Pam Reich works at LRS. Her...
Pam Reich works at LRS. Her husband, Danny, brought out the family '92 Mustang and lifted the front wheels on every pass en route to a 9.97. He used LRS parts to build his all-motor 408.
Though it was an LRS party, the company invited several other vendors to help them blow out the candles. They included Auto Etc. Neon, B&M/Hurst, DiabloSport, Ford Racing Performance Parts, Gunter Specialties Mobile Dyno, Hawk Brake, Nitro Daves Nitrous Outlet, Mr. Gasket, Powerslot, Professional Products, Sykora Family Ford, the Ford Powerstroke Team, and TMI upholstery.
November isn't exactly a car crazy month, as most of the country is getting ready for Thanksgiving and a trip to Grandma's house dashing through the snow. In the middle of Texas, the sun is still shining and temperatures easily hit the 70s, which sent something like 1,000 gearheads out to the Texas Motorplex in Ennis, Texas, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of one of the biggest Mustang vendors around.
Almost every LRS employee...
Almost every LRS employee was there to pose for this picture at the crack of dawn on November 14, 2009.
The beautiful weather brought out scores of customers looking to show their rides and run down the strip one more time before the track closed for the winter. For your author, the LRS celebration at Texas Motorplex last November 14, brought back some memories. I remember one day a little over 10 years ago when Shannon Guderian phoned me to say he was fed up with his job and was thinking about starting his own Mustang business. I cautioned him to make sure he really wanted to do this. What did I know?
A few weeks later, he went on the warpath again and carried out his plan. The rest is history. He did quit. He did start his own business. You've no doubt heard of it-it's Latemodel Restoration Supply. The man had a vision. He went for his dreams and now owners of '79-and-later Mustangs all benefit.
Would you buy a part from...
Would you buy a part from this man? Chances are, you already have. Shannon Guderian, owner of LRS, poses with his pride and joy, his race-winning '00 Cobra R, on display for the 10th anniversary celebration.
LRS prides itself in offering '79-present Mustang owners the largest selection of restoration, performance, and restyling products in the industry. As such, Shannon's business has grown from its meager beginnings in a two-car garage to one of the biggest suppliers for '79-present Mustang parts in the nation. He's not yet 40 years old, but Shannon's plan is working out. LRS now fills a 30,000-square-foot building.
However, Shannon is more than a vendor with a huge business. He's also a huge Mustang enthusiast. Like most of us would, he used his success to buy several hot 'Stangs, including a Canadian '79 Pace Car and a pair of Cobra R models (a white '95 and a red '00). Both of the rare Cobra Rs serve as display vehicles and fast-rolling advertisements at open-track events with Shannon behind the wheel.
Shannon also owns and drives...
Shannon also owns and drives this '95 Cobra R.
Like the man behind LRS, the company's employees seem to fall into the same mold. They love Mustangs and brought their cars to display at the show. This event was a chance for the employees to enjoy the cars they love so much. At the end of the day, the employees drag-raced their cars. Lucky participants guessed their e.t.'s through the quarter-mile. Each winner received a $100 gift certificate for each guess that was closest to the staff member's e.t.
As the sun was setting, the end came to a 75-degree day in central Texas, and Shannon and his employees packed up and headed home to embark on the next 10 years. LRS is 81 miles south in Hewitt, Texas, just south of Waco.
I lined everybody up for a group shot as the morning sun peeked over the grandstands. All along I'm thinking to myself, Shannon really did it. He really quit his job and made a go of the first company to bring a focus on keeping Fox Mustangs alive and well, and it's working. That is definitely worth celebrating.
See more at 50mustangandsuperfords.com
LRS really came up with a...
LRS really came up with a great door prize-this '93 Cobra, looking red and perfect.
Advertising manager Brad Taylor...
Advertising manager Brad Taylor drove this Roush 427-R down the 'strip. He ripped off a 12.97 with the supercharged 4.6L. How difficult was this car to drive? Brad said, "It was real easy. Just point and hit the gas, cause it was an automatic."
LRS employee Tony Messina...
LRS employee Tony Messina had never drag raced before. He ripped off a 12.17 e.t. in his flawless Whipple-equipped, '04 Cobra.