One of the biggest supporters of auto racing for Ford Motor Company and as a global sport is Edsel B. Ford II. Ford boasts a career at the company going back over 33 years, not only as a member of the board of directors, but in departments such as product planning, marketing, and sales. He was also the president of Ford Australia and president and CEO of Ford Motor Credit. An undoubted giant in the industry, Edsel B. Ford II was just announced as the recipient of the Bob Russo Heritage Award at the 2024 Motorsport Hall of Fame of America Induction Ceremony.
The Bob Russo Heritage Award is nearly the highest honor bestowed by the MSHFA– only actual induction to the Hall of Fame is greater. It was named in honor of veteran racing journalist and historian Bob Russo, and honors the recipient’s lifetime contributions to motorsports.
“The word legend is often over-used in sport, but Edsel Ford, who we all know as ‘The Godfather’ has earned that title,” said Jim Farley, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company. “For decades, Edsel has been the architect and chief supporter of Ford Performance Motorsports. Through the tough times and the good times, Edsel has been steadfast in his support for Ford teams around the world. I know how much all our teams value it when Edsel is at the track and when he can’t be, he’s the first to reach out to offer his congratulations or support. This honor from the MSFHA could not go to a better recipient and all of us at Ford want to say thank you to Edsel for all he has done for the sport, and for us.”
In 1966, when he was just 17 years old, Ford attended to his first race with his father, Henry Ford II. He was fortunate enough to witness one of the most famous moments in motorsports history– the iconic 1-2-3 finish of Ford GT40s at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Fifty years later, he witnessed the Ford GT's comeback victory at Le Mans as well. Ford’s passion and dedication to the sport began during his first race as a youth, and has continued through his entire career and into the present day.
“Outside of my family, the sport of motor racing has been one of the great passions of my life and to be honored by the MSHFA in this way is humbling,” Ford said. “I have said many times that the sport produces such amazing people and personalities, and it’s been my honor to have been around so many of the people who have been inducted into this Hall of Fame, and, better yet, to consider so many of them my friends.”
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