The Mustang Club of France...
The Mustang Club of France rented 45 '10 Mustangs once they landed in Atlanta, Georgia. The group lined up all 45 in a very impressive exhibit.
NMRA Real Street racer Tim...
NMRA Real Street racer Tim Matherly turned wrenches for Gene Evans Ford.
Ford Motor Company came out in grand style for the 45th; the incredible exhibit of cars was an impressive display of the accomplishments Ford Racing has had with the Mustang. Among the FR500Ss on hand, Ford Racing also showed the first R-series Cobras to roll off the assembly line from 1993, 1995, and 2000. Ford also displayed such iconic Mustangs as the Super Stallion, the new Cobra Jet, and many road-racing Mustangs of the late '80s and early '90s.
In addition to Ford's presence, Ford Racing Performance Parts (FRPP) also had an impressive display of new parts, engines, and accessories available for the Mustang. FRPP even had two work bays set up so you could have your new parts installed at the show. NMRA Real Street racer Tim Matherly was on hand, turning wrenches for Gene Evans Ford, which coordinated the installs.
Speaking of hot parts, the manufacturers' midway left nothing to be desired. Three hundred and fifty companies and vendors came out to offer products and services to show-goers. From hard-to-find vintage parts to the latest in superchargers and fuel systems, there truly was something for everyone.
Over the course of the celebration, many distinguished guests walked the grounds at BMP. Ford Motor Company CEO Alan Mulally walked much of the car show before meeting with the teams in the Mustang Challenge pits. He spoke at the opening ceremonies and even turned a few laps in an '09 Shelby GT500 convertible. Brian Wolfe, director of Ford Racing, also took in the sights and sounds of the racetrack as Vaughn Gittin Jr. showed him the turns in his '10 Formula Drift Mustang. Gittin Jr. was one of two Formula D drivers at the show promoting the series and opening people's eyes to the world of drift racing. (Your author was lucky enough to grab a ride with Gittin Jr. for two laps around the track at BMP. Visit www.musclemustangfastfords.com for some web-exclusive content.) Back in the manufacturers' midway, Steve Saleen met fans and signed autographs after unveiling the first sketches of his SMS '10 Mustang.
The 45th Anniversary Celebration of the Mustang was truly an incredible experience. Incredible cars, phenomenal racing action, and everything the aftermarket has to offer made for a great weekend. If you weren't lucky enough to make it out, don't miss the 50th. We'll see you there!
Kenny Brown is back! The Mustang...
Kenny Brown is back! The Mustang suspension specialist is back in business and came to the 45th with a new line of suspension components for the S197 Mustang. Kenny and his son, Paul (right), pose for a picture next to one of Speedworks R&D FR500S Mustangs. Speedworks R&D provides race team rentals for the Mustang Challenge series. For more information, visit www.speedworksrd.com.
On Thursday night, Vortech...
On Thursday night, Vortech and Paxton Superchargers sponsored a cruise from BMP to the town of Homewood, Alabama, where the streets were closed to traffic. Everyone in attendance got a chance to meet other Mustang owners and enjoy the great weather, great atmosphere, and some great live music.
Jim Buehler of Oconomowoc,...
Jim Buehler of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, brought out his slick airbagged '88 GT. The Mineral Grey Fox was loaded with custom parts, giving it much more than just a trick appearance.
The manufacturers' midway...
The manufacturers' midway was packed with 350 vendors offering everything from hard-to-find classic parts to the latest and greatest.