HOMESTEAD, Fla., Nov. 12, 2014 – It’s a trophy Henry Ford himself would love.
The winner of this Sunday’s Ford EcoBoost 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Homestead-Miami Speedway will be taking home a trophy, but in this case, the new trophy represents a unique part of Ford Racing history.
For the first time, Homestead-Miami Speedway and Ford Racing collaborated on a special race winner’s trophy unlike any other in the sport.
The trophy features an exact replica of the steering wheel of Henry Ford’s first race car – the 1901 Sweepstakes racer – which is on display at Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Mich. Mr. Ford drove Sweepstakes to an upset victory in his one and only race on Oct. 10, 1901, a win that helped attract the investors who would help him start Ford Motor Company in June, 1903.
“We’re pleased that the winner of the Ford EcoBoost 400 will get such a unique trophy,” said Edsel B. Ford II, a member of the Ford board of directors and great-grandson of Henry Ford. “The steering wheel visually represents the start of the Ford Racing program 113 years ago, and the winner of it will need to do the same thing great-grandfather did that day – defeat the best drivers in America.”
In addition to the steering wheel on the top, the base of the trophy features a plaque that includes an engraving of Henry Ford and his riding mechanic – Spider Huff – in action from 1901.
The Ford EcoBoost 400, which will decide the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship, will take place at 3:00 pm ET this coming Sunday, live on ABC television.
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About Ford Racing
Ford Racing is based in Dearborn, Mich., and is responsible for major racing operations in North America, including NASCAR (Sprint Cup, Nationwide Series, Camping World Trucks), TUDOR United SportsCar Championship, and NHRA drag racing. In addition, Ford’s action motorsport programs include the Global RallyCross Championship, Formula Drift, Rally America and Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series. The department also oversees the development and marketing of Ford Racing Engines and Performance Parts, the outreach programs with all Ford Clubs and Ford enthusiasts, and the marketing of the Ford Racing brand through consumer initiatives. For more information regarding Ford Racing’s activities, please visit www.fordracing.com, www.facebook.com/FordRacing, or @FordRacing on Twitter.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 168,000 employees and about 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit .
