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Make way for the Ford Racing Festival on Crescent Street

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Khatir Soltani
Source: Torchia Communications

The NASCAR excitement is coming to town, and again this year the celebrations marking the return of the Nationwide series race extend to the downtown core with the presentation of the popular Ford Racing Festival on Crescent Street, presented by Miller Genuine Draft, sponsored by Ford Fusion. The event, from July 31 to August 2, features three days and nights of pulsating activities taking place between Ste. Catherine and de Maisonneuve streets.

Interactivity is a big part of the 2008 Festival. The Ford Racing Pit Stop Challenge provides Festival-goers with the chance to find out what it's like trackside as a crew member changing a tire on a real NASCAR Nationwide Ford Fusion race car. The Ford Crew Chief Challenge provides visitors with an opportunity to put together the parts of real engines, just as a race team's crew chief would do.

And what would a racing festival be without an awesome display of vehicles. The Northern Tool Craftsman Ford F-150, Fox Ford Fusion showcar, NASCAR Nationwide Ford Fusion showcar, Ford Focus World Rally car, Miller cup Ford racing Mustang challenge series Mustang FR500S and the one-of-a-kind Wayne Gretzky autographed #99 Ford GT are just a few of the impressive vehicles that are sure to attract considerable interest. So, too, is the line-up of Ford NASCAR Nationwide series drivers on hand for an autograph-signing session at 6 p.m., following Thursday night's 5 p.m. opening ceremonies. Drivers in attendance include Marcos Ambrose, Kelly Bires, Brad Coleman, Colin Braun and Boris Said.

Festival-goers that stop by the Ford Racing tents can enter a contest for the chance to win an exclusive NASCAR Ford Racing Fan Pack, making their trip to this year's event even more rewarding. Other booths at the Festival will also have giveaways, as well as a draw at the Cintron booth for the chance to win loge seats to an upcoming Céline Dion concert.

The Ford Racing Festival's presenting sponsor, Miller Genuine Draft, will be prominent on site, with a luxurious lounge for the public to come and enjoy the festivities, in a setting that includes a red carpet, fresh hibiscus, a bouncer at the door and an elegant hostess. "We are proud to be back as a part of the Crescent Street Festival" exclaimed Sylvain Gagnon, Molson's Sponsorship and Events Manager.

Visitors that want to test or sample products will be in their element at the Best Buy booth, where they can try out a NASCAR racing simulator, and at the Cintron booth, highlighted by its newest energy drink. The official Jack Daniel's NASCAR vehicle will be on display throughout the three days, and will be started and revved to give the public even more of a racing sensation. For motorcycle enthusiasts, Harley Davidson will have bikes on display.

The Ford Racing Festival runs from noon to 11 p.m., Thursday to Saturday, culminating in rock concerts every evening on the Ford Fusion stage. On opening night, Beat the Heat and Rise Up take to the stage at 7 and 9 p.m. respectively, while Friday night's performers are Kashmir and Rebound, with Ruff Edge and Atomic capping the Festival on Saturday evening. DJ Lou and guest will provide entertainment on all three days.
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
  • Over 8 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada