The Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Fusion will be a window into the past this weekend at the Bojangles’ Southern 500, wearing the 1976 Mercury Montego paint scheme made famous by the Wood Brothers and their legendary driver David Pearson, but the focus of the team will be squarely on the future.
DEARBORN, Mich., August 31, 2016 – The Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Fusion will be a window into the past this weekend at the Bojangles’ Southern 500, wearing the 1976 Mercury Montego paint scheme made famous by the Wood Brothers and their legendary driver David Pearson, but the focus of the team will be squarely on the future.
Still striving for a spot in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, current driver Ryan Blaney needs to find victory lane to keep his hopes alive for a title in his rookie season.
A strong fourth-place showing in the Pure Michigan 400 on Sunday proved the team has what it takes to run with the leaders.
“I’ve said all year that I’m not worrying about the points or where we are in the standings,” Blaney said. “If we go out every week and do the best we can, run like we’re capable of running, minimize mistakes and stay out of trouble like we did last week at Michigan, all of that will take care of itself.”
Last season, Blaney started ninth and finished 30th at the annual Labor Day weekend race.
This year at Darlington, Blaney will be driving a Motorcraft/Quick Lane throwback paint scheme that honors the best driver in Wood Brothers Racing’s storied 66-year history – David Pearson.
Blaney will also wear a fire suit patterned after the suit Pearson wore in 1976.
Pearson forged the team’s best season by capturing eight poles and winning 10 of the 22 races he entered in ‘76, including the Daytona 500, the World 600 at Charlotte and the Southern 500, to claim NASCAR’s unofficial triple crown.
The scheme includes Pearson’s name on the door, double blue stripes across the hood and down the side panels, red metal-flake paint, gold foil numbers, retro contingency sponsor logos, silver wheels and white-lettered Goodyear Eagle tires. It also includes an image of a Motorcraft oil filter on the C pillar, just as there was for Purolator 40 years ago.
In addition to the triple crown races, Pearson won twice at Riverside and Michigan, and posted single victories at Atlanta, Darlington (Spring) and Ontario (Calif.).
“I’ve been looking forward to this weekend because of the throwbacks,” said crew chief Jeremy Bullins. “It’s very cool to see the teams participate and honor those who came before us and to see the paint schemes that we were fans of when we were young, some even before my time that I’ve only seen pictures of and heard stories about.
“Our David Pearson scheme is incredible and we can’t wait to race it,” he added. “What a great way to celebrate the history of our sport and at one of the greatest tracks on the circuit.”
Overall, the Wood Brothers have 89 starts at Darlington and have amassed eight wins and 12 poles.
“I think any weekend with the Wood Brothers is historic,” Blaney said. “But when you throw in Darlington, the David Pearson paint scheme and throwbacks, it’s pretty neat to be part of such a cool program.
“Being able to drive the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Fusion with a paint scheme that really highlights the team’s great history is truly an honor,” he said.
In addition, Wood Brothers crew members will be wearing uniforms – complete with white pants with a blue stripe down each leg – that match those worn by their predecessors 40 years ago.
The Bojangles’ Southern 500 takes place Sunday, Sept. 4, at 6 p.m. at Darlington Raceway in Darlington, S.C.
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About Motorcraft
Motorcraft® offers a complete line of replacement parts that are recommended and approved by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to under-hood repairs, Motorcraft parts offer exceptional value with the highest quality and right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available nationwide at Ford and Lincoln dealers, independent distributors and automotive parts retailers are backed by Ford Motor Company’s two-year, unlimited-miles Service Parts Limited Warranty. Ask for Motorcraft by name when you visit your local auto parts store or your favorite service facility. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com.
About Quick Lane Tire & Auto Centers
Ford’s Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center offers routine vehicle maintenance such as oil and filter changes, light repair services including brake repair, and tire replacements on all vehicle makes and models. With nearly 800 locations and growing, customers can visit www.quicklane.com to find a center that is closest to them, print savings coupons and review maintenance tips to keep their vehicles running at peak efficiency. This site includes information on how to spot tire wear, how to jump-start a battery and even a series of tips to improve a vehicle’s fuel economy.
Wood Brothers Racing
Wood Brothers Racing was formed in 1950 in Stuart, Va., by Hall of Famer Glenn Wood. Wood Brothers Racing is the oldest active team and one of the winningest teams in NASCAR history. Since its founding, the team won 98 races (including at least one race in every decade for the last seven decades) and 117 poles in NASCAR’s top-tier series. Fielding only Ford products for its entire history, the Wood Brothers own the longest association of any motorsports team with a single manufacturer. Glenn’s brother, Leonard, is known for inventing the modern pit stop. The team currently runs the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Fusion driven by Ryan Blaney in the famous number 21 racecar.
