Record-Breaking Interest for Ford's Octane Academy Drives Launch of New Series on FUEL TV

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

• Ford and FUEL TV announce the collaboration to launch the channel's first-ever motorsports television series with Octane Academy – a 13-episode original television series bringing the adrenaline-pumping entertainment of the camps to the living rooms of millions of fans in 2012
• Ford's Octane Academy has generated record-breaking interest from fans, becoming the most applied-to Ford program to date with more than 6,000 applications – surpassing the popular Fiesta Movement program
• Octane Academy, Ford's first-ever action sports campaign aimed at Millennial enthusiasts, pairs fans with their favorite Ford action sports drivers – Ken Block, Brian Deegan, Tanner Foust and Vaughn Gittin Jr. – for ultimate action motorsports camps

Ford's (NYSE: F) new action sports campaign, Octane Academy, is fueling up to launch as Ford and FUEL TV announce the production of a new television series – Octane Academy – chronicling the adrenaline-pumping challenges of the camps for millions of fans at home.

The Octane Academy series, FUEL TV's first-ever motorsports show, will follow driving contestants of Octane Academy as they tackle the grueling challenges of the four action sports camps. This 13-episode series will feature three episodes for each of the camps and will begin airing in early 2012 on FUEL TV.

"We are thrilled to be able to share the excitement of Ford's Octane Academy with the millions of fans who can now be part of the action-packed camps from the comfort of their own home through our collaboration with FUEL TV and the creation of the Octane Academy TV series," said John Felice, general manager of Ford and Lincoln Marketing. "FUEL TV is the perfect match to not only capture the drama of Octane Academy but to give fans access to the ultimate action sports experience like never before."

Ford's Octane Academy begins this November, with the first camp hosted by Brian Deegan. Over the course of the program, a total of 32 ultimate fans will be united with their favorite Ford action sports driver – Deegan, Ken Block, Tanner Foust and Vaughn Gittin Jr. – for the unique opportunity to get behind the wheel and experience the extreme excitement of performance driving and action sports.

"We're really excited to bring Ford's Octane Academy to life in an exciting show that will feature quick cuts, comic relief and risk-taking scenarios that take both the pro drivers and everyday Joes out of their comfort zones in the name of entertainment," said Peter Vesey, FUEL TV Vice President, Advertising Sales.

Record-breaking excitement

Since Ford's Octane Academy was revealed in July of this year, casting nationwide has generated more than 6,000 applications and 850 video submissions from consumers. Submissions for Octane Academy exceeded the Fiesta Movement agent application record in the first four days to become the most applied-to Ford program to date.

Through video submissions and applications, fans tell their story of why they have what it takes to survive a weekend of on- and off-road challenges, running with Octane Academy's founding members – Block, Deegan, Foust and Gittin Jr.

"We created Octane Academy to reach a younger, more diverse generation of action sports and race enthusiasts through this never-been-done-before experience, and the momentum for Octane Academy is proving we hit our target," said Crystal Worthem, Ford Brand Content and Alliance manager. "The response rate, creative video submissions and passion to be part of Octane Academy have exceeded our expectations."

Millennials watch, attend and participate in action sports, including action motorsports, more than any other athletic activity. Ford is investing in action sports through programs such as Octane Academy and X Games to reach out to this younger generation. Ford, like never before, has the product lineup that fits the lifestyle of these younger customers with the Fiesta, Mustang, F-150 Raptor and all-new Focus.

The ultimate adventure

Ford's Octane Academy gives fans a chance at the ultimate action sports experience with its action motorsports heroes. The four camps will be hosted over the course of the year, one by each founding member of Octane Academy. In each camp, eight contestants will battle it out through a battery of creative challenges and daunting dares over one long weekend.  

Ford's action sports drivers will design their ultimate playground, hosting their respective elite winners on their terms and their turf. Each camp will give participants a crash course in how to fearlessly master the road while testing their attitudes, athleticism and audacity.

Participants will be pushed to the limit and their experiences shared with the world through the Octane Academy series. Drivers who perform up to the standards of the pros will win prizes, and the overall winner of each camp will be awarded a new Ford vehicle of their choice.  

Ford RallyCross and off-road truck champion Deegan will have contenders revving their engine behind the wheel of an F-150 SVT Raptor when the first fantasy camp kicks off in November. Similarly, infamous Gymkhana star Block will get contestants' adrenaline pumping behind the wheel of a Ford Fiesta. 2010 Formula Drift champion Gittin Jr. will give competitors a heart-thumping thrill drifting in a Mustang, and X Games 16 double gold medalist Foust will give participants the experience of a lifetime in a Ford Focus ST.

For more information on Octane Academy visit www.octaneacademy.com.

FUEL TV

FUEL TV is the only cable and satellite television network that features the exciting world of adrenaline and thrill-seeking action sports and the stories that surround them. This new generation of action sports provides a rich landscape of some of the most vibrant and action-packed television entertainment in the world. See why adrenaline sports fans call FUEL TV the channel they never turn off. FUEL TV, part of FOX Sports Media Group, was launched July 1, 2003 and is seen in more than 32 million U.S. homes and can be accessed by broadband, mobile devices and other digital platforms such as iTunes®. FUEL TV programming is available in more than 50 countries around the world with 24/7 channels operating in Australia and Europe. To subscribe to FUEL TV, call 877-4-FUEL-TV. For program times and other information, visit www.fuel.tv.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company