Ford will pick a unique way to debut the 2012 Focus this weekend. USA Today reports that fuel-efficient car will be making its first public appearance as the pace car at a NASCAR event as the Michigan International Speedway.

While it may not the smallest pace car ever to lead a NASCAR race, by debuting the Focus in such a widely publicized event, it places the emphasis squarely on the car’s economical design. According to the news source, Ford estimates that the new Focus gets an impressive 40 miles per gallon on the highway, and could finish the 400-mile race without having to take a pit stop to refuel, all while still having plenty of gas left over.

The car will be driven by Mark Fields, the company’s president of the Americas. The Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 is slated to begin on Sunday.

Drivers looking for a fuel-efficient Ford Focus or other economic model, will want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which carries plenty of quality used cars at affordable prices.