MM&FF associate editor Pete...
MM&FF associate editor Pete Epple laid the smack down as he blew past this Vette on one of the long straight ways at the 3.27 mile natural terrain road course at VIR.
Weekends in mid-October aren't supposed to be cold in southern Virginia, but that was the case at this year's Super Stang Fest, which was held at Virginia International Raceway, more commonly known as VIR. Even so, some hardy souls made it out to the fabled race track to enjoy the car show and on-track theatrics of some high horsepower Mustangs kicking up their heels.
Super Stang Fest 2009 was the brainchild of Mustang fanatics Jason and Deb Moore who have held a number of these shows in the Southeast. With the help of the SVT Mustang Cobra club, the Black Mustang Club and the online communities from Fnsweet and SVTUSA.com, this year's show saw a true menagerie of everything Mustang. MM&FF was even in attendance with our own Project Shake 'N Bake, with associate editor Poundin' Pete Epple behind the wheel.
Tackling the road course with...
Tackling the road course with certified driving instructors riding shotgun gave more than a few owners the guidance and confidence they needed to get the most out of their cars.
The odor of hot brakes and burning rubber mixed in the air with the smell of North Carolina barbeque as participants had plenty of track time over the course of the two-day show. Participants who signed up for the on-track portion of the show got a lot of seat time with certified instructors who taught them not only all the nuances of road racing at VIR, but also how to get the most out of their Mustangs on the track. As the drivers got more comfortable, they were let loose and allowed to pass, which makes for lots of fun, especially when you close the gap and actually overtake another driver.
Car show participants also...
Car show participants also got a chance at putting their cars through the paces during the weekend at VIR. While passing was not allowed with these cars, there were still a lot of broad smiles on the driver's faces once they were done.
While finding the right line heading into a hairpin curve might not have been everyone's fancy, heading on the extended straightaway at speeds exceeding well over 100 mph definitely get your attention. The combination of tight handling and horsepower put all of the cars and drivers to the test and brought out the best side of your Mustang that just can't be enjoyed on the streets.
For more information of future Mustang track events at VIR, visit www.SuperStangFest.com or www.SVTCobraClub.com.
 |  The JBS Motorsports No. 37...  The JBS Motorsports No. 37 Mustang Cobra, which finished second overall in Koni Challenge Gran Sport division national point's standings in 2009, was at Super Stang Fest testing for the 2010 season opener at Daytona. |  Although the Prancing Horse...  Although the Prancing Horse statue near the paddock at VIR is more a tribute to Enzo Ferrari, participants at this year's Super Stang Fest had no issues having their pictures made beside the statue. |
 |  More than a few cars put their...  More than a few cars put their brakes to the test as they drove deep into the corners at VIR. Ryan Stabler from the Washington, DC, rode this Mustang SVO hard and held his own against drivers with other cars that cost almost ten times as much. |  A wide variety of racecars...  A wide variety of racecars ranging from NASA to SCCA to Grand-Am... |
 ...gave the fans a full taste...  ...gave the fans a full taste of all the flavors of road racing Mustangs. |  Adam Coppola braved driving...  Adam Coppola braved driving through early season snow in Pennsylvania to VIR and promptly started winning trophies with his 2007 turbocharged Roush Mustang. |  They may not have been rubbing...  They may not have been rubbing fenders, but having the chance to run on the track with a supercar such as the Ford GT had the Mustang drivers on top of their game. |