For the first time in 40 years, a Ford Motor Company car will be pacing the field for the NASCAR season-opening Daytona 500 when the 2011 Mustang GT officially starts the race on February 14 at Daytona International Speedway.

"Having the opportunity to pace America's biggest auto race with a Ford icon like the 2011 Mustang GT is truly an honor," said Jamie Allison, director, Ford North America Motorsports. "And to have the new 5.0-liter engine powering the car will be a great way to demonstrate its power and class-leading fuel economy."

This latest version of Ford's legendary muscle car will be a Race Red glass roof coupe with an  entirely new 5.0-liter V-8 engine capable of producing 412 horsepower, while still delivering a class-leading 25 mpg on the highway. The special-edition Pace Car will feature a bespoke Daytona 500 paint scheme, Ford Racing suspension, strut tower brace and mufflers, unique painted wheels, and special interior treatment with specially branded lit sill plates.

Another element that makes this year's pace car even more unique is that it was auctioned off for charity at the annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Auction, which is took place in Scottsdale, Arizona last week. Seven-time Daytona 500 champion Richard Petty, the newest member of the Ford Racing family, was on site to help hand over the car to the winning bidder who paid $300,000 for the car. The winner of the auction will also attend the 2010 Daytona 500 on February 14, to watch their car pace the field.

All proceeds from the auction over the manufacturer's suggested retail price (approximately $40,000) are going to help cure childhood diabetes through a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. In addition to the winning bid, an additional donation was made at the event in the amount of $10,000, making a total net contribution to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of $270,000.

"Everybody loves Mustang," Allison continued. "That was evident last year from the fan reaction when we announced it was going to be our new model in the NASCAR Nationwide Series starting later this year. This is just another way to showcase a true American icon in its most natural environment."

The 2011 Mustang GT Daytona 500 Pace Car model is one of only 50 special editions that will be built and sold to the public. The new Mustang GT continues Ford's powertrain offensive with an all-new 5.0-liter V-8, which uses advanced technology to deliver 412 horsepower and projected unsurpassed highway mileage of 25 mpg. The 2011 Mustang GT adds specially tuned Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS), 11.5-inch front and 11.8-inch rear vented disc brakes, and an enhanced suspension featuring an improved rear lower control arm and stiffened rear stabilizer bushings. For enthusiasts, a Brembo brake package, with larger rotors and calipers from the Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang, unique 19-inch wheels and summer performance tires, is offered; new fender badges herald return of the 5.0-liter engine.

The last time a Ford served as pace car for the Daytona 500 was 1970 when a Ford Torino GT convertible led the field to the green flag.

And while Mustang may be a rookie when it comes to pacing the Daytona 500, its 45-year history is firmly entrenched in racing and winning championships. Mustang captured championships last year in the Grand-Am KONI and SCCA SPEED World Challenge, in addition to leading Robert Hight to his first NHRA Funny Car championship.


Jody DeVere
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