Ford Motor Company will take on an expanded role at select tracks on the NASCAR schedule after expanding its partnership with Speedway Motorsports.
According to an announcement from both companies, Ford will be the official car and truck for the race weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The company will also have this role at North Wilkesboro Speedway, Dover Motor Speedway, and Nashville Superspeedway.
This deal means that two vehicles from the Ford Motor Company lineup will lead the field to the green flag for multiple races. The Ford F-150 will pace the Truck Series field. The Mustang Dark Horse will pace the Xfinity Series and Cup Series fields during these race weekends.
“Our success is built on relationships, and Speedway Motorsports has always been a tremendous partner with Ford,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance, in a press release. “This announcement is proof of that.
“Not only are we renewing as the official vehicles of Nashville Superspeedway and Dover Motor Speedway, but we are expanding to North Wilkesboro and the first NASCAR race weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway. It’s natural to see our Ford Mustang and F-150 products at these world-class facilities, and we are pleased to continue in that role.”
This extension is a multi-year deal. Ford Motor Company and Speedway Motorsports did not disclose details.
Ford Motor Company has a history at Atlanta Motor Speedway
The move to bring Ford Motor Company back to Atlanta Motor Speedway is fitting considering the historic ties to the NASCAR track. Ford previously served as the official pace vehicle of Atlanta Motor Speedway from 1986-2002.
This role put the Blue Oval front and center during some of the biggest races on the schedule. Atlanta previously hosted the season finale, which drivers used to battle for the championship.
Ford Motor Company vehicles led the field to the green flag for the 1992 race that Alan Kulwicki used to win his first title. It held the same role in 1995 as Jeff Gordon won his first title.
Ford will now take on this role once again at the track where it has extensive success. Three-time champion Joey Logano has won two races at Atlanta since it became a drafting track. Ford drivers have won the last eight stages at the track.