Richard Petty, a seven-time winner of the Great American Race, will lead the pack at Daytona once again when he will drive the official pace car for the 52nd Annual Daytona 500 this Sunday, February 14. Petty will be driving a 2011 Mustang GT with the new 5.0-liter V-8 engine.

"There's nothing like the Daytona 500.  It's one of the biggest races in the world and to be a part of it in this way is the next-best thing to actually being able to race," said Petty.  "Who knows, maybe I'll just stay out there for a few laps and see what those guys have got because I'll definitely be in a hot-rod driving the new 5.0-liter Mustang GT."

Richard Petty is back with Ford for the first time since 1969 after a recent merger with Yates Racing. Petty won nine races in a Ford Torino during the 1969 season.

"We're so thrilled to have Richard Petty returning to Ford," said Jamie Allison, director, Ford North America Motorsports.  "We wanted to do something that would make him feel like an integral part of our program right away, and having him behind the wheel of a 2011 Mustang GT to start the Daytona 500 is a perfect way to renew this relationship."

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