DEARBORN, Mich. (AP) - Ford Motor Company will become the first manufacturer in NASCAR history to supply an all-electric car as the pace car.
The new Focus Electric will lead the field at the April 28 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond.
Mark Fields of Ford says research shows many Americans would consider an electric car if they understood the technology. Using the Focus Electric as pace car gives Ford a chance to educate consumers about the vehicle.
The car will be unveiled to the public at the Virginia State Capitol on April 25.
Ford also was the first to use a hybrid vehicle as pace car when the Fusion Hybrid led the field at Homestead in 2008. Ford in January unveiled its Fusion as its 2013 car to be used in NASCAR competition.
