Vaughn Gittin Jr., Tanner Foust, Matt, Ken Block, and Brian Deegan
The Ford marketing department’s pimp game has been especially tight in the last couple of years. And I should know, as I, despite my journalism street cred, have been a part of it more than once. Back at our old show, Garage419, we were offered one of the “Fiesta Movement” cars for 6 months, which we turned down, because we didn’t feel like filming the same car over and over for half a year. Nevertheless, the Fiesta Movement was a huge success, leading to millions of minutes of online video coverage promoting their new small car. A year ago, I took part in the Ford Focus Rally, essentially a version of “The Amazing Race” by the same producers, except instead of public transportation we drove 7,000 miles in Ford Focus Titanium’s. (For the record, yes I got paid to participate, which is why I will not review the new Focus). It was a reality show on the surface, but more likely a not-so-subtle month-long commercial for the Focus, as many of the car’s features were integrated into challenges. This brings us to Ford’s newest plan: The Octane Academy. It’s a chance for young, aspiring action sports athletes to compete against each other, on television, while under the patient guidance of four of today’s hottest motorsports stars.
For some reason, (I’m guessing it’s because I had to drive 7,000 miles with the cruise control set to 60 on the Focus Rally) Ford decided I should be included in their Media Invitational, and even be allowed to drive fast on their test track while competing against 19 other journalists for the Octane Academy Invitational Gold Medal (no shit, they had medals.) And I almost won, but, as usual, screwed myself. It’s a long story, but don’t worry, I made it extra awesome for you. Hit the jump to read on.
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