Fun Ford Weekend 2005

Winter was over, or at least that's how it seemed to the MM&FF staff.Even though we had to do some shoveling the day after we got back fromFlorida, the '05 racing season had begun, as Orlando Speedworld was hostto Fun Ford Weekend's kickoff race and, of course, our Spring BreakShootout. Overall, the racing was intense. We even got to see several'05 Mustangs in action.

The unofficial MM&FF kickoff party at the Hooters of Waterford Lakes inOrlando was an absolute blast once again, with numerous Mustang fanaticsmaking their marks on the property. A top-notch serving staff welcomedus hooligans with open arms, and we can't wait to go back.

In the Mr. Gasket Pro category, Tom Jacobs of Rapid City, Michigan,brought out his 600ci '67 Mustang fastback to battle the late-modelmuscle that presently permeates the class. Speaking of late-models, BritFloyd debuted a new '04 Mustang sporting a 400ci, Yates-headed,Precision 101mm turbocharged powerplant. The Marsh Motorsports Mustanghad just come from a victory out west in the PSCA organization, andChuck Simons made the most of last year's powerplant in Orlando whilehis new BES-built bullet is receiving the finishing touches for thisseason.

ProCharger Street Outlaw saw the return of Jim and Vic Keen with a newride, while others, like Mike Calvert, chose alternate methods ofscoring some points. Calvert qualified and went out in the first roundin S/O using an '04 Saleen Mustang. Also looking to scoop up some pointswas Tim Lynch, who brought out a customer's brand-new ride and went7.30s off the trailer.

The naturally aspirated Edelbock Street Bandit class saw Matt Jones atthe helm of his new ride, which used to be future S/O pilot CaleAronson's Skinny Kid-built missile. Third in points last year, Rod Houckran what will be his last Street Bandit race for a while, as he haslined up a Pro Mod ride for the near future.

BFGoodrich Drag Radial racer Mike Dees had to run Street Outlaw becausehe is not legal for Fun Ford Drag Radial anymore. He put twinturbochargers on the car and plans to run Outlaw Drag Radial classes.

Ford Racing's Open Comp inaugural event in Fun Ford turned out animpressive number of competitors as did the JDM Tough Truck andSteeda/Hyland Mod Motor classes. Speaking of which, we found Outlawracer Chip Havemann with a Modular entry driven by Gary Youngblood. Asit turns out, Havemann sold his S/O car to try out the no-pushrodracing, but has since purchased another Outlaw car to jump back into theheads-up game later this year.

In the SCT Street Stang class, the contingent was made up of a number ofwringers who have the 12.50 index dialed in. It's going to be a toughclass this year for sure. The JBA Headers Focus Frenzy was missing its'04 championship runner-up, Brandey Burd, who we've heard is off atcollege, but champion Owen Spry was right back at it.

On Track

Saturday came unglued when David Hance's New York Motor-sports Pro entrygot loose in qualifying. When the Mustang regained traction, it veeredquickly to the right and rode up and on top of the guardrail beforespinning around and ricocheting across the track two more times. Hancewas unhurt, but the damage to his Mustang was critical.

That evening, after the sun had set, Borla Street Renegade qualifyinghad Crede Young lined up with Ronnie Wilson. At the top end, Young's carmade a hard right turn past the lights, and from the starting line therewere taillights going in all directions. As it turned out, both Mustangracers displayed some creative car control to avoid each other, thoughYoung's car mashed the wheelie bars into the guardrail. Thankfully thebars were repaired with help from a vendor in the swap meet.

Sunday had its share of drama as well, with Lance Styck flipping hisOutlaw ride at the top end. The parachutes failed to open and the carbegan to hop as Styck tried to slow the car. When it encountered adepression on the edge of the track, the Pony rolled over. Styck wasunhurt, but his beautiful blue Outlaw ride will need some work.