I just returned from the Dallas area, where this week Ford invited the media to drive the new 2011 Ford F-150 at the Texas Motor Speedway. I'll have a full report soon.

My initial report, published on ENR.com yesterday, confirms that Ford is targeting best-in-class fuel economy of 23 miles per gallon in its stripped-down work truck equipped with a new 3.7-liter V-6. The 2011 F-150 will be available in the fourth quarter with the 3.7 standard or optional 5.0-liter V-8 and 6.2-liter V-8 engines. A new 3.5-liter V-6, twin-turbo EcoBoost engine is slated to roll out in the first quarter.

Ford has not yet released official fuel-economy numbers on any of these engines, but it expects to gain roughly 20% across the board over the outgoing model. The base V-6 is expected to gain 21% mpg on highway and allows for a 10,000-mile oil change.

You don't have to wait for me to see how these trucks perform. Ford is sponsoring a seven-city drive starting this Saturday, Sept. 25, at the Texas speedway. You can take multiple 2011 F-150s through the same paces I just did, including acceleration, handling, trailer towing and other exercises. The show will also hit Houston; Aberdeen, Md.; Atlanta; Orlando; and will wrap up in Los Angeles in early November.

Go to www.drive150.com to see the schedule and sign up. If you make it to the event, I'd like to hear about it!

Follow me on Twitter @DoctorDiesel.