LOS ANGELES — Sports network FUEL TV has announced the premiere of "Octane Academy," founded by Ford Motor Co., tonight at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT. Starring Ford’s action sports drivers Brian Deegan, Ken Block, Tanner Foust and Vaughn Gittin Jr., the 13-episode series is hosted by Olympic snowboarder and TV announcer Todd Richards. A free preview of the premiere episode is available online now at www.fuel.tv/octaneacademy.
Ford says its "Octane Academy" is the "ultimate action sports fantasy camp" in which each of the four Ford action sports drivers host eight contestants at various locations where they compete against each other in a series of relentless and entertaining challenges. Developed by the four professional drivers, the on- and off-road challenges test not only the contestants’ technical skill, but also determine if they have the audacity and perseverance to be a successful action sports driver. The final challenge at each compound ends in a fast track competition that determines the four champions to compete for the ultimate title in the season finale.
The premiere episode kicks off in Temecula, Calif., with Ford RallyCross and Off-Road truck racer Brian Deegan putting contestants through challenges such as attempting to flip a mini bike, navigating a paintball obstacle course and driving Deegan’s Ford F-150 SVT Raptor.
"Getting the chance to create the first camp of Ford’s ‘Octane Academy’ with my own challenges for the hardcore competitors was awesome," says Deegan. "I knew these competitors signed up for the ultimate Ford action sports adventure, and it was my job to put them through their paces. I can’t wait for the other fans to see how they did."
"We are proud to showcase these world-class drivers and deliver the ultimate in reality show challenge competitions on our network," says George Greenberg, FUEL TV executive vice president and GM. "Bringing the exceptional talents of Deegan, Block, Foust and Gittin Jr. together to create this action sports challenge could only be done by Ford, which is why we are excited to partner with Ford’s ‘Octane Academy.’ Offering the free preview of the premiere episode will really get viewers hooked on this action packed series."
Gymkhana star Ken Block puts the next set of contestants behind the wheel of a Ford Fiesta at the following "Octane Academy" camp. The 2010 Formula Drift champion Vaughn Gittin Jr. has competitors drifting in a Mustang GT, and X Games 17 double-gold medalist Tanner Foust provides participants an experience in a Ford Focus ST at the end of the series.
Ford’s "Octane Academy" launched last summer at X Games 17 with record-breaking response from fans across the United States. Ford received more than 8,700 signups (and more than 850 video submissions) from fans vying to be one of the founding members of Ford’s Octane Academy.
For more information on FUEL TV, visit www.fuel.tv. Visit www.octaneacademy.com to learn more about the Octane Academy, catch the full episodes and watch exclusive behind-the-scenes extras from all the camps.
