-road ace Steve Williams will also
participate.
    In addition to the driver appearances, fans will be able to see several
show cars and have the opportunity to purchase Ford and individual team
merchandise.  The event will also feature several local radio stations, ticket
giveaways, interactive racing displays, clowns and children's attractions,
production vehicle and car club displays, and pit crew demonstrations.
    "We are so pleased to have this event at the Michigan State Fair Grounds
again this year," stated Sam Scott, Ford Racing marketing manager for Ford
Division.  "The response to this Metro Detroit Ford Dealers program was
absolutely outstanding.  The dealers couldn't wait for another opportunity to
promote it as an annual event."
    Fans who are unable to visit their local Metro Detroit Ford Dealer will be
charged $10 admission, with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross for
the victims of the Midwest tornadoes.  Fans may call Ford Racing Program
Headquarters at 313-271-7108 for more detailed event information.  Ford Fan
Appreciation Days have been held in Atlanta, San Francisco, Dallas, Orlando,
Indianapolis, Charlotte and Miami.