CAN'T A-FORD NOT TO? CAR MANUFACTURER INKS WITH KY SPEEDWAY

          Ford has inked a three-year deal to become the official
     vehicle manufacturer of the $152M Kentucky Speedway, which
     is "expected" to open in June 2000, according to John
     Eckberg of the CINCINNATI ENQUIRER.  In a "critical
     sponsorship" for the Speedway, Ford will receive "prime
     billboard space" at the track, as well as spectator,
     concourse and garage area signage.  The terms of the deal
     were not disclosed, but Speedway Chair Jerry Carroll said
     that the "structure of the package takes into account the
     willingness of Ford to commit before" construction of the
     track is completed or a schedule of events is put in place. 
     The track has already signed Cintas Corp. as its official
     uniform supplier, and six other deals "are in final stages
     of negotiation" (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 4/21).