Ford Aerodynamics Program to Move In-House

FORD TO BRING NASCAR AERODYNAMICS PROGRAM IN-HOUSE

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 27, 1998 -- In a move designed to significantly upgrade its on-track performance, Ford Motor Company will move its NASCAR aerodynamics program in-house.

Beginning October 1, 1998, all aspects of Ford's aerodynamic performance, research and development in NASCAR Winston Cup, Busch Grand National and Craftsman Truck competition will be handled by a team of aerodynamicists in the Motorsports Technology Department of Ford Motor Company.

"We've been considering this move for several months, and it's a step we've been working toward since we formed the Motorsports Technology Department in 1996," said Greg Specht, North American performance equipment and operations manager, Ford Special Vehicle Operations (SVO). "Basically, it gives us the opportunity to bring more of Ford's in-house capabilities to bear in our NASCAR program."

"You're never in a position to reveal all of your resources to contractors, because of the risk of exposure," Specht continued. "By bringing the program in-house, we gives ourselves a much better opportunity to reach our performance potential."

Van Stewart, a veteran Ford Motor Company engineer, will lead the new aerodynamics team and report to John Valentine, chief engineer, motorsports technology department. He will assume his new duties on October 1.