Mario So Funny

DEARBORN, Michigan — The new Ford Octane Academy showcases well-known drivers including Gymkhana guru Ken Block and Vaughn Gittin, Jr., as the Dearborn automaker blatantly goes after the up-for-grabs youth market.

The conventional wisdom in the global auto industry is that nobody can yet lay claim to the Millennial generation. Ford said this latest effort is aimed at “Millennial enthusiasts.”

The Ford Octane Academy is an online contest that gives extreme sports enthusiasts a chance to compete in a four-day camp with Ford-sponsored drivers Block, Gittin, Jr., Tanner Foust and Brian Deegan. The winner of each camp will be awarded “a one-of-a-kind vehicle created by Block, Foust, Deegan or Gittin, Jr. No word yet on what that vehicle is or what it will look like.

To be chosen for one of the camps, participants must submit a video that shows they have what it takes to survive a weekend with these racing greats. The four days of what Ford calls “fearless competition” will be recorded on video and likely put together in a reality-style show.

Ford also says it isn’t looking for videos that involve racing or any Jackass-style stunts, but instead is looking for videos that show “just you being yourself.”

The first camp begins in November and will allow fans to get behind the wheel of everything from Gittin, Jr.’s drift Mustang to Tanner Foust’s rally car, as well as tackling courses and events designed by the racers themselves.

The Octane Academy will fittingly be launched at the X Games 17 starting July 28. Interested competitors should visit the Academy’s Web site to submit a video.

Inside Line says: Ford makes a big play for the young enthusiast market with this awesome competition.