The final race of the NASCAR Sprint Cup season, the Ford EcoBoost 400, will see a one-of-a-kind Ford Mustang lead the field out on to the track.
The Mustang is a featured star in the upcoming Hollywood movie and Electronic Arts video game Need for Speed.
“When the opportunity to showcase the ‘Need for Speed’ Mustang at our marquee event came up a few months ago it was a no-brainer to make it the centrepiece of Ford Championship Weekend,” said Tim Duerr, Ford Racing motorsports marketing manager. “We have always tried to incorporate some of our latest products that make up Ford’s versatile car and truck lineup, and we feel the three vehicles we’re using this year continues that trend.”
The Need for Speed Mustang was created specifically for the movie, featuring a custom-designed wide body created for the role, as well as 22-inch allow wheels capable of supporting 900bhp and larger intakes to feed the supercharged V8 engine. An enlarged lower grille and corner air intakes ensure the engine and front brakes are kept cool.
As well as the Need for Speed Mustang, Ford will be using the new F-150 Tremor as the pace car for the Ford EcoBoost 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race, while the Mustang GT500 will be used in the Ford EcoBoost 300 Nationwide Series race.
“The heritage of Mustang is unlike any other automobile in America,” said Steve Ling, Ford car marketing manager. “With Mustang being a central character in this racing-oriented movie, it seemed only fitting to showcase the car here at Homestead and help serve as a great springboard to our various celebrations recognizing 50 years of Mustang in 2014.”
