Drive cars for free at Ford EcoBoost Challenge

Ford is giving potential customers a chance to drive its EcoBoost turbocharged, direct-injected vehicles in the fashion they were intended: on the track. The company is kicking off its EcoBoost Challenge, taking place in 12 cities across the U.S. starting April 12.

Attendees will get to check out the Focus ST and Fiesta ST, as well as the Mustang, F-150, Transit Connect Wagon and the EcoBoost-powered Expedition.

According to Ford, more than 28,000 people took part in the event last year.

This year, guests can compete against the clock in a Fiesta ST and get hot laps with a pro driver in a Focus ST. Hybrid fans can get behind the wheel of the C-Max. The events will include back-to-back runs with competing vehicles.

Ford says that by the end of 2014, more than 90 percent of its North American car and truck lineup will be available with an EcoBoost engine.

The events will take place on Saturdays, April through July. The three closed-course setups will include an ST Performance Academy layout, a Hybrid Challenge and an EcoBoost Challenge drive.

You can sign up now at ecoboostdrive.com. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Events are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on most days.

EcoBoost Challenge locations and dates include:

--Phoenix: University of Phoenix Stadium, April 12

--Charlotte, N.C.: Charlotte Motor Speedway, April 18-19 (in conjunction with Mustang 50th anniversary celebration)

--Miami: Calder Casino and Race Course, April 26

--Orlando, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway, May 3

--Los Angeles: Santa Anita Race Park, May 10

--Dallas: AT&T Stadium, May 17

--Seattle: Emerald Downs, May 31

--Houston: Reliant Stadium, June 7

--Columbus, Ohio: Ohio State University, June 14

--Chicago: Arlington Park, June 21

--San Francisco: Golden Gate Fields, June 28

--Indianapolis: Lucas Oil Stadium, July 19

By Jake Lingeman