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Ford Named Exclusive Automotive Partner of the Kentucky Derby® in Multi-Year Partnership Extension
Ford's Expanded Presence to Include First Turn Club Naming Rights and New On-Site Experiences LOUISVILLE, Ky., March 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Churchill Downs
About this update from Churchill Downs, Incorporated
[{"type":"text","content":"Ford's Expanded Presence to Include First Turn Club Naming Rights and New On-Site Experiences\nLOUISVILLE, Ky., March 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Churchill Downs Racetrack (\"Churchill Downs\") today announced a partnership renewal with Ford as the exclusive automotive partner of the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve, reinforcing a longstanding relationship between two iconic American brands. Under the renewed agreement, Ford will be granted exclusivity in the automotive category and an expanded footprint with interactive vehicle displays to promote fan interaction and immersive brand experiences to supplement the excitement of Derby Week and beyond.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \nAs part of the multi-year agreement, running through 2029, Ford will expand its on-site footprint to include the naming of the First Turn Club, a premium hospitality space originally debuted in 2023 overlooking the famed first turn of the racetrack. The popular location will now officially be called the Ford First Turn Club, offering guests a distinctive race-day experience with prime views and upscale amenities. Additionally, Ford will activate exclusive luxury vehicle displays and brand-new Ford-themed fan experiences at key areas around the track, including the Paddock Plaza and VIP Gate, ensuring high-profile brand visibility to attendees throughout Derby Week.\n\"Churchill Downs is thrilled to continue building our relationship with Ford Motor Company as an Official Partner of the Kentucky Derby and to expand our collaboration in exciting new ways,\" said Casey Ramage, vice president of marketing and partnerships at Churchill Downs Racetrack. \"The Kentucky Derby is built on tradition and long-standing partnerships, and Ford's commitment to excellence and innovation aligns perfectly with the spirit of this exceptional event. We look forward to continuing to work together to deliver an unforgettable experience for Derby fans and guests.\"\nFord will maintain the existing sponsorship of key Derby and Oaks activations not limited to: branding inclusion on the Kentucky Derby Starting Gate, presenting sponsorship of the Churchill Downs Barn Area, entitlement of a Derby Day race sponsorship, exclusive digital content and year-round vehicle displays at Churchill Downs.\n\"At Ford our mission is to create tangible impacts on the communities where we wo...