Ford offers trip to the summer X Games with Focus ST contest

Ford is holding a contest to get drivers interested in the new Focus ST--as if we weren't already. Ford will have driving simulators at this year's auto shows, and the person who records the fastest time will get a trip to ESPN's summer X Games.

Those interested can follow the leaders at Ford's Facebook page, where all of the lap times and info will be posted.

The Focus ST simulator is part of Ford's interactive show display. The pitching, rolling and swiveling setup was at the Detroit and Chicago auto shows and will land at the New York show in April.

Even if you're not good at video games, the simulator is a great way to get off your feet at a show.

“This is the perfect way to generate awareness for our ST brand, since we know our enthusiast customers love gaming,” said Lisa Schoder, Focus ST marketing manager. “The Focus ST simulator is tuned with the specs from the actual car, so people can get a true feel for the dynamics of ST performance.”

The person who clocks the fastest lap time will win several awards, including the trip to the X Games. The winner will also get a meet-and-greet with the driving stars of Ford's Octane Academy: Ken Block, Tanner Foust, Vaughn Gittin Jr. and Brian Deegan.

People who clock the top regional times also will win prizes.

The Focus ST uses Ford's 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, producing about 250 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. Ford showed its racing counterpart, the ST-R, at the Frankfurt motor show in September. The Focus ST will go on sale later this year.

By Jake Lingeman