Mustang has been involved in many types of motorsports over its history, and this year it is hitting the oval tracks as well. Additionally, it’s the first time that a Ford Mustang has ever been the pace car for this race. A 2011 Mustang GT, powered by the all-new 5.0-liter V8 engine, was the official pace car for this year’s Daytona 500, and it will be leading the start of the next race at the Daytona International Speedway: the Subway Jalapeno 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series event July 2, 2010. There will be a different Mustang in the pack behind the pace car, though, competing in the race.

“From Mustang’s perspective, Mustang has been involved in all forms of motorsports from land speed records to drag racing to sports car racing and recently in drifting, and now we are adding to it, stock car racing,” said Jamie Allison, director, Ford North America Motorsports.

Mustang another significant appearance on a stock-car racing track recently. With fuel-efficient driving techniques, Ford engineers and race driver, David Ragan, demonstrated that a stock production Mustang V6 could run 1,000 laps around Bristol Motor Speedway (533 miles) on a single of tank of fuel. In fact, the Mustang far surpassed that goal, averaging 48.5 mpg on a track while completing 1,457 laps with an average speed of 43.9 mph.

“To see a Mustang post average fuel economy of 48.5 mpg while running at Bristol is impressive,” said Dave Pericak, Mustang Chief Engineer. “The new V-6 engine along with the advanced six-speed transmission in the car is a key element in delivering both fuel economy and performance for Mustang.”

Blogger Wayne Sutton was at the 1000 lap challenge and recorded the event from his perspective. You can read what he experienced, as well as view his videos and image by visiting Ford on Blogs.

Visit www.fordvehicles.com for more information about the 2011 Mustang.