Ford's story in NASCAR? was penned back in the 1950s, etched in the relentless pursuit of the checkered flag. It encapsulates not just daunting speed but a passion so deep that it's become a driving force in the world of stock car racing.?During an era when stock car racing was still finding its footing, Ford threw its hat into the ring with iconic models like the Thunderbird, Galaxie, and Fairlane.

These legendary machines not only pushed the limits of the unknown but?were finely tuned and meticulously engineered to conquer the asphalt battlegrounds, squeezing out every fraction of a second to become synonymous with championship glory.?Behind the wheel, legendary figures of the sport became one with the blue oval, steering their way into the history books.

Ford Net Worth 2023

Amongst the plethora of automotive giants, one name resonates louder than the rest: Ford. The Ford Motor Company is not just a household name; it's a behemoth that has left an indelible mark across various automotive sectors. From crafting high-end luxury cars to creating consumer-friendly vehicles and delving into the world of high-speed racing, its influence stretches far and wide, with a net worth of $50.645 billion. With roots in Detroit, Michigan, dating back to 1903, over the decades, Ford has weathered economic challenges and adapted to ever-changing markets, emerging triumphant with a diverse range of vehicles, from the iconic Ford Mustang to the rugged Ford F-Series trucks to the sedans - Ford Taurus and Ford Fusion.

Beyond its net worth, Ford's foray into the world of stock car racing launched its legacy into global recognition as an industry frontrunner.

Who is the owner of Ford?

While the Ford family has undeniably played a significant role in Ford Motor Company's historical success, Ford does not really have a sole "owner". Instead, it operates as a publicly traded corporation, where the true owners are the shareholders who hold Ford's stock. Each shareholder, regardless of the size of their stake, shares the ownership of Ford. Ford's stock is actively traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the recognizable ticker symbol 'F.'

Three of the highest stakeholders of this giant are, William Clay Ford Jr., the great-grandson of Henry Ford himself; Mark Fields, the former CEO of Ford; and Joseph R. Hinrichs, who held the position of executive vice president and president of Global Operations at Ford Motor Company.

When did Ford join NASCAR?

NASCAR's evolution from its early days as Strictly Stock to the Grand National Series, later transformed into the Winston Cup Series, and subsequently evolved into the Nextel Cup Series, Sprint Cup Series, and Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series before finally becoming what we now know as the NASCAR Cup Series.

Throughout this journey, one constant has remained unyielding?Ford. Ford's manufacturing team's historic entry into NASCAR dates back to 1949. It was a year that not only marked Ford's debut in the sport but also its triumphant victory, with Jim Roper securing a win in a Lincoln at Charlotte, marking Ford's inaugural race, and over the decades, Ford has firmly established itself as a powerhouse.

NASCAR Teams under Ford

In 2023, Ford boasts an exceptional fleet of 12 cars, piloted by five teams in the upper echelons of NASCAR. These teams, include Team Penske, Stewart-Haas Racing, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, Front Row Motorsports, and Wood Brothers Racing as they celebrate victory with Ford cars, raising countless champagne toasts in championship glory.

Popular Ford Drivers in NASCAR

NASCAR history is replete with drivers who left an indelible mark on the sport. Among them, a few have garnered legendary status and are torchbearers of the Ford legacy.

Ned Jarrett achieved racing immortality with his incredible 1965 Grand National season. In a bright blue and white No. 11 Ford Galaxie, he notched an astonishing 13 victories in 54 starts and secured top-five finishes an astounding 42 times. His most remarkable feat came at the 1965 Southern 500, where he won by a staggering 14-lap margin, a NASCAR record that still stands.?

Cale Yarborough celebrated as one of NASCAR's greatest, clinched three consecutive Cup Series championships. His 1968 Mercury Cyclone, emblazoned in sparkling white with red stripes and owned by Wood Brothers Racing, propelled him to six victories, including the prestigious Daytona 500. The '68 Cyclone's popularity prompted Ford to launch a limited production version which to this date remains highly sought after by collectors.

Million Dollar Bill, transformed American motorsports. Racing the iconic No. 9 Ford Thunderbird, Bill Elliott secured the 1988 championship, tallying 44 Cup Series wins over his illustrious career and earned him NASCAR's Most Popular Driver award 16 times.

Junior Johnson, although without any championship titles to his name, piloted his No. 26 Ford Galaxie to 50 wins, 186 top-fives, and 46 pole awards. Beyond his driving prowess, Johnson's impact extended to team ownership, nurturing talents like Bill Elliott and Cale Yarborough.

David Pearson's dominance in the early 1970s, primarily with the Wood Brothers Racing team and their No. 21 Mercury, rivals the best in NASCAR history. Despite running a limited schedule, Pearson won an astounding 61 percent of the races he entered in the 1973 season, setting him apart as one of the sport's greatest.

Len Boehler and his iconic #3 "Ole Blue" Modified car roared onto the scene in the 1960s, steering Ford's Pinto to racing glory. With a distinct blue paint scheme, "Old Blue" claimed numerous victories in the NASCAR Modified races.

The Ford Pinto not only etched its own legend but also carried another luminary, Ron Bouchard, to glory. Hailing from Massachusetts, Bouchard had notable stints with Ford-powered cars during his storied racing career. It was in the embrace of the No 3 Ford that Bouchard tasted victory, conquering numerous races at Stafford Speedway which led to his induction into the New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame in 1998.

These iconic drivers contributed to Ford's storied legacy in NASCAR, while modern-day drivers and champions like Brad Keselowski, Kevin Harvick, and Joey Logano continue to uphold Ford's legacy behind the wheel of the Ford Mustang.

What car does Ford use in NASCAR?

2023, Ford currently races with the seventh-generation Cup car, known as the "Next Gen" car. It's a purpose-built race car with a fuel-injected V8 engine that generates 670 horsepower on most tracks, although select tracks like Daytona, Talladega Superspeedway, and Atlanta have reduced horsepower. This modified car features a five-speed transaxle, distinguishing it from the traditional four-speed transmission.?This season in the Cup Series, Ford is represented on track by the Ford Mustang, a far cry from the slightly modified stock cars of its origins.

A look back in time will unveil the absolute monsters the different decades of NASCAR dominance unleashed on the tracks. The journey began with the Lincoln in 1949 followed by the Mercury Monterey and Ford Fairlane of the '50s and '60s. The Thunderbird and Galaxie continued the legacy, pushing the limits of stock car racing in the early '60s.

As the sport evolved, so did Ford's lineup. The Mercury Cyclone and Ford Torino of the late '60s and early '70s brought a new level of performance, while the Mercury Montego and Cougar of the '70s added their flair to the track. The '80s and '90s saw the Ford Thunderbird hold its own and in 1998, the Ford Taurus made its debut, a car that would become a formidable force on the track for nearly a decade. The 2000s introduced the Ford Fusion, which raced into the 2010s and was then replaced by the Ford Mustang which has now taken center stage racing away in the 2023 season.

Who is the owner of the Ford NASCAR Team?

Team Penske, under the stewardship of racing magnate Roger Penske, stands as a powerhouse with numerous championships to its name. Stewart-Haas Racing, co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart and industrialist Gene Haas and RFK Racing, under the expertise of Jack Roush and the veteran prowess of 2012 Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski, adds an illustrious history of achievements to the Ford resume.

Bob Jenkins is at the helm of Front Row Motorsports, guiding the team's journey through the fast-paced world of stock car racing. While the Wood Brothers Racing team is under the ownership of the Wood family, including Len Wood, Eddie Wood, and Kim Wood-Hall, this team has a storied history and remains a symbol of Ford's legacy in NASCAR.

The man behind Ford?s engines

The heart and soul of Ford's power lies with Roush Yates Engines, with an impressive track record that includes over 440 combined victories in NASCAR, IMSA, and FIA races, Roush Yates Engines is a powerhouse to reckon with.?Founded in 2003 as a partnership between NASCAR Hall of Famers Robert Yates and Jack Roush, this Mooresville, North Carolina-based company serves as the exclusive Ford engine builder in NASCAR's top three series: Cup, Xfinity, and Craftsman Truck. At its helm is Doug Yates, the son of Robert Yates, who serves as the President and CEO of Roush Yates Engines.

This visionary partnership has achieved notable milestones, including starting on the pole at the Daytona 500, winning the 2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship, and securing victories in prestigious events like the Daytona 500, Brickyard 400, Speed Week sweep in 2015, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans (LMGTE) in 2016.

In 2023, Roush Yates Engines continues its legacy by building engines and providing trackside support for Ford Performance's NASCAR and IMSA teams across four unique race series.

Ford?s history in NASCAR

It's a saga that began in 1950 when Jimmy Florian steered a Ford-branded vehicle to victory in Dayton, Ohio, marking the start of Ford's enduring presence in the sport. One of the pivotal moments came in 1963 when Tiny Lund clinched Ford's first Daytona 500 win. Over the years, in an uphill showcase of dominance, Dale Jarrett secured Ford's 10th Daytona 500 victory back in 2000.

In 2011, history was made when Trevor Bayne triumphed in the Daytona 500, leading a remarkable 1-2-3 finish for Ford., marking a significant milestone?Ford's 600th NASCAR win. Fast forward to 2013, Greg Biffle added another milestone to Ford's legacy by securing the Quicken Loans 400, marking Ford's 1000th NASCAR victory.

In 2018, Joey Logano's victory at Homestead Miami Speedway not only secured Ford Performance's first NASCAR Cup championship since 2004 but also marked a Manufacturer's Championship, a feat last achieved by Ford in 2002. Similarly, 2022 unfolded with Logano claiming a second championship title behind the wheel of his No. 22 Ford, standing tall as the reigning champion come 2023.

Penning this storied legacy from day one, the tale of Ford's triumphs on the NASCAR track is far from its final chapter. Amidst it all, one thing remains certain: Ford's dominance is set to endure for decades to come, as they continue to redefine speed and excellence on the asphalt.