The SVT faithful were interested to hear what Hameedi had to say, as he is the chief nameplate engineer for Ford SVT. Hameedi visited the event, not only to reassure enthusiasts that SVT is alive and well, but also to sample some of the modified rides that were on hand. Hameedi noted that SVT is still going strong and is currently working on new projects, and that its most recent achievement has added viability to the SVT way of doing things.
In the most recent Global Quality Research System (GQRS) study from RDA Group, an independent research company based in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, the Shelby GT500 earned praise as the highest-quality Mustang model, a feat not easily accomplished against such a great base platform as the Mustang. Hameedi also went on to say that SVT will build about 11,000 Shelby GT500s this year, 3,000 more than the 8,000-vehicle estimate it originally planned.
Your author planned to have MM&FF's latest project car, Stolen Goods, in attendance and use the event to wring out the snake, but it wasn't in the cards for our resident Cobra as we ran out of time to get the new Boss 347 engine installed and sufficiently broken in. However, after getting behind the wheel of some of the Steeda products and going for a few rides with some of the SVTOA instructors, we'll definitely plan to have Stolen Goods at the next Sebring SVTOA event, if not one sooner.
In any case, the SVTOA On Track experience will introduce you to performance driving. Yes, mastering the powershift is great, but there's more to driving fast than just changing gears, and the great instructors at the On Track events can show you just what you've been missing. To find out more about the SVTOA and/or register for an On Track event near you, visit www.svtoa.com.
SVTOA Membership
SVTOA membership is open to anyone with a passion for high-performance Ford SVT vehicles-and ownership of a Ford SVT or other Ford performance vehicle is not required to join.
Member benefits include:
ff,,f,,* One-year subscription to the official club publication, SVT Enthusiastff,,f,,* Special discounts on official SVT Certificates of Authenticity and FRPP merchandiseff,,f,,* Participation at regional SVTOA On Track driving events nationwideff,,f,,* An annual SVTOA national conventionff,,f,,* Access to special features planned for www.svtoa.comff,,f,,* Inclusion in the official Ford-recognized SVT Vehicle Registryff,,f,,* A membership card, windshield sticker, and special sponsor offersff,,f,,* SVTOA members will be eligible for special Ford discounts and promotions not available to other clubs, forums, or online registries