[323]

Why is Ford not interseted in US Rally?
Can somebody give me a logical reason?
American Rally without a American Brand. Pretty funny.
Stephan

 

[jprowland]

Some signs point to Dodge being the next major player, with the Neon SRT-4 due out soon...Though rumors say the AWD Focus is due here in late spring/early summer. Don't know whether a turbo will be under the bonnet or not.

--
JP Rowland jeremyrowland -at- mac.com
Visit my boring web page: http://homepage.mac.com/jeremyrowland

 

[wvonkessler]

I believe it has to do with Ford's view of the SCCA. There are others who read these posts that have much better information than I.

 

[Ben]

>Why is Ford not interseted in US Rally?
>Can somebody give me a logical reason?
>American Rally without a American Brand. Pretty funny.

On the Rally NZ re-cap show last night there was a Focus commercial that was almost nothing but WRC footage. Even had the "Professional Drivers on a Closed Course" disclaimer...

Ben

 

[jro]

running NASCAR. I would guess they get a bit more bang for the marketing dollar by going round in cirles. It certainly is on TV enough lately.

 

[Wink Timber]

Same reason you don't see major sponsorships from non-automotive companies... not enough return on investment. Since rallying is little known in the U.S. (though it is growing again), Ford is not about to dump a whole load of money unless it translates to sales. So they spend their motorsports budget on NASCAR, CART, drag racing and off-road where there are a lot of U.S. fans.

That said... look for a major ProRally effort involving a Ford product during 2003.

 

[MDBodnar]

OHHH YOU ARE SUCH A TEASE


Please tell us more, these FORD rumors are killing me

Drooling for Ford News,
Mike

At least tell me when to expect official news.

 

[Bruce]

Maybe I should start the rumor that the car is yellow, has a V8, and is run by a long-established team with a cool logo...whatcha think, Mike?

Bruce

 

[JD Ackley]

Man I was way off. I was going to say Dearborn, MI.:+

 

[MDBodnar]

Dreams can come true!?

There is an idea for a one make series: Ford Mustangs!!

 

[Morgan]

>That said... look for a major ProRally effort involving a Ford product during 2003.<



Key word: "Product" It is not a Ford sponsorship

 

[Wink Timber]

>Key word: "Product" It is not a Ford sponsorship

That is my understanding. The team in question has secured American sponsorship, and that sponsor would prefer to see the team in an American vehicle. Ford is the only American manufacturer that fits the need.

Negotiations are still under way, but I'm sure something will be ready for announcement by Sno*Drift in January... or by Rim in May (2nd event on the tentative SCCA schedule for 2003).

 

[Nick]

Loose lips sink ships
zip-it