Earlier this month, the 2013 Fusion was presented at the Detroit Motor Show and the new look has been carried over to the race car variant. "We wanted the Fusion to be the car that helped return 'stock car' to NASCAR," said Jamie Allison, Ford Racing director. "I think fans, when they see the car, are just going to smile and cheer. It is going to reengage them with the sport and make the sport better because there is just something natural about seeing racecars that look like cars in their driveways."

For too long racecars haven't looked like the cars they are meant to be based on, and it's good to see Ford bringing some identity back to the series. Ford's designers spent a year designing the car, focusing on bringing the 'overall proportion' of the racecar in line with the production version, with an instantly recognizable grille, and brand & design cues on the car's profile. It's hoped the racecar's familiar looks will help increase the Fusion's appeal to the public. The 2013 Ford Fusion NASCAR Sprint Car racecar will spend a year undergoing testing and development before it takes it maiden voyage at the 2013 Daytona 500.