Second Ford Fan Day in Store for Dallas NASCAR Fans
19 March 1998
Second Ford Fan Day in Store for Dallas NASCAR Fans Event Brings Business and Excitement Together
DEARBORN, Mich., March 19 -- Texas NASCAR racing fans are
gearing up for the opportunity to meet some of their favorite Winston Cup
drivers at the second annual North Texas Ford Dealers' "Ford Fan Appreciation
Day."
Meanwhile, Ford Motor Company hopes to continue building fan loyalty in
one of NASCAR's newest markets as the Fan Day precedes the second running of
Texas Motor Speedway's Texas 500 Winston Cup race. The Fan Day will take
place at the Dallas Convention Center (Exhibit Hall 'A') on Wednesday, April 1
from 4:00 - 9:00 p.m.
The Dallas Fan Day is the first in a series of 1998 Ford events which will
highlight Ford's all-new Taurus Winston Cup race car entry. The event will
also cater to truck lovers as a special edition Ford F-150 will be on hand.
The F-150, America's top selling vehicle, is serving as NASCAR's Official
Truck to help the F-Series line and NASCAR celebrate their 50th Anniversaries.
"NASCAR fans are known to be loyal to companies involved with the series
so we want to make an early impact as the Dallas racing market grows," said
Sam Scott, Ford Motorsport Marketing Manager and pioneer of the Fan Day
concept which became a reality in 1996. "It's significant that Ford uses
NASCAR as a tool to market it's top selling vehicles, the Taurus and F-Series
trucks."
Fans can acquire free Fan Day admission tickets at any one of the
60 North Texas Ford Dealers. Last year's event drew approximately 5,000 fans
leaving Ford officials hopeful for an even larger crowd this year.
"We were very excited with last year's attendance and anticipate more
people this year after Texas got to see NASCAR racing up close," Scott
continued. "We held a similar event at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis last year
and drew close to 15,000 people. I think that demonstrates the difference
between a mature racing market and a newer market like Dallas."
Among NASCAR drivers scheduled to appear are 1997 Winston Cup championship
contenders Dale Jarrett and Mark Martin, 1998 points leader Rusty Wallace as
well as Bill Elliott, Ted Musgrave, Billy Standridge, and rookie Jerry Nadeau.
Along with current NASCAR drivers, Jim Roper will on hand to sign
autographs and get involved with various Q & A session emceed by NASCAR radio
voice Allen Bestwick. Roper won the first NASCAR strictly stock car race in a
1949 Lincoln and will be the honorary starter for the Texas 500.
Many of the Ford teams will also have their new Taurus showcars on
display, along with team merchandise that will be available for sale. These
drivers and showcars will be accompanied by many other attractions including a
NASCAR simulator which gives fans a chance to get behind the wheel of a NASCAR
Winston Cup vehicle and enjoy the thrill of going into a turn at 140-plus MPH.
While picking up Fan Day tickets, fans will have the opportunity to win
free Texas 500 tickets by filling out a "We Race. You Win." Sweepstakes entry
form. There will be one winner picked from each North Texas Ford Dealer.
Fans are welcome to call the Dallas Convention Center at 214-939-2750 for
further information on the event. NASCAR drivers will be available for
interviews on the day of the event. Please call Jack Herberholz at
313-336-9655 to set up an interview time with drivers. Previous Fan Day
venues include Indianapolis, Atlanta, San Francisco, Orlando, and Miami.
SOURCE Ford Motor Company
