New Fusion Makes Track Debut

NASCAR veteran Dale Jarrett was the man in charge of driving duties, taking to the Atlanta Motor Speedway under the watch of NASCAR officials during the approval phase for the new car.

The Wood Brothers Racing team ran the car for Jarrett, who drives for Robert Yates Racing.

"I think things went really well," said Jarret. "I was pleased with the way the new Ford Fusion was as far as the balance entering and exiting the corner. It has a very nice look to it and performed well.

"We were able to achieve the speed that we were looking for, and hold on to the speed we needed in a 10-lap run. I was very comfortable in the car."

Jarret claimed the new Fusion is a step forward compared to the current Taurus.

"I think the biggest thing we fight with the Taurus is if we get enough downforce in the rear to make it to where we can drive at tracks like Atlanta, getting into the corner, then usually we fight a problem of the front end not sticking as good as we need," he added.

"It wants to lift up. This car seems to have a better balance about it. That's what we were trying to achieve with the Fusion, and I think we've done that."

The new Fusion was scheduled to go to the Lockheed wind tunnel later on Tuesday for its final NASCAR approval stage.