Back in 2008, Ford was the first automaker to use a hybrid as the pace car at a NASCAR event. It was the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway and back then it was the Ford Fusion Hybrid, which is currently available at Norris Ford in Baltimore. Now, Ford continues to make NASCAR history as the 2012 Focus Electric will be the first ever all electric pace car at the Sprint Cup Richmond 400 on April 28.

"Ford research shows the majority of Americans would consider buying an electrified vehicle but do not yet understand the different technologies," said Mark Fields, president of The Americas. Featuring the electric Focus at a major NASCAR event will hopefully help educate more Ford drivers about the kinds of benefits electric models provide.

According to Ford's recent research, approximately 35% of new car buyers are motorsports fans and 78% of them support NASCAR.

The electric pace car will be unveiled for the public at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond a few days before the race. The Virginia Lieutenant Governor will be the person delivering the Focus Electric to race, where it will serve as pace car for the entire weekend's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event.

To learn more about the 2012 Focus Electric or talk about the race, stop by our Ford dealership in Baltimore, located at 901 Merritt Blvd., and talk to a member of our sales team.

Source: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=36344