As we stepped off the big bird at Denver International Airport in June 2007, the mile-high altitude (5,280 feet,) made us momentarily gasp for air. Two-and-one-half hours later, we were still light-headed as we rolled up to the front door of the Steamboat Grand Resort Hotel with our Ford Escape press car, only this time we gasped from the awesome visual display of 548 of the finest classic, late-model Mustangs and special-interest Fords assembled in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
We were there to attend the 19th Annual Rocky Mountain Mustang Roundup. Simply put, this is one of the biggest and best all-Ford summer shows in the country. Organized by a consortium of six Colorado-based Mustang enthusiast clubs, including the High Country Mustang Club, the Early Mustang Club, SAAC's Rocky Mountain Region, the Denver Region of the MCA, the Rocky Mountain Mustangs, and the Front Range Mustang Club, RMMR 19 was chaired this year by Brett Abbott and a capable staff of volunteers.
The three-day event featured Thursday's Scenic Mountain Tour, Friday's day-long SCCA Pikes Peak Region-officiated slalom, and Saturday's Show 'n' Shine event held on U.S. 40 in downtown Steamboat Springs. It's an eight-block procession of color, chrome, and horsepower.
Of course, an event of this magnitude needs sponsors. The RMMR annually enjoys the patronage of national and local concerns, including Sill Terhar Ford, Colorado Mustang Specialists, Bridgestone-Firestone, Colorado Mustang Concepts, AER (which donated a Ford engine for Sunday's Awards' Breakfast "Reverse Raffle"), and 46 other vendor/retailers. Here are a few fast facts.
RMMR 19 featured entries from 26 states. Making a special appearance was Dennis Gage, the host of My Classic Car, who filmed the event for future airing. Out of the 548 entries (car show and slalom combined), 95 were '05-'07 Mustangs. Friday's day-long slalom was chaired by Hap Shadler and officiated by members of the Pikes Peak SCCA chapter. Two hundred entries competed in the morning and afternoon autocross sessions and featured a total of 96 winners. The quick time for the day was by Dan Dilsaver Sr., who drove a Kirkham Cobra at 35.628 seconds. RMMR 19 featured entries from 26 states. Making a special appearance was Dennis Gage, the host of My Classic Car, who filmed the event for future airing. Out of the 548 entries (car show and slalom combined), 95 were '05-'07 Mustangs. Friday's day-long slalom was chaired by Hap Shadler and officiated by members of the Pikes Peak SCCA chapter. Two hundred entries competed in the morning and afternoon autocross sessions and featured a total of 96 winners. The quick time for the day was by Dan Dilsaver Sr., who drove a Kirkham Cobra at 35.628 seconds.Event Awards
Chamber's Choice Sponsored by the Steamboat Springs Chamber of Commerce
Perry and Cheryl Colebank
Wimbledon White '68 Mustang coupe
Dealer's Choice
Sponsored by Sill Terhar Ford
Bill and Sharon Carpenter
Candyapple Red '69 Mach 1
Merchant's Choice
Sponsored by the Steamboat Springs Merchant's Association
Mark Klobe
Candyapple Red '64 1/2 Mustang coupe
Good Guy
Joan Cloutier for many years of unselfish work on the show
Long-Distance, Individual
2,176 miles
Brian Dambaugh
Black '01 Mustang GT
Long-Distance, Club
5,600 miles one-way
Utah 'Stangs Mustang Club; 14 cars
Vanity Plate
Clark A. Spencer
Yellow '02 Mustang GT convertible, appropriately named "LMNTWST"
Hard Luck
Kendall Eisele
'64 1/2 Mustang coupe
For more information regarding RMMR 19 winners as well as future event information, log on to www.rockymountainmustangroundup.com.