SVT Supercharged Mustang Shootout!

Nelson Whitlock
Aston, PA
'07 Shelby GT500
Nelson and the Evolution Performance crew are synonymous with GT500 performance, and came to the shootout loaded for bear. The car Nelson and Fred Cook hauled to Raceway Park is the same one that has recorded numerous milestones, including being the first GT500 in the 10s, 9s, and 8s. With the rules set, Whitlock and the crew had to swap out the twin-turbo setup the Snake had used to run in the 8s for a 3.4L Whipple Gen II supercharger. Aiding in helping Whitlock navigate the quarter-mile, the stock six-speed was deep-sixed in favor of an automatic. Whitlock opened the shootout with a stout 9.50. After the pass, Cook remarks, "I don't know if we can go any quicker. The air is going to go away later on, but we will give it a shot." Give it a shot they did. After blowing the tires away on the second run, Whitlock came back with a 9.63. He went up for his final run of the day looking to go fast or go home beaten and broken. The tires were heated, the GT500 staged, and Whitlock slammed the hammer down. The Shelby screamed through the lights, running a 9.43 at 149 mph, taking home the top GT500 spot. But would that 9.43 last against the rest of the competition? Keep reading to find out.