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Ford Announces Newest Ford Performance Experiential Owner Program -- Raptor Assault -- Exclusive to Ford Raptor Owners

  • Ford adding Raptor Assault owner program to other successful Ford Performance owner programs, including GT350 Track Attack and ST Octane Academy
  • Ford providing complimentary off-road driving instruction exclusively to new 2017 F-150 Raptor owners at Ford Performance Racing School in Grantsville, Utah
  • Classroom courses to be followed by terrain-based instruction ranging from rock crawling to extreme Baja and desert driving exercises
  • 2017 F-150 Raptor owners interested can sign up at www.RaptorAssault.com for more details

GRANTSVILLE, Utah, Jan. 20, 2017 – Owners of the leaner, meaner 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor have an exclusive opportunity to learn about the features that make this the best-performing Raptor yet with training from Ford Performance Racing School instructors both in the classroom and on the extreme off-road terrain in the high desert of Utah.

Ford and Ford Performance are offering Raptor Assault instruction free of charge to initial owners of the all-new 2017 F-150 Raptor in a safe environment with professional instructors. The program adds to the popular GT350 Track Attack, ST Octane Academy and recently announced RS Adrenaline Academy enthusiast programs the school offers, and builds on previous off-road courses including tire testing and training for owners of the previous-generation Raptor.

Raptor Assault will immerse owners in the performance and handling characteristics of Ford’s high-performance off-road truck. A deep dive in the classroom will explore Raptor’s industry-leading features, followed by extensive course time exploiting its capabilities over challenging desert terrain. Rock crawling, Baja runs, high-speed driving, side-hilling, descending and braking are featured, with a focus on Raptor dynamics including its six driving modes. The goal is for F-150 Raptor owners to understand the performance capabilities of their new trucks and help these customers  improve on their driving skills – all while having fun.

“The all-new F-150 Raptor was designed to be the ultimate, no-compromise off-road pickup with its cutting edge internal bypass suspension, six-mode Terrain Management System™ and 450 horsepower EcoBoost engine with massive amounts of torque,” said Henry Ford III, Ford Performance marketing manager. “The off-road terrain near Ford Performance Racing School offers a diversity of challenges and is perfectly suited to showcase the high-performance capabilities of Raptor. The Ford Performance owner programs that have come before are a strong indication that this experience will be outstanding – a big hit with Raptor owners.”

The school will provide F-150 Raptor trucks and safety gear for all participant use. Participants may opt to take part in on-road performance driving instruction with an optional second day in a Ford Mustang GT at Utah Motorsports Campus, home to Ford Performance Racing School.

“We’re looking forward to the excitement, training and thrills Raptor Assault will deliver to owners of the 2017 truck,” said Dan McKeever, president, Ford Performance Racing School. “The new Raptor is an incredible truck, and our facility is the perfect venue to demonstrate just what it can do off-road. Our instructors can help anyone take their driving expertise to the next level – whether the person is a beginner or an experienced off-roader.”

F-150 Raptor owners are responsible for their travel and hotel costs, but all other program features, including breakfast and lunch, are covered once participants arrive at the school. Participants opting for a second day of performance driving with Mustang GT are responsible for that cost. Options for owners to bring guests may be available. Click here to learn additional program details as they become available.

To see a complete schedule for the Raptor Assault program in 2017, or for more information, visit www.RaptorAssault.com.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.  The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty.  Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services.  The company does that through three customer-centered business segments:  Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough EVs along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs.  Additionally, Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  Ford employs about 177,000 people worldwide.  More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.

About Ford Performance Racing School

Founded in 2006, Ford Performance Racing School is the only school of its type supported by Ford Motor Company and has become one of America’s top training programs for those wanting to sharpen their skills while becoming better and safer drivers. The school employs a fleet of modified Mustang GT, Mustang Boss 302 FRS, GT350, Focus RS, Focus ST and Fiesta ST performance cars, and Raptor trucks, as well as a team of instructors comprised of championship-winning drivers.

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