Three big events rolled into one today as Ford works with Roush Fenway Racing and Con-way Freight to reveal the No. 16 Con-way Freight Mustang with Colin Braun in the driver Roush Fenway Racing headquarters in Concord, NC.
Ford announced in July that the Mustang, pony who became an icon who has raced cars for all 45 years of its existence, will compete in the NASCAR Nationwide Series beginning in July 2010 as a limited release of NASCAR’s new car starts at Daytona International Speedway. Today marks the first time Mustang NASCAR visible in public.
Braun, 21, a native of Ovalo, Texas, will make the move from the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, where he was 2008 Raybestos Rookie of the Year, for full-time national program next season, along with Con-way Freight, which has sponsors for the last two years. Roush Fenway and Con-way Freight recently agreed a contract extension to remain as the main sponsor for the 18 Nationwide races in the organization.
“I am very pleased that Con-way Freight decided to move up with me to the Nationwide Series for 2010,” said Braun. “They’ve become a big sponsor for two years in the truck series so mean to me that they will continue to support me in the future. I also look forward to driving a Mustang next year. I always thought they were great cars, but never have one. Maybe if I win my first race of people in the Ford would want to give me one of my own. ”
Mustang has a storied history in motorsports and can claim more than 2,000 professionals around the world to win the race. Its icon is standing next to the automotive industry, Mustang brings fresh air and sense a new spirit into the NASCAR Nationwide Series.
“This really marks the beginning of the next era of Mustang racing,” said Brian Wolfe, director, Ford North American Motorsports. “We fully expect this Mustang, with drivers such as Colin behind the wheel, to start enjoying the success of so many other Mustang race program has enjoyed throughout the last four decades.
“Mustang is a proud and historic brand for Ford. This is a car born of race, and NASCAR is the next logical step for racing pedigree.”