NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship leader Carl Edwards announces plans to give winner top-of-the line fishing vessel, then attempts field goals to win Ford Mustangs for two fans
MIAMI— Homestead-Miami Speedway and Homestead-based Contender Boats are joining forces to “up the ante” for the winner of the 2011 Ford 400 — set for Sunday, November 20 at 3:00 p.m. ET at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The winner of this year’s race and each winner through 2013 will take home a 25-foot Tournament model Contender brand fishing boat. The vessel boasts a four-stroke, 300 horsepower Yamaha outboard. Along with the trailer and several customized factory options, its value exceeds $115,000.
NSCS Championship points leader and 2010 and 2008 Ford 400 winner Carl Edwards made the announcement Tuesday evening at Sun Life Stadium. Edwards was joined by Homestead-Miami Speedway President Matt Becherer and Contender Boats’ Director of Marketing Les Stewart, Jr.
Other highlights from Tuesday’s announcement:
Edwards, who drives for Roush-Fenway Racing and leads the 12-person Chase field by one point, lined up field goals from 35 yards as part of the “Field Goal for a Ford” promotion for Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway (November 18-20). Not allowed to take any warm-up kicks, the driver’s two attempts to win Ford Mustang automobiles for select fans fell short and wide to the left. The participating fans took home four tickets and Ford Sideline Passes to an upcoming Dolphins game as a consolation. While it didn’t win anyone a car, Edwards’ fourth attempt sailed through the uprights.
“I practiced a little bit yesterday and I kind of wore myself doing it, so that was about it,” said Edwards. “I’m more nervous to kick these two field goals than I am to drive the Homestead-Miami race. I’m definitely not a field goal kicker.”
The champion racer looked much more comfortable driving the No. 99 AFLAC Ford Fusion out of the tunnel and onto the Sun Life Stadium field to commence the event.
Edwards visited fans taking part in the third annual Touchdown for Life blood drive, hosted by the Dolphins. The first 1,750 registered donors received a free ticket to Miami’s home game against the Buffalo Bills on November 20. Participants were given a Touchdown for Life T-shirt and had the opportunity to meet Dolphins players and get autographs.
The driver also spent time with a local youngster – Buster Tyre. The two first met following Edwards’ Nationwide Series victory in the 2008 Ford 300, where Edwards’ gave Tyre his trophy. Edwards delivered on his promise to autograph the award for the special-needs child.
It’s a NASCAR series-crowning South Florida Finish Line at Homestead-Miami Speedway Nov. 18-20. Homestead-Miami Speedway will host NASCAR during Ford Championship Weekend for the 10th consecutive year. Year after year Homestead-Miami Speedway delivers robust economic impact felt by businesses, restaurants and retailers throughout the region by offering Sprint Cup Series Championship tickets that start at just $55 dollars. For info on this and more than 280 events held each year at Homestead-Miami Speedway, visit HomesteadMiamiSpeedway.com or call (866) 409-RACE.
