[coverattach=1]O’FALLON, MO (Aug. 21, 2009) — Following the overwhelming success of the Ford Drive One Summer Drags V in June at Martin, Michigan, the National Guard American Drag Racing League (ADRL) has entered into a multi-year marketing partnership with Ford Motor Company, the country’s leading automobile manufacturer, naming it as the official vehicle of the National Guard ADRL.
“We’re extremely excited about our new partnership with the ADRL,” said Brian Wolfe, director of Ford North America Motorsports. “Based on the response leading up to and following the Ford Drive One Summer Drags, we’re confident that the brand-loyal fans we see attending National Guard ADRL events will visit Ford dealers all over the country to not only drive one, but more importantly, buy one, too.”
As a key element in the partnership, Ford dealers will be instrumental in the National Guard ADRL’s unique complimentary ticket distribution program driving tens of thousands of potential customers through their doors. Promotional activities, driver and car appearances and special marketing programs will also build the bond between National Guard ADRL fans and Ford dealers. The active participation will continue at the events with Ford displaying a variety of new vehicles, products and interactive exhibits in the National Guard ADRL’s trackside Fan Experience Village.
“We couldn’t be more proud to have Ford come on board as the official vehicle of the National Guard ADRL,” said Kenny Nowling, president and CEO of the rapidly growing eighth-mile drag racing series. “Ford has an exceptional history in motorsports, on the track as a competitor and as an active sponsor, and we are truly honored to have them so closely associated with the National Guard ADRL.”
The multi-year agreement includes Ford as the provider of support vehicles to transport National Guard ADRL staff and equipment to events and appearances across the country.
The National Guard ADRL is nearing the end of its 10-event 2009 season, with its eighth race, the Summit Racing Equipment Ohio Drags III, scheduled for this weekend (Aug. 21-22), at National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio. Four of the National Guard ADRL's five professional racing classes feature Ford-bodied or Ford-powered race cars, with Ford drivers entering victory lane on a frequent basis.
“The National Guard ADRL attracts a very wide audience and offers Ford the opportunity to place their new cars and trucks in front of a much younger and more diverse group of fans than any other major motorsports series,” Nowling continued. “And with Ford products also racing and doing so well on the track, I think both Ford and the National Guard ADRL will see a tremendously positive response from our fans.”
Nowling said he also appreciates Ford’s made-at-home legacy.
“Ford is an American manufacturing icon and embodies everything that makes our country great—ingenuity, capability, flexibility, tenacity—along with making hands-down, the best cars and trucks in the world,” he declared. “I’m excited about getting to drive one.”
Shelor Motor Mile will continue to serve as the official dealership group and official motor home source for the National Guard ADRL and Shelor.com will continue as the series’ official online automobile source.
My hope is that many National Guard ADRL fans will consider Ford first for their next new or used vehicle purchase and I would encourage them to start their search at Shelor Ford in Christiansburg, Virginia, or online at Shelor.com,” Nowling said.
ABOUT FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan, manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With approximately 205,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.
“We’re extremely excited about our new partnership with the ADRL,” said Brian Wolfe, director of Ford North America Motorsports. “Based on the response leading up to and following the Ford Drive One Summer Drags, we’re confident that the brand-loyal fans we see attending National Guard ADRL events will visit Ford dealers all over the country to not only drive one, but more importantly, buy one, too.”
As a key element in the partnership, Ford dealers will be instrumental in the National Guard ADRL’s unique complimentary ticket distribution program driving tens of thousands of potential customers through their doors. Promotional activities, driver and car appearances and special marketing programs will also build the bond between National Guard ADRL fans and Ford dealers. The active participation will continue at the events with Ford displaying a variety of new vehicles, products and interactive exhibits in the National Guard ADRL’s trackside Fan Experience Village.
“We couldn’t be more proud to have Ford come on board as the official vehicle of the National Guard ADRL,” said Kenny Nowling, president and CEO of the rapidly growing eighth-mile drag racing series. “Ford has an exceptional history in motorsports, on the track as a competitor and as an active sponsor, and we are truly honored to have them so closely associated with the National Guard ADRL.”
The multi-year agreement includes Ford as the provider of support vehicles to transport National Guard ADRL staff and equipment to events and appearances across the country.
The National Guard ADRL is nearing the end of its 10-event 2009 season, with its eighth race, the Summit Racing Equipment Ohio Drags III, scheduled for this weekend (Aug. 21-22), at National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio. Four of the National Guard ADRL's five professional racing classes feature Ford-bodied or Ford-powered race cars, with Ford drivers entering victory lane on a frequent basis.
“The National Guard ADRL attracts a very wide audience and offers Ford the opportunity to place their new cars and trucks in front of a much younger and more diverse group of fans than any other major motorsports series,” Nowling continued. “And with Ford products also racing and doing so well on the track, I think both Ford and the National Guard ADRL will see a tremendously positive response from our fans.”
Nowling said he also appreciates Ford’s made-at-home legacy.
“Ford is an American manufacturing icon and embodies everything that makes our country great—ingenuity, capability, flexibility, tenacity—along with making hands-down, the best cars and trucks in the world,” he declared. “I’m excited about getting to drive one.”
Shelor Motor Mile will continue to serve as the official dealership group and official motor home source for the National Guard ADRL and Shelor.com will continue as the series’ official online automobile source.
My hope is that many National Guard ADRL fans will consider Ford first for their next new or used vehicle purchase and I would encourage them to start their search at Shelor Ford in Christiansburg, Virginia, or online at Shelor.com,” Nowling said.
ABOUT FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan, manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With approximately 205,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.
