Knoxville, TN -- NASA Rally Sport has annouced today that Ford Racing Performance Parts Division has signed exclusively with NASA Rally Sport to sponsor the Spec Focus stage rally program.

Cash awards will give at the remaining NASA Rally Sport events starting with Gorman Ridge Rally in the West and Rally Tennessee in the East.

The regulations are out for comment with an expected publication in June. A press release from Ford Motor Company will be out at the same time to kick off a new era in clubman based rallying in the US.

Here are some from the regulations:

1. 1999-2006 Focus ZX3, ZX5, ZX4, SVT and ZTS models using the 2.0 liter Zetec and SVT engines.
2. Minimum weight 2600 excluding drivers
3. Non-SVT can be modified with Ford Racing CNC ported heads
4. Non-SVT engines can change timing gears
5. Non–SVT engines get a 70mm throttle body
6. Non-SVT engines can use Ford Racing exhaust manifold
7. Non-SVT engines can use Ford Racing camshaft
8. SVT engines must run all OEM specs with some exceptions.
9. Spec ECU and limited programming allowed with rev limited.
10. Ford estimates both engines to produce 170hp at the flywheel.
11. Spec Torsen or Quaife diff allowed
12. Final drive can be upgraded to 4.06:1
13. Brakes and hubs are spec from a special “Gravel Rally Kit” that Ford has assembled and only available from Ford.
14. Struts, shocks and springs are spec for both gravel and tarmac.
15. Wheels are spec for gravel and tarmac
16. Tires are spec for gravel and tarmac

In 2007 there will be a Focus Rally Cup East and West series with cash payout from each specified supplier.

Spec Focus results and photos will be available on the Ford Racing web site.

Anticipated 2007 total purse estimated at $35,000.

As soon as all suppliers have agreed to their part of the program we will release more information.