The carmaker said it was a prime marketing opportunity, with 35% of those intending to buy a new car also motorsports fans, and 78% of them supporting NASCAR. Fans of Ford’s racing vehicles were also more likely to buy their road-going cars, the manufacturer added.

Mark Fields, president of The Americas, explained: ‘Ford research shows the majority of Americans would consider buying an electrified vehicle but do not yet understand the different technologies.

‘Highlighting the Focus Electric as a pace car is a fun way to educate consumers about the kinds of benefits our electrified vehicles deliver and show people our commitment to provide Ford customers the power of choice for leading fuel economy in the vehicle that best meets their needs – from EcoBoost-powered gasoline vehicles and hybrids to plug-in hybrids and full electrics.’

The Focus Electric is the second time Ford has used a new technology vehicle as a NASCAR pace car. In 2008, the carmaker debuted the US-market Fusion Hybrid at the Ford 400, held at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2008.