Fusion will be Ford’s next NASCAR competitor

Ford’s NASCAR Nextel Cup drivers with the new 2006 NASCAR Ford Fusion. (From L to R) Mark Martin, Matt Kenseth, Greg Biffle, Ricky Rudd, Kurt Busch, Dale Jarrett, Carl Edwards, Elliott Sadler, Dan Davis, Director Ford Racing Technology and Ned Jarrett former NASCAR Champion. Photo: autostock. Click image to enlarge

Charlotte, North Carolina – The 2006 Ford Fusion race-car, based on the production model that will be released this fall, has been officially named Ford Racing’s new car for NASCAR competition.

The Fusion will make its competition debut at the 2006 Daytona 500 in February; Ford teams will also use it in next year’s NASCAR Nextel Cup Chase for the Championship and Busch Series competition.

The Fusion will become Ford’s first all-new nameplate car for NASCAR in 38 years, since the 1968 Ford Torino debuted both in the showroom and on the race-track. The Fusion will replace the Ford Taurus race-car, which took four NASCAR championships and 100 Nextel Cup victories following its competition debut in 1998.

Ford submitted the Fusion to NASCAR officials several weeks ago and is awaiting a final, on-track test before the car is officially certified for competition.