Ford has been racing since before it officially existed, but when CEO Jim Farley says "motorsport has never been more important to the firm", it's not hyperbole. And it's not just Farley's infectious enthusiasm about racing that makes this clear: it's that, while we're talking in a plush, soundproofed motorhome, he has to raise his voice to be heard above the roar of a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated Ford V8 engine at full pelt.
Farley's statement is backed up by the fact that Ford has been involved in various forms of motorsport for over a century, including NASCAR, where its cars can reach speeds of up to 200 mph. The company's involvement in motorsport is not just about marketing, but also about testing and developing new technologies that can be applied to its production vehicles.
View Price on AmazonFor example, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, which is powered by a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine producing over 700 horsepower, has a top speed of 186 mph. The car's advanced aerodynamics and suspension systems were developed using knowledge and expertise gained from Ford's motorsport programs.
In addition to its involvement in NASCAR, Ford also competes in other forms of motorsport, including the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the FIA World Rally Championship. The company's motorsport programs provide a platform for testing and developing new technologies, such as advanced engine management systems and lightweight materials, which can be applied to its production vehicles.
Source: autocar.co.uk
