For the first time in 40 years, a Ford car will be pacing the field for the Daytona 500. Additionally, it’s the first time that a Ford Mustang has ever been the pace car for this race. The 2011 Mustang GT, powered by the all-new 5.0-liter V8 engine, officially starts the race on February 14, 2010, at Daytona International Speedway.

“Having the opportunity to pace America’s biggest auto race with a Ford icon like the 2011 Mustang GT is truly an honor,” said Jamie Allison, director, Ford North America Motorsports. “And to have the new 5.0-liter engine powering the car will be a great way to demonstrate its power and projected class-leading fuel economy.”

Fifty special pace car editions of the 2011 Mustang GT will be built and sold to the public. They will be painted Race Red and feature a glass roof and an all-new 5.0-liter V8 engine. This all-new V8 is capable of producing 412 horsepower*, while delivering a class-leading 25 mpg on the highway. The one-of-a-kind model will feature a special Daytona 500 paint scheme, Ford Racing suspension, strut tower brace and mufflers, unique painted wheels, and special interior treatment, including specially branded lit sill plates.

The last time a Ford served as pace car for the Daytona 500 was 1970 when a Ford Torino GT convertible led the field to the green flag.

And while Mustang may be a rookie when it comes to pacing the Daytona 500, its 45-year history is firmly entrenched in racing and winning championships. Mustang captured championships last year in the Grand-Am KONI and SCCA SPEED World Challenge, in addition to leading Robert Hight to his first NHRA Funny Car championship.

Another element that makes this year’s pace car even more unique is that it was auctioned off for charity before the actual race. On January 23, 2010, the Mustang GT Daytona 500 Pace Car was offered at the annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Auction, which is taking place in Scottsdale, Arizona. Seven-time Daytona 500 champion Richard Petty, the newest member of the Ford Racing family, will be on-site to help hand over the car to the winning bidder.

All proceeds over the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) from the pace car auction will go to help cure childhood diabetes through a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

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