The auto industry in this country and abroad faces serious financial hardship-that is no secret-but thankfully Mustang and Ford events are as popular as ever. To gather an in-depth look at the situation, MM&FF went to the heart of the matter, Detroit, Michigan (well, actually Milan, Michigan), for the sixth annual Aeromotive NMRA Ford Nationals, which includes the popular Tremec/MM&FF True Street challenge.
Anyone who has ever attended an NMRA race can attest to the massive amount of excitement surrounding each event, whether it's on the racetrack, in the show area, or on the manufacturers midway, and the 2009 Milan race was no exception. This, the third stop on the NMRA tour, brought out all of the usual suspects in the heads-up race classes, and the festivities started Friday with time shots for racers to get a handle on the strip.
Serving as the "home race" for the fine folks at Ford Racing Performance Parts, the FRPP crew rolled into Milan with a slew of new Mustangs for the fans to check out and for the third annual Editor's Invitational Challenge. Over the course of the two-day event, staff members from major automotive publications squared off in the Ford Racing Invitational. Car assignments were chosen at random, and once the drivers became familiar with their rides, it was time to hit the track.
When the event came to a close, MM&FF's own Senior Tech Editor, Steve Baur, piloted a modded 2010 Mustang GT, to the Top Eliminator spot, defeating Doug Glad from Car Craft in the finals.
 MM&FF's own Steve Baur took...  MM&FF's own Steve Baur took home the gold, winning the Ford Racing Invitational. Great job, Steve! |  Ford racing rolled in a slew...  Ford racing rolled in a slew of Mustangs for the Ford Racing Invitational. Editors from many of the most popular automotive publications went head to head in a bracket race for bragging rights. |  After a scary crash at Bradenton,...  After a scary crash at Bradenton, Conrad Scarry was still sorting out his new chassis, and made several hits down the strip at Milan. |
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 Not only was Jack Roush in...  Not only was Jack Roush in attendance, we saw him turning wrenches on Don Bowles' Hot Street Maverick! |  Ford Racing Performance Parts...  Ford Racing Performance Parts will soon be offering a body-in-white program for the 2010 Mustangs. FRPP brought out a sample to show everyone just what you get with a body-in-white. |  The Tremec True Street class...  The Tremec True Street class is always good for a few unconventional rides. Brian Lichlyter brought out his slick '08 Mercury Mountaineer. This supercharged SUV blasted down the quarter well into the 13-second zone. |