In an age of disagreement and division, we can at least all agree on this: It doesn’t get more American than Ford and the Kentucky Derby. Called the “most exciting two minutes in sports,” the Derby has achieved its status as the longest-running sports event in the world the Old-Fashioned way. By keeping spectators glued to their seats for 150 years.
Ford hasn’t even been around that long. Still, the major car manufacturer joined the party when it could, and it doesn’t look like it will be leaving anytime soon.
Here’s the statement they put out back in 2021 when they sponsored the event:
“With two Ford plants located right in Louisville, the Derby feels like an event in the company’s second hometown. This sponsorship and contribution to the local community are a big source of pride and reflect Ford’s larger commitment to America.”
Four years later people that are looking to place bets on horse racing are probably aware that this relationship is still going strong. What is the connection between Ford and the Kentucky Derby?
How Long Will Ford’s Partnership With The Derby Last?
Ford announced a five-year partnership with the Kentucky Derby all the way back in 2021. When they first developed their collaboration, Derby was experiencing the same Covid-related turbulence as everything else.
The year before, the Kentucky Derby had been held without an audience in attendance. This was only about a month after the pandemic had hit North America in earnest, and the Derby would be just one of many sporting franchises to do away with crowds in the summer to come.
This decision, difficult though it most surely must have been, was generally applauded and even received the stamp of approval from the Governor. “I applaud Churchill Downs for continuing to monitor the virus and for making the right and responsible decision. I am asking all Kentuckians to take action to stop the spread of the virus so we can get back to the many traditions we enjoy, like the Kentucky Derby,” Andy Beshear said in an official statement.
Even for a well-established race like the Derby, that was a challenging hit. They lost $120 million in revenue that year.
When Ford swooped in as a major sponsor the next year, they weren’t quite saving the historic race, but they were certainly hitting the scene at an opportune time. Like so many other businesses recovering from the pandemic economy, the Derby needed a hand up and Ford was there to give it.
“With the delays to last year’s event due to COVID-19, Ford’s participation in this uniquely American tradition is long overdue,” Ford said in the official press release.
The Official Truck of the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby has a lot of “officials.” Mint Julep is the official cocktail. Hundreds of thousands of them are served in person at the event every year. An incalculable amount is consumed at home by remote spectators.
Blue Moon is the official beer. FanDuel is the official sports wagering partner. Do you see where this is going? This event has an economic impact of around $400 million every year. That’s an incredible figure in its own right, made even more remarkable by the fact that the actual race itself only lasts two minutes.
So yes. Ford is the “Official” truck of the Derby. No, the horses did not appoint it such by committee. America’s favorite car manufacturer paid for the privilege, just like all of the other “officially,” anointed Derby products. Maybe that takes some of the magic out of the collaboration, but it doesn’t cheapen Ford’s relationship with Louisville, Kentucky, or the wider racing world.
Ford is well-established in Kentucky. They have a large assembly plant in Louisville, where more than 3000 Kentuckians find employment.
Yes, the collaboration between Derby and Ford is financially motivated. That doesn’t mean it’s superficial. The truck manufacturer has had an enormous impact on the local economy. There’s no doubt it’s earned its status as the “Official Truck,” of the Kentucky Derby.
The Derby is Coming. Are You Ready?
One can almost smell the mint juleps in the air. And while it’s a cold day in February at the time of writing, sooner than you might imagine, Spring will arrive. With it, one of the best events on the sporting calendar.
Understanding who is favored to win is easy enough, but there is a lot more to it than that. Upsets are EXTREMELY common at this event. Make an informed wager this year.
