Ford relishing role as NASCAR underdog

USA TODAY, March, 2008 by Nate Ryan

In the beleaguered U.S. auto industry, where job cuts and plant closings seem to accompany quarterly news of billion-dollar losses, doing more with less is a mantra. Ford Racing Technology director Dan Davis doesn't mind applying the strategy to NASCAR, particularly if his teams challenge for a title.

"Of the four manufacturers, we spend the least, and yet I think our results are as good as anybody's," said Davis, whose Fusions have won two of four Sprint Cup races this season. "I'd like to be known as the most efficient manufacturer.

"It's a bit of a gamble if you don't have resources that others do, but we enjoy being that underdog. It makes it that much sweeter when you can beat up on them."

Though Ford has fewer drivers (two) in the top 12 than Dodge (three), Toyota (three) and Chevrolet (four), the ...