• by Tanya Gazdik , March 11, 2020

Ford Motor Co and the Kentucky Derby have joined forces with a multiyear sponsorship. 

Beginning this year, Ford will be the official truck, non-luxury SUV, car and van of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby, replacing Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Ram brand. 

The new 2020 Ford F-Series Super Duty will serve as featured vehicle of the 146th Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 2.

Other sponsors of the event will be Woodford Reserve, Longines, Budweiser, Angry Orchard, Blue Moon, G.H. Mumm, Vineyard Vines, Old Forester, Finlandia, Coca-Cola and LaCroix sparkling water.

To honor the new partnership, Ford is hosting on-site activations throughout Derby Week, including special access for FordPass Rewards members, plus celebrations for veterans and active duty military personnel. 

Each Kentucky Oaks and Derby horse owner will also receive a Ford Explorer to use during the event and Derby attendees can experience a wide variety of displays fearing Ford vehicles, including the all-new 2020 Ford Escape that’s built nearby at Louisville Assembly Plant.

“While our workhorse trucks naturally play a huge role supporting the many aspects of the equine and racing industries, our legendary sports car is named Mustang and our much-anticipated off-roading icon is Bronco,” said Matt Van Dyke, Ford marketing director, in a release.

The company will also host a Ford Day during the 2020 racing season, granting Ford employees and their guests free admission to a race day at Churchill Downs.