Want to win a Ford at the Kentucky Derby? Here's how Jimmy Fallon can help

Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal
Updated ·2 min read
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Most Kentucky Derby racegoers hope to leave the iconic Churchill Downs Racetrack a little richer at the end of the first Saturday in May.

But this year, fans could leave with a new car.

Thanks to a collaboration between Jimmy Fallon, host of NBC's "The Tonight Show," and Ford Motor Co., some lucky winners will have the chance to drive away from the Ford Derby Day sweepstakes in a brand-new Bronco SUV, F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid Truck or Mustang Mach-E SUV.

As if the sweepstakes and the 150th Run for the Roses weren't exciting enough, Fallon will be onsite during Derby Day, searching for the "best-dressed Derby goers." A winner, selected by Fallon, will receive an "electrifying surprise vehicle giveaway at the Ford Clubhouse activation."

"Working with ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’ at the 150th Kentucky Derby just feels right for Ford," said Kelsey Ruder, brand experiences manager at Ford. "It's about extending the conversation of the Derby all week long — bringing fun, style, and a bit of surprise to the mix. We're excited to make some unforgettable experiences this weekend."

How can I enter to win a new Ford at the Kentucky Derby?

Ford Motor Co. and Churchill Downs Racetrack have a multi-year partnership deal. One aspect of this partnership is Ford's display featuring a flower wall, F-150 Lighting and a phone charging station, in the Paddock Plaza during the Kentucky Oaks and Derby.
Ford Motor Co. and Churchill Downs Racetrack have a multi-year partnership deal. One aspect of this partnership is Ford's display featuring a flower wall, F-150 Lighting and a phone charging station, in the Paddock Plaza during the Kentucky Oaks and Derby.

The sweepstakes kicked off April 30 with Fallon announcing it live on TV and awarding one audience member "a custom Ford-inspired Derby hat" for the Kentucky Derby.

You can enter to win a new Ford vehicle by going to TonightShow.com/FordDerbyDay. Winners will be announced on Sunday, May 5.

What else is Ford doing for Kentucky Derby 150?

Ford Motor Co. and Churchill Downs Racetrack have a multi-year partnership deal. One aspect of this partnership is Ford's display featuring a flower wall, F-150 Lighting and a phone charging station, in the Paddock Plaza during the Kentucky Oaks and Derby.
Ford Motor Co. and Churchill Downs Racetrack have a multi-year partnership deal. One aspect of this partnership is Ford's display featuring a flower wall, F-150 Lighting and a phone charging station, in the Paddock Plaza during the Kentucky Oaks and Derby.

Ford, a longtime partner of Churchill Downs sponsors the backside at Churchill Downs, and its branding can be seen on the top of barns. The automaker is also a race sponsor, The Courier Journal previously reported.

For Derby 150, Ford plans to bring its F-150 Lighting truck along with a Bronco, a Mustang Mach-E, an F-150 Powerboost, and more. Ford will also have a flower wall and a 360-degree camera photo booth for visitors to try out and the First Turn will showcase the iconic F-250 Super Duty which recently won J.D. Power Award for America’s Most Dependable Heavy Duty Truck.

Ford officials previously told The Courier Journal the partnership between the automaker and the Kentucky Derby is "the crown jewel of our partnerships right now."

Contact business reporter Olivia Evans at oevans@courier-journal.com or on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter at @oliviamevans_.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Jimmy Fallon, Ford partner to give lucky Kentucky Derby fans a new car