Ford opens proving grounds to the public

For the first time ever, Ford is opening its Dearborn, Mich., proving grounds to the public on Oct. 15.

Ticketholders to the Get Your Heart Racing event can take hot-lap ride-alongs around the test track with professional drivers Tanner Foust and Parnelli Jones. Proceeds benefit the Edith and Benson Ford Heart & Vascular Institute and the Center for Cardiac Care at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital.

They also will drive F-150s or Explorers on an off-road course, participate in drag races and highway driving simulations, and tackle skid pads and autocross driving challenges.

Guests can tour the track facilities, compete on the world's largest foosball table, check out Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum and tailgate for the University of Michigan vs. Michigan State University football game.

In addition, at the afterparty, there will be a live auction of a one-of-a-kind 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca.

A Shelby ticket package to the Get Your Heart Racing event costs $2,500 and includes one driving ticket, one pit pass and two tickets to the afterparty. Visit www.getyourheartracing.org for more details.

By Julie Alvin