Ford Motor Company has announced a major shift in its motorsports division, rebranding it as Ford Racing in an effort to strengthen its connection between racing and consumer vehicles. The news was shared with employees by Will Ford, the great-grandson of the company’s founder, Henry Ford.
What Happened
The change from Ford Performance to Ford Racing represents a deeper alignment with the company’s century-long history in motorsports. The new name not only pays homage to Ford’s heritage in racing but also marks a strategic move to connect Ford’s high-performance vehicles with their racing innovations. The new logo now proudly displays the iconic Ford name in white within a blue oval, with the word “RACING” boldly beneath it.
Who Is Will Ford
Will Ford, the great-grandson of Henry Ford, has been an integral figure in Ford’s recent strategic developments. With a legacy tied to the brand’s early days in racing, Will’s leadership has been pivotal in carrying the spirit of motorsports into the modern era. His message to employees emphasized that the rebrand is not just cosmetic but part of a larger effort to innovate and push boundaries in both racing and commercial vehicle production.
Background or Timeline
Ford’s roots in racing date back to 1901 when Henry Ford’s car, Sweepstakes, won a pivotal race. This victory was a turning point that led to the founding of Ford Motor Company in 1903. The legacy of racing and performance has been intertwined with Ford’s brand ever since. The decision to rebrand the motorsports division marks a return to Ford’s racing roots while positioning the company to move forward with an eye on technological innovation in both competitive motorsport and everyday consumer vehicles.
Public or Social Media Reaction
The rebranding of Ford Performance to Ford Racing has generated considerable buzz within the automotive community. Social media platforms have seen an outpouring of support from car enthusiasts, fans of Ford’s performance vehicles, and motorsport aficionados. Hashtags such as #FordRacing and #FordsNewEra have been trending as fans and industry professionals alike share their excitement for the new direction.
Official Statement or What Happens Next
Will Ford expressed his confidence in Ford Racing’s ability to compete at the highest levels of motorsport, stating, “After all, we are America’s race team!” The company’s commitment to connecting motorsports innovations with everyday driving is evident in their plans to unveil the first Ford Racing production vehicle in January, coinciding with the start of the racing season. Major events like the Dakar and Daytona races will mark the debut of the new branding.
Mark Rushbrook, Ford Racing’s global director, emphasized the importance of integrating racing insights into consumer vehicles, helping to bridge the gap between the excitement of motorsports and the performance of daily driving.
Closing line: This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
