Matt Kenseth Helps Unveil Pace Car for August Michigan Race

Dearborn, MI (July 29, 2010) --- Roush Fenway Racing’s Matt Kenseth, traveled to Dearborn, Michigan Wednesday to help Michigan International Speedway officials unveil the pace car for the Carfax 400 race.  The 2011 Ford Fiesta will pace the field for August’s Sprint Cup Series event, marking the first time a Fiesta has served in that capacity. 

Kenseth was in town helping Michigan International Speedway promote the upcoming race weekend, and as part of his schedule of events, the 2003 Cup Series Champion stopped by The Henry Ford for the press conference.   Kenseth was joined by track president, Roger Curtis, as well as Ford Racing director, Jamie Allison at the event.  Kenseth and Allison did the honors of unveiling the pace car in a section of the facility which currently displays numerous race cars spanning the last century.

“When we got a chance to drive the Fiesta in June before the first Michigan race, I was really impressed with it,” said Kenseth. “It’s a fun car to drive, with great handling, and you can’t beat the fuel economy or technology. I can’t wait to see how it looks on the track. I hope I get a real close view of it at the race, because that will mean we’re running at the front.”

Another car that peaked the interest of Kenseth Wednesday was the 1901 Ford built by Henry Ford called “Sweepstakes.”  The vehicle was the car Ford drove in his first, and only, career race in which he won.  The win by Ford in his first-ever outing is viewed by many as a turning point of the automotive industry because it brought recognition to Ford and allowed him financial backing for future business ventures.  Henry Ford went on to found Ford Motor Company in June of 1903.  “Sweepstakes” has been restored and is currently on display at the facility.  The car is built of an ash wood frame, had only 26 horsepower, a 2-speed transmission, and weighed in at 2,200 pounds. 

Kenseth and his No. 17 Crown Royal team will travel to Pocono Raceway for this weekend’s Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500.  The weekend begins with a practice session Friday following by qualifying later that afternoon, and two more practice sessions Saturday morning before Sunday’s race.  Coverage of the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 will begin at 1:00p.m. EST with television coverage broadcast on ESPN.

About Roush Fenway Racing

Roush Fenway Racing is NASCAR’s largest team operating eight motorsports teams.  Four in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with drivers Matt Kenseth, Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards and David Ragan; and four in the Nationwide Series with Edwards, Ricky Stenhouse, Jr., Colin Braun, Brian Ickler, and Paul Menard.  For more information on any of the Roush Fenway Racing teams, log onto www.RoushFenway.com.  Become a fan of Roush Fenway Racing on Facebook by going to http://www.facebook.com/roushfenway and follow us on Twitter @roushfenway.  For sponsorship inquiries please contact Robin Johnson at 704.720.4645.

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