Dearborn, Mich. — Ol’ Sparky, generally speakin’, doesn’t go much for New Year’s Resolutions. Never has. If somethin’ is worth resolutin’ over the Sparkster surmises it should be done right then and there instead of waitin’ until the first of the year.

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Sparky’s New Year’s Eves never went like this: “…three … two … one … Happy New Year! Now … must … exercise … and … eat … healthier.”

Never. Not a once.

If the Sparkster ever felt the need to exercise or eat healthier, and it just happened to be in the middle of the summer, then the Sparkster would start exercisin’ and eatin’ healthier in the middle of the summer.

But, be aware that Ol’ Sparky does not feel the need to exercise nor eat healthier—not now, the first of the year, nor, probably, ever.

Nevertheless, with the arrival of the new year also marks the departure of the old year, and somethin’ very, very important happened at the end of ’08 that the Sparkster hopes didn’t get overlooked in all of the usual holiday hoopla: the all-new Ford Fusion Hybrid, a truly innovative car that Ol’ Sparky got to see up close at Homestead-Miami Speedway durin’ last year’s NASCAR season finale’, will carry an EPA label of 41 miles per gallon for city drivin’.

Forty-one miles per gallon in the city.

Forty-one. In the city.

Think about that.

That figure officially makes the Fusion Hybrid America’s most fuel efficient mid-size car by eight city miles a gallon.

Eight!

That’s a lot of miles.

And, even more in the city.

That means the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid can travel over 700 miles on a tank of gas.

Seven hundred miles.

Now, that’s a lot of miles.

That would cover the longest race—the 600-miler at Charlotte—in NASCAR, with room to spare.

Now, unfortunately, No. 41 is currently not available for a new NASCAR team, like, say, the third Yates car that will be driven by Paul Menard. That car will be No. 98.

But imagine how cool it would be if that Yates Racing No. 98 was actually No. 41: It would be a constant reminder of somethin’ very, very good: That the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid gets 41 miles per gallon of city drivin’.

Just a reminder.

Every lap.

Now, the 41 hasn’t been on a Ford in a long time, but it does have some history with the manufacturer.

Among those who drove a 41 Ford or Mercury at one time or another over the years include Curtis Turner, Joe Weatherly, Bobby Unser, A.J. Foyt, Elmo Langley and Swede Savage.

Turner even won a couple of races in the 41, including at Rockingham in ’65.

And, to seal the deal, D.K. Ulrich drove a No. 41 Ford for a couple of races in 1971. Ulrich, the team owner, at one brief time fielded cars for Ricky Rudd.

Richard Petty drove the 41, not as a Ford, though, earning a win in ’64. Take away Petty’s success in the 41, and he doesn’t reach 200 for his career.

So, the 41 does have some history in the sport, but it would be even nicer—especially now—to see that number serve as a constant reminder to everybody of what Ford is doing away from the race track, too.

So, perhaps the Sparkster has a New Year’s Resolution afterall: To spend 2009 remindin’ everybody about 41.

While makin’ sure the snack drawer remained duly stocked for the holidays, Ol’ Sparky went through this week’s mailbag.

Dear Sparky:

Now that NASCAR has eliminated winter testing for the Cup teams, what are we supposed to do until Daytona? Got any insider news on the Ford teams?

Your Friend,
Norman
Oklahoma

The best thing to do right now, Norman, is relax and rest and get ready for what always turns out to be a long, excitin’ season. There has been some movement durin’ the offseason, so this is also a good time to get caught up on the changes of your favorite Ford race team. For example, Matt Kenseth has a new crew chief, Drew Blickensderfer, this year, so you know what that means: Yep, Ol’ Steady Matty will make the Chase for the sixth time in six years with three different crew chiefs.

Sir,

I drive a 2007 F-150 and will soon buy my wife a new FLEX or an EDGE. That said, the point of my note is I am very concerned about the 21 team. One of the greatest teams in NASCAR history, now looking to downsize because of this economy. This team held the banner of Ford and Mercury back in the early days of NASCAR, and convinced me to buy your products. I truly hope Ford can work out some sponsorship opportunities so this team can survive. The 21 is more than just a car number, it is the family behind the number that which is so dear to me. Please save the Woods Brothers Racing and part of Ford’s history.

Paul H.
Dover, Del.

Paul, what you wrote helps explain why Ford races. Don’t worry about the Wood Brothers. They will be fine. This year looks like it will be a Throwback Year for the Woods; right now, Bill Elliott will run in 12 races, and since the Woods won’t be runnin’ for points, that 21 will be runnin’ for wins every time it shows up at the track. Just like the old days.