While it's not the dive into the deep end we've all hoped for, this press release sounds very positive. A division of Ford is going to be spending a lot of money marketing off and on the track. Note that it's a service division; that's why you're not going to see any model-specific development.

NHRA News: NHRA signs marketing partnership with Ford Customer Service Division (2/26/2008)

This is good news.

As for jumping into the deep end, keep in mind that all of the American car makers are posting record losses these days, and they need to keep that in mind when it comes to discretionary advertising and promotions budgets.

Trust me when I say their Blue Box data collection program and equipment, all of which is available at no cost to the racers if I'm correct, is NOT cheap. As apposed to consumer electronics, which is manufactured in mass quantities, specialty electronics and the custom software that goes with it is very expensive. Just leaf through any Industrial electronics catalogue to see what I mean.

I'm going to be at Brainerd this year, and if they're at that race, I'll definitely check out their display.

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AKA DrRocket

Come-on Donie, I've had both Chevy and Ford 1 ton dually and in 99 i bought a new F350 and it still looks good and runs great.

I guess this is a start for Ford getting in bed with the NHRA.

If they want to prove that they are in it for real they need to recruit Cagnazzi or Anderson, or if the planets were to align, GLIDDEN to build a Pro Stock program around.

Ain't gonna happen. Like I said, the money is coming from the service end of the business. They're spending money to get people into their shops, not to buy new cars.

Now, if the Mustang division decided to spend a bit (or a lot) to sell new Boss Mustangs, it could get really good.

As far as I'm concerned, this is far from "getting into bed". Ford has been pretty much estranged from the NHRA for quite a few years and it's a good thing that they are finally coming back in a meaningful way.

And to a previous message, this new arrangement shouldn't affect the GMC program in any way - other than to challenge them for visibility.

i hope not too.....oil downs will take twice as long because they'll have to stop and fix the support vehicles half way through them

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Nostalgia Racing is where it's at folks!!!

Motown Shaker '08

I CAN'T BELIEVE THE HATRED FOR THE FORD TRUCKS.

If they get the right trucks they can replace the jet dryer since some of those Ford's shoot flames out of the exhausts. They'll just need to turn the exhaust tip so it's pointing at the ground.

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"I got a fever, and the only prescription... is more cowbell!"

Buell's and Hardley's suck!

Well, I have a 1997 Ford F150 that looks like it belongs on the showroom floor, But I still love the New 08 GMC