Today’s high performance driving interests have expanded over the past years and Ford is stepping up to get more involved in what it calls Extreme Motorsports. Forms of motorsport like drifting and rally-cross are newer, while renewed interests in stage rallying and off-road truck competition continue to evolve and grow.

In response to these trends, Ford has announced a new initiative to bring participants closer to the leading personalities in each sport and offer a unique chance to spend a long weekend with one of these celebrities. Ford calls it the Octane Academy and the founding members include Ken Block, Brian Deegan, Tanner Foust and Vaughn Gittin Jr.

Consisting of four boot camps to be held over the next year, the Octane Academy is open to enthusiasts at all levels of skill and ability. Applications are made by registering at  www.octaneacademy.com and submitting a video that explains or demonstrates why you should be a part of the Academy.

Each camp will be hosted by one of the celebrity drivers, on a course designed by them specifically for the camp. Challenges during the weekend will test each participant’s attitudes, athleticism and audacity, according to Ford. Prizes and awards are part of the weekend fun and one participant will drive home in a Ford vehicle designed by the weekend’s host.

The Octane Academy will launch at X Games 17, being held July 28-31 in Los Angeles, with the first weekend camp to kick off in November. This one will be hosted by Ford RallyCross and Off-Road truck racer Brian Deegan. He will have contenders revving their engine behind the wheel of an F-150 SVT Raptor.

“Getting the chance to create my own challenges for the hardcore competitors who want to take on the challenge of Ford Octane Academy is going to be crazy,” said Deegan. “I can’t wait to bring the competitors to my spot, The Compound, to give them the ultimate Ford action sports adventure.”

To register with the Octane Academy and submit your video, check out the series web site here.