Ford EcoBoost Challenge!

"Brian Tschiegg" (WritingInCars)
08/14/2013 at 11:01 • Filed to: Ford, EcoBoost, Fiesta, Focus

Ford started a tour to show off their new EcoBoost engines, specifically the ones mounted in the Focust ST and Fiesta ST. Although the tour has already started, there is still time to sign up and take advantage of their offer to thrash one of their cars around a track. Granted you also have to drive some of their more pedestrian models, but they will also be offering classes on hypermiling and providing prizes and giveaways for competitions on the track. Don't quote me on this, but I was also told at my local Ford dealer that they provide snacks and such as well. Definitely check out the site and sign up if you didn't miss the date near your city!

http://fordecoboostchallengedrive.com/

DISCUSSION (12)

GhostZ > Brian Tschiegg
08/14/2013 at 11:09

Goddammit why didn't I know about this literally 2 weeks ago.

William Byrd > Brian Tschiegg
08/14/2013 at 11:13

I missed the DC one, but I love events like this. I have been to the following:

Lexus IS300 debut - laps in the new (at the time) IS along with the competition, rides with professional drivers, etc. It was my first, and very well put together.

Mercedes Benz drive - laps in most of their (sadly non AMG) cars and the competition, and rides with pro drivers who were very drift-happy. I sat shotgun in a AMG E-Class wagon while the driver did basically tandem drifting behind another car full of people holding on.

GM HyperDrive (or something) - pretty much the entire GM lineup, including ZO6, Hummers, etc. available to drive. I got the ZO6 a little sideways and got my wristband "marked" with a sharpie. Hint, those wipe off.

Mazda Event - don't recall the name, but it was a challenge to get the best lap time in the new at the time, MX-5. Tons of fun.

Brian Tschiegg > William Byrd
08/14/2013 at 11:28

I fully plan on getting the Fiesta all the way around. If it gets me kicked out, then so be it.

Brian Tschiegg > GhostZ
08/14/2013 at 11:30

I just got really lucky that I was at the Ford dealership looking at a Fiesta ST when someone who knew about the event was there. I'll try to keep an eye out for other events from manufacturers and post them here.

Mattbob > Brian Tschiegg
08/14/2013 at 11:32

Classes on hypermiling??? NOOOOOO!!!! We don't need more people doing 55 on the expressway!!

Brian Tschiegg > Mattbob
08/14/2013 at 11:36

Those people aren't hypermiling; they just lack the zest for life that makes you want to subtly break the law. It can't be all bad though. Most people don't understand the connection between their right foot and their average fuel consumption. I have determined this by all of the Prii drag racing and generally just keeping their accelerator glued to the floor.

Bakkster, touring car driver > William Byrd
08/14/2013 at 11:57

I missed the DC event as well (wife wasn't a fan of Le Mans and a driving event in the same weekend, so I picked Le Mans), but did it last year. Hopefully it will be a possibility next year.

Dusty Ventures > Brian Tschiegg
08/14/2013 at 12:01

I did the one at Foxboro. I can confirm the presence of snacks

Brian Tschiegg > Dusty Ventures
08/14/2013 at 12:44

Score. How did they take eating doritoes in their "new" cars?

Saracen > William Byrd
08/14/2013 at 13:24

I did the Focus ST driving event last year. That car is great fun.

I've also done events by GM, Mercedes (all AMG's ), Porsche and BMW.

Dusty Ventures > Brian Tschiegg
08/14/2013 at 13:34

Sadly you must finish your snack before getting in line

Brian Tschiegg > Dusty Ventures
08/14/2013 at 13:50

Damn, I really wanted to see how those Recaros would do at soaking up the molten orange dust from my fingers. It's an important industry benchmark test.