Every running of the Kentucky Derby kicks off with the crowd together singing "My Old Kentucky Home". Traditionally, the sun shines bright in the land of Churchill Downs, which is also where Ford makes the Ford F-Series Super Duty, Ford Escape, and Ford Expedition.

Ford has announced a new multi-year partnership with Churchill Downs, unseating Ram as the official automotive company of the famed horse racing track.

"With Louisville Assembly Plant and Kentucky Truck Plant practically in the backyard of Churchill Downs, Ford's participation in this uniquely American tradition is long overdue," said Matt Van Dyke, Ford marketing director. "While our workhorse trucks naturally play a huge role supporting the many aspects of the equine and racing industries, our legendary sports car is named Mustang and our much-anticipated off-roading icon is Bronco. Ford products capture the freedom synonymous with the relationship between a winning horse and jockey."

The new 2020 Ford F-Series Super Duty will serve as featured vehicle of the 146th Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 2, 2020.

As official truck, non-luxury SUV, car and van of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby, Ford is hosting on-site activations throughout Derby Week, including special access for FordPass Rewards members plus celebrations for veterans and active duty military personnel.

Each Kentucky Oaks and Derby horse owner will also receive a Ford Explorer to use during the event.

In addition, Derby attendees can experience a wide variety of displays highlighting the Ford lineup, including the new 2020 Ford F-Series Super Duty that recently began production at Kentucky Truck Plant and the 2020 Ford Escape, which is built at Louisville Assembly Plant.

"Our employees here in Louisville are proud to be building products that play an integral role in our customers' lives, and now for the great American tradition that is the Kentucky Derby," said Joe Bobnar, Ford director of manufacturing for Louisville Assembly Plant and Kentucky Truck Plant. "This partnership means something special to our thousands of dedicated employees, retirees and dealers in the Louisville community."

The company will also host a Ford Day during the 2020 racing season, granting Ford employees and their guests free admission to a race day at Churchill Downs.