01-19-10: Making history again, the 2011 Mustang GT will be the pace car for the NASCAR Daytona 500 next month. And you will get the opportunity to buy one of 50 commemorative editions of the pace car, one this coming weekend.
This makes history because when the Mustang paces the Daytona 500, it will be the first time a Ford has done it in 40 years. Talk about a glass ceiling huh?
“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.”
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The one-of-a-kind race red 2011 Mustang GT coupe will feature a special Daytona 500 paint scheme, Ford Racing suspension, strut tower brace and mufflers, unique painted wheels, and special interior treatment, including specially branded lit sill plates.
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. “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.”
Adding to the pomp and circumstance of the occasion, is that it the pace car will be auctioned off for charity this weekend at Barrett-Jackson Scotsdale. Seven-time Daytona 500 champion Richard Petty, the newest member of the Ford Racing family, will be on site to help hand over the car to the winning bidder.
All proceeds over the manufacturer’s suggested retail price from the pace car auction will go to help cure childhood diabetes through a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Obviously, the winner will have to wait to drive it home until after the race in February.
