All-electric pace car to be used for first time

DEARBORN, Mich. (AP) — The Ford Motor Company will become the first manufacturer in NASCAR racing history to supply an all-electric car as the pace car for a race.

The new Focus Electric will lead the field at the April 28 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond.

“Ford research shows the majority of Americans would consider buying an electrified vehicle but do not yet understand the different technologies,” Mark Fields, president of Ford’s Americas division, said Monday.

“Highlighting the Focus Electric as a pace car is a fun way to educate consumers about the kinds of benefits our electrified vehicles deliver and show people our commitment to provide Ford customers the power of choice for leading fuel economy in the vehicle that best meets their needs.”

The car will be unveiled to the public at the Virginia State Capitol on April 25.

Ford also was the first to use a hybrid vehicle as pace car when the Fusion Hybrid led the field at Homestead in 2008.

Ford in January unveiled its Fusion as its 2013 car to be used in NASCAR competition.