NASCAR star Biffle draws hundreds to Team Ford Lincoln

Team Ford Lincoln President Steve Olliges and NASCAR Sprint Cup star Greg Biffle have been teammates in the past, running off-road races together. So, their partnership promoting the annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Kobalt Tools 400 was a continuation of a friendship that has lasted for the past four years.

Biffle, a member of Roush Fenway Racing and coming off a third-place finish at the second race of the year, March 4 in Phoenix, stopped to see his buddy Olliges during a meet and greet autograph session March 8 at the dealership, 5445 Drexel Road in the northwest valley.

The teamwork paid off once again in a event that drew hundreds to the dealership .

"This was very good," Biffle said . "It was a lot of fun and just goes to show the power of social media. I was twittering all day long that I was going to be here and we even had a guy come all the way down from Denver. Las Vegas has come a long way, that's for sure."

Biffle and Olliges also combined to run an off-road event together a few years ago. Biffle instantly took to the desert.

"We both have busy schedules, so it's been hard to get together," Biffle said of the off-road racing. "But I'd definitely like to do it again."

Olliges said executives with Ford introduced the two.

"We were introduced to one another at the Vegas NASCAR event by Jamie Allison, who is the head of Ford Racing," Olliges said. "Jamie knew Greg had a lot of experience in the desert in off-road vehicles, so he wanted to know if Greg was interested in running the Raptor off-road racing program with Rob MacCachren."

Olliges said Biffle was excited about the idea and joined the Las Vegas drivers to run in the Best in the Desert Henderson 250 in 2009.

"He's a phenomenal off-road racer," Olliges said.

The team finished second in a Ford Raptor competing in the 8000 Class.

"Greg is a true enthusiast," Olliges said. "He's also a class guy, as I have seen when people stop him in the public wanting autographs. What he did for us here tonight was a great example of how much he appreciates the fans that follow him."

Olliges also pointed out that Biffle could become the first driver in NASCAR history to win three titles after capturing Craftsman Truck and Nationwide championships.

"He is certainly a great representative for Ford," Olliges said. "He is off to an excellent start in the Sprint Cup season and if he wins the title in that division this year, he will be known as one of the best ever and the only driver in history to win all three divisions."

Olliges is a big believer in combining all forms of racing into his business, which has prospered because of his philosophy.

"There is no question that auto racing and car sales work hand-in-hand," he said. "The turnout tonight for Greg is proof of that and the goodwill is endless. We're proud to be part of such a huge gathering and especially proud to say that Greg Biffle is not only a great competitor, but also a great friend."

Team Ford is the top-selling new volume Ford dealership in Nevada and has been the state's top-selling store of its kind for four straight years.

It is at U.S. Highway 95 and Ann Road in the northwest valley. For more information, visit www.teamford.com or call 395-5100.