Performance Driving Academy At Foxboro On Saturday

File this under “Using Social Media To Market Cars.”

Ford is rolling out its performance version of the Focus with a special driving school at Gillette Stadium  in Foxboro, Mass. on Saturday.

The school has been publicized on Facebook, Twitter, blogs and the like, going around what would be traditional marketing.

The school, which is being set up in five cities around the country, is the latest new marketing strategy for mass market car makers. Previously, driving schools were limited to premium brands like BMW and Aston Martin.

Participants will drive the new Ford Focus ST on a timed course and get racing instruction.

The school opened up 175 more spaces for participants. Interested people can go to  www.DriveFocusST.com. Registration opens at 2 p.m. on Thursday.