On Friday October 17th, you can have a shot at owning a piece of road racing history when the Mustang Challenge media car, goes on the Barrett Jackson auction block under lot number 508.1. Check out the full details after the jump...

This unique FR500S, complete with two Sparco racing seats and a second set of safety harnesses, saw considerable track time in 2008 promoting the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup – the first-ever Mustang racing series featuring the first-ever race cars to be built by a Ford assembly plant. (While this car does have a serial number, it does not have a VIN and is not street-legal.)
 

Driven first at the Road Atlanta debut of this year’s inaugural season by 1989 Mustang Trans-Am Champion Dorsey Schroeder, this car served as an evaluation vehicle (“This car is balanced, forgiving, and predictable, and the brakes are great … everything you could ever want in a race car” – Dorsey Schroeder), and as a hot lap car for journalists including editors from Car Craft, 5.0 Mustang & Super Fords, and Modified Mustangs & Fords. This "media car" was also raced successfully by guest drivers including JG Pasterjack (Grassroots Motorsports), Brian Smith (SPEEDtv.com) and Team Falken Ford Racing Mustang world champion drifter, Vaughn Gittin Jr. This car was also featured on the cover of the August 2008 issue of Grassroots Motorsports magazine in which the Mustang Challenge series was covered extensively.

Offered by Ford Racing, the exclusivity, notoriety, and track pedigree of this special car make it perfect as a collector car, a Mustang Challenge race car, or a track car. Like all FR500S race cars, this “media car” features the following content:
 
Sealed 325 hp 4.6L 3V V8 engine with Ford Racing Power Upgrade Package
6-speed manual transmission with upgraded clutch  
Stainless steel long tube headers with X-pipe
High-capacity radiator
Torsen differential
Adjustable dampers
FR500C four-piston Brembo brakes
Racing steering wheel with quick-release hub
Complete safety equipment including fire suppression system and Grand-Am spec roll cage
AIM data acquisition system with transponder
Lexan backlight and rear quarter windows
Front splitter and unique rear wing
BFGoodrich g-Force R1 DOT tires

Find out how to fill up your car club's coffers and win a trophy for the whole club after the jump...

Car Club Winning Grand Prize in Eagle One Golden Rule Awards To Receive $1,500 For Favorite Charity

Entry Form Available Beginning October 1
 
There's more to car clubs than just cars and Eagle One is looking for clubs that not only help their community but
go the extra mile with compassionate achievements.
 
Car clubs entering Eagle One's 16th annual Golden Rule Awards have an opportunity to win a $1,500 grand prize
donated to a charity of their choice.  Three other winners will receive a $500 cash contribution to a charity of their
choice.
 
The grand prize will be awarded to the car club judged to have performed the most compassionate achievement during 2008.
Winners will be selected in four regions: west, midwest, east and south for conducting the most outstanding community service program in their region during 2008.
 
In addition to a total of $3,000 in cash donations from Eagle One and co-sponsor Valvoline, winners will receive a generous supply of premium appearance care products and motor oil for fund-raising purposes and a custom-designed trophy.
 
An entry form may be obtained beginning October 1 by visiting www.eagleone.com or by calling (818) 501-1445.  Deadline for entries is December 31, 2008.  Winners will be notified by February 10, 2009.
 
Eagle One is part of the Valvoline family of brands.

This week Ford gives us a peek at the front at side of the next Mustang. Looks pretty sexy. The full PR is after the jump...

A sportier, more-aggressive front grille and fascia lead the 2010 Mustang down the road. Slimmer headlamps that integrate the turn indicators are incorporated in a larger grille that expresses power and performance. Large twin fog lamps on the GT model further emphasize Mustang’s muscle-car DNA, which takes on a stealthy persona for the GT with dark headlamp bezels and grille surrounds. Also on the GT, the pony badge is finished in dark chrome for the first time. The pony itself received a makeover and is a more chiseled and defined interpretation of the American icon, galloping proudly on the front grille.

“We want people to unequivocally know this is a Mustang when they see it,” said Douglas Gaffka, Chief Designer, 2010 Mustang. “The stronger, more-muscular front end of the 2010 Mustang does just that.”

Brute strength can be beautiful as well, however. The sculpted, flowing lines convey style and grace as well as raw power, underscoring Mustang’s continuing mantra of Fast, Fun and Affordable.

“The 2010 Mustang has a sculpted, crafted look,” said George Saridakis, Design Manager, 2010 Mustang. “The flowing lines are in keeping with Mustang’s heritage and DNA. It conveys the sense and attitude of power and performance.”

Recently I read the New York Times best-selling book, The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. The story is told thru the eyes of a dog, Enzo, about his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver.
 Enzo tells us Denny says "Any problems that may occur have ultimately been caused by you, because you are responsible for where you are and what you are doing there."

In the first race of the season finale double-header at Miller I qualified a dismal seventh. My car was way off so we made wholesale changes for the race and it improved. While chasing Mike McGovern and Pratt Cole I was pressing really hard and gaining ground then BAM, I got sideways on the curbing in The Attitudes and gave away the distance I had created with Ted Anthony Jr. and Dan Aweida. We swapped fenders more than once and I ended up seventh. My fault!

Going into the last race I had a 14-point lead for second in the championship. In practice my car was money, but in qualifying it was a bit off and I qualified sixth. Get this, Andrew Caddell and Terry Borcheller had to start at the back for missing the drivers meeting so it was anybody's race to win.
I started fourth and coming into the first turn I knew there was going to be contact as guys were going wild! I got through and came out in third. Going in to turn two Joe Lee Middlebrooks had the lead but at the exit Ted Anthony Jr. got into him and loosened him up and they ended up side by side through three giving me a run going into five. Joe Lee goes in too hot and Anthony follows and I end up getting the lead and hold it for 11 laps.

I drove each lap like it was qualifying and was focused on the exits as my car just would not stop well going into turns 1, 5, and 11 and I would give away what I 'd gain in other areas of the track. Ted was great at braking late. Then the party was over as I missed turn five and gave away the lead just two laps from the finish and I ended up getting second place.

I did not get off turn three well and Ted was right on my rear bumper. Well before the braking zone he tapped me from behind increasing my momentum. I broke as late as I thought I could but could not get it stopped and it was too late, he passed me. He was faster than I was.

In the post race interview I said I thought Ted punted me and it was his fault as it was the third time he had got into the back of me. I was wrong, as it was all of my own doing!

I learned a ton this year and had so much fun I just can't stand it! What an incredible ride it has been and I am so grateful. The Mustang FR500S is so awesome to drive and handles so well in the turns with the down force it has. It is a huge bang for the buck! If you want to have the time of your life you need to join the FRMC for 2009. You won't regret it!

Every May issue we bring the King of the Street competition to you. If you’ve ever wanted to see the King of the Street competition in person, October 2nd – 5th presents an opportunity to do just that. At the NMRA World Finals at Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, KY we’ll hold the 2008 King of the Street (KOTS) competition, and you can see it go down right before your eyes. From the “that can’t be right” Horsepower segment to the Drag Race portion of the competition, and everything in between, all the cars will be displayed right in front of you in the car show area during the NMRA race. You’ll also be able to vote for your favorite KOTS Mustang as part of the Popular Vote segment to be held the entire weekend.

You’ll see Matt Simonds’ 2003 Mach 1, which he says has made 943 horsepower to the wheels on race fuel. Matt’s Mach boasts an HP twin-turbo kit on top of a Modular Mustang Racing 4-valve engine. Chuck Hamstra will hopefully be bringing his Bright Atlantic blue 1998 Cobra. We say that because as we speak Chuck’s Cobra is awaiting a new ProCharger F-1A supercharger. We hope Chuck will make the competition. From our Tampa, Fl neck of the woods Matt Knab will be bringing his stunning silver 2003 Cobra featuring a Hellion Power Systems single turbo kit. The House of Boost will be bringing a 2-valve New Edge Mustang with a ProCharger F-1C supercharger. This car is super clean, and features the House of Boost’s new supercharger/front accessory drive. Ryan Vitiritto will be show up in his 2000 V6 model-turned-2003 Cobra. Ryan’s rebody features a Hellion Power Systems Hellraiser twin turbo kit.

The lone S197 in the competition is the 2006 GT of Allen Hurley. Allen’s GT also features twin turbochargers, but of the custom variety using Garrett 67mm units. Allen is looking for 900+ horsepower at the wheels for the competition. Modular Powerhouse’s Tim Barth comes back to defend last year’s win with two cars. Tim’s brother Andy brings a Kenne Bell 2.8 supercharger to the party, but the car uses nitrous to supply more power at the flick of a switch. Speaking of more power, if you’ve ever wanted to see a triple-power-adder Mustang, Tim is bringing a Cobra boasting a ported Eaton, twin turbos, and nitrous. Tim is everything short of promising the first 1,000hp KOTS car so it’s a good thing we have a 1,500hp rated dyno, but more on that in a minute. Disco Dan Schoneck is likewise bringing a couple cars to try once again to win the KOTS. He’ll be bringing his own ProCharger-huffed Shelby GT500, but his buddy John King will have his own 2004 Mystichrome Cobra convertible in tow as well. John bought the red Saleen that competed in last year’s KOTS right before the event just so he could be involved in the competition. John’s Mystichrome also features a ProCharger F-1C.

Last but not least is our boy Jerome Shumate, and the lone Fox Mustang of the competition. We’re glad to have a Fox in the competition, but astute readers will know Jerome’s coupe sports a Whipple-supercharged 4-valve engine with a 4R70W transmission. Jerome just added the big Whipple, and the car just stopped spinning the rollers over at Modular Powerhouse. Jerome’s not coming off any numbers, but it should make more than the 500hp we jokingly predicted a week ago. At least it better. Plus, we’re sure Jerome will bring the rest of the ‘Bama posse with him for moral support and free steaks all around.

Though we’ve held the Horsepower segment at the track the past couple years, for this year’s competition we have to go “off-campus” to The Horsepower House (119 Kelly Court, Bowling Green, KY 42101). We were unable to get a dyno to the track so we called Jessie Coulter to use his 1,500hp Dynojet. I don’t think we’ll max out Jessie’s dyno, but it’ll also be good to have that cushion. The past couple years the KOTS has been a closest-to-1,000hp competition. Anyway, the Horsepower segment will go down at The Horsepower House Friday October 3rd starting at 9AM. Be there with us as we show the Corvette community how we do things in Ford land.

Back at the track on Friday afternoon we hope to have a time slot set aside so the KOTS competitors can make their drag runs. Will anyone beat Mark Magnuson’s 10.31/132 mph pass? There are a couple competitors looking to eclipse that mark and go straight into the 9s. Show up to the NMRA World Finals and join in on the fun. Then check out the May 2009 issue to see if your favorite Mustang won the KOTS.

Check out what these ex-Saleen folks are doing, including a Reverse Revolution Twin-Screw Supercharger, after the jump..

TECHCO has reassembled the former Team that Designed, Developed, Tested and Certified the Saleen S7, Saleen S281 Mustangs, Saleen/Parnelli Jones Limited Edition Mustang, and Saleen S331 Sport Trucks.  As collaborators and former employees of the famed automotive company, Saleen, Inc., TECHCO’s Staff has the talent and vision to bring decades of experience into the automotive aftermarket industry by the design, development and manufacturing of ultra-high performance automotive parts and accessories.  “We’ve assembled a great team from the world of specialty vehicle performance, design and manufacturing.  With our skills and resources, there’s no limit to what we can provide to our customers.” stated Jimmy Moore, Director of Operations for TECHCO.
TechCo Employees

TECHCO’s vision is to supply to our customer ultra-high performance automotive parts and accessories and offer complete Engineering, Manufacturing, and full Vehicle Assembly services.  TECHCO has heavily invested in engineering and manufacturing equipment to provide unmatched in-house capabilities to develop and produce truly innovative and high quality products for the Aftermarket, while maintaining low costs and reduced lead times.  The expansive 150,000 sq.ft. facility combines state-of-the-art engineering and manufacturing capabilities and resources with our hands on assembly experience.  In-house resources include Engine and Chassis Dynamometers, CNC Machine Shop, CMM Lab, Fabrication Shop, SLS Prototyping, CAD/CAE workstations, R&D Lab, Component Subassembly Shop, Vehicle Workshop, Customer Install Shop, and Race Team with Workshop.  These extensive in-house resources ensure TECHCO’s technical excellence and market competitiveness in the Automotive Industry.  “Our spacious facility allows us room to house all our engineering and manufacturing equipment in one place, resulting in fast-time to-market and the highest quality products that still deliver exceptional value to our customers.” stated Jimmy Moore, Director of Operations for TECHCO.

The TECHCO Reverse-Revolution Twin Screw Supercharger™ is TECHCO’s flagship new product, will completely revolutionize supercharger design.  “Our Design of the (TECHCO) Twin Screw Supercharger, is not merely further innovation in supercharging, but is truly a revolutionary advancement on Supercharger Design and application.  We’ve taken all of our expertise in supercharger design and created a new product that provides superior power and performance on all levels.”  Says John Spruill, Vice President of Engineering for TECHCO.  “We designed innovation into every aspect of the new (TECHCO) Supercharger, from the Patent Pending new A-Frame (Dual) Intercooler configuration with Extruded Aluminum 6061-T6 Housing, to the all new 3.0L Reverse Rotation Screws with 6061-T6 Rotor Housing with fully integrated Bypass System, and Long, High Flow Runners.  It’s like nothing else on the market today.” Says Billy Tally, Chief Technical Officer for TECHCO.


Nuts and Bolts of The TECHCO Reverse-Revolution Twin Screw Supercharger™

What makes the TECHCO Reverse-Revolution Twin Screw Supercharger so revolutionary is the unique design (Patent Pending), which optimizes airflow efficiency throughout.  Incoming air is fed into the front of the supercharger, not the back like conventional designs.  This ensures that the incoming air has minimal turns, eliminating restrictions, before entering into the supercharger housing.  Additionally, without the need for a complex inlet tube, the largest possible orifice size is maintained, maximizing air flow efficiencies.  The air then flows into the lobes of the Reverse-Revolution asymmetric multi-lobe compressor screws, where it is compressed, not merely moved, as in other forms of supercharging.  The compressed air then flows into the intercooler housing which houses (2) intercoolers mounted in an A-Frame configuration to ensure the airflow is evenly distributed to each runner bank.  The Patent Pending Twin Intercooler design results in higher cooling capacity and greater thermal efficiencies as the cooling water only has to pass through the intercoolers once, keeping the charge air cool.  A further benefit of the front Inlet Design is the additional package space above the supercharger that is used for long high flow Intake Runners, which increases low end torque.

The resulting design of The TECHCO Reverse-Revolution Twin Screw Supercharger allows air to move through the supercharger quickly and efficiently, without significant heat buildup, and at the highest resulting airflow volume at low boost output.  The performance result is maximized horsepower and torque output.   

Key Features of The TECHCO Reverse-Revolution Twin Screw Supercharger™:

• Reverse-Revolution Twin Screw Compressor with Asymmetric Multi-Lobe Screws
• 3.0L / 180 cu. in. Displacement
• Front Induction with Integrated Bypass
• 10 Inch Long Intake Runners
• Dual Stage Intercooler System with Single-Pass Coolant Flow through the A-Frame (2) Intercoolers, Large Capacity Heat Exchanger, High Volume Intercooler Pump and Recovery Tank
• Open Element Cold Air Kit with High-Flow Air Filter, CNC Venturi and High Flow Inlet Tube
• Extruded Aluminum Fuel Rails with upgraded fuel injectors where applicable
• Separate 8-Rib FEAD (Front End Accessory Drive) with Dampener
• Ultra-Light Weight Aluminum Construction
• Flash Programmer
• Instruction Manual

Applications:

Dodge/Chrysler:  All 5.7L/6.1L Challenger/Charger/Magnum/300C
Ford:  4.6L 3V Mustang
GM:  C5/C6 Corvette

TECHCO is now taking orders for The TECHCO Reverse-Revolution Twin Screw Supercharger™ kit for October Deliveries. Call us directly at (714) 408-9550 to speak with one of our Sales specialists.

While I was down at Steeda Autosports working on a tech project I had the opportunity to drive the company's QS6 Mustang...

Though the QS6 is laden with appearance upgrades its underpinnings are bolstered with Steeda's signature handling upgrades, which turn the light-on-its-feet V6 into a corner-carving fun machine. However, the "S" designation is the part that makes the QS6 hang with its V8 cousins, as the Steeda-tuned Roots supercharger cranks up the fun with 355 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque, which makes for a good off-idle to midrange blast before it levels off and reminds you it's still a six.

In all if insurance or gas are really worrying you, this is one six-cylinder ’Stang that is fun to drive, and gets plenty of compliments from the general public. Check out the deets on the QS6 here.

Another day, another 2010 Mustang facet exposed...

The latest shot over at www.the2010mustang.com is the new seat, which looks to feature more substantial bolstering and classy stitching. That new console looks pretty sleek too, what do you guys think?

UPDATE: Here's the offical PR on the seat:

Welcome to your reserved seat in the new 2010 Mustang. A fresh and modern cockpit amplifies the high-performance driving experience with upgraded, luxurious materials and driver-focused ergonomics. “The console is a key element to the new interior design,” says Mustang Senior Designer Robert Gelardi. “It’s defined by a single dramatic arc sweeping from the IP up to the padded armrest. Besides creating a clean appearance, it also gives you unobstructed arm movement when shifting gears.”

“It’s a clean, modern evolution of the classic Mustang console that is also very functional,” adds Mustang Chief Designer Doug Gaffka. “You’ll definitely see the heritage connection in the shapes and surfaces,” says Gelardi. “Every element on the console was re-thought and upgraded in design and materials.” For example, the cupholders and armrest have a few surprise features. “Dual cup holders, concealed beneath a flip door, are deeper for increased capacity,” said Design Manager Gary Morales. “The console stowage bin under the armrest features a discrete key lock.”

“The door armrest shape is the same arc as the console,” continued Morales. “It underscores the cockpit design and also improves ergonomics - your desk chair has the same armrest shape on both sides, so it made sense to do the same thing in your car.” The cupholders and door panels are also part of the available Ambient Lighting option, which coordinates with the MyColor cluster in the new Mustang.

The seats also have received special design attention for 2010, with upgraded leather and contrasting stitching for the Premier and Color Accent Packages. “We worked to create the perfect combination of form, material and detail,” says Mustang Color & Materials Designer Jennifer Atanasovski Schultz. “It’s not only about the kinds of materials we used, but how we used them in conjunction with the sculpted forms that completes the Mustang experience.”

“This was a CAD–led design process,” says Gelardi. “Defining and confirming shapes and surfaces early allowed plenty of time to engineer robust construction and locate sound insulation so the signature Mustang exhaust roar is the primary sound you’ll hear.”

Plain and simple, this blog is all about the tooting of our own horn. Since the full story on our Boss 340 project engine's second dyno experience (Version 2.0 of the Boss engine, built by PROBE Industries, features Ford Racing Performance Parts' Boss 302 engine block, mongo-port, canted-valve cylinder heads by Air Flow Dynamics, intake-manifold wickedness from Wilson Manifolds and a Comp Cams solid-roller cam with radical lift and duration numbers. Engine management for this unique, fuel-injected deal is being handled by ACCEL's new "Thruster" EFI system) is about to drop in the December '08 issue of 5.0 Mustang and Super Fords, a video clip of the Boss bullet's sweet, high-rev music has been posted here on our Web site. Get across the jump ASAP and click the link!

How did it do on the dyno? You'll have to get the December issue and read the story to find that out!

http://www.mustang50magazine.com/multimedia/6203426/boss-340-dyno-video/index.html

After finding that the one-the-throttle, off-the-throttle rigors of racing was rough on the shared belt arrangement of the standard Whipple supercharger systems, Steeda put its engineering crew on the case...

Steeda's brain-trust worked up this new belt-drive arrangement featuring a rugged, billet support bracket that serves as the mount for a massive spring-loaded tensioner, and allows the blower to have its own belt.

So if you are racing your Whipple, you might want to keep checking the Steeda Web site to see when this beauty hits the market.

However, what parts are the car from? What kind of tech project would create a large pile like this? And, what will become of these parts?

Well there is a comments section below. Take a guess if you like. No prizes or anything, just fun. If you get it right I'll let you know.

If you've ever been to a car show, you know that the serious show maniacs compete as rigorously as racers. Well, if you are looking to really show up your lawn-chair rivals, you better have the best looking engine compartment around. Check out the PR on this wild piece from Hillbanks after the jump...

Irvine, CA – Hillbank Motorsports, California’s largest supplier of performance Mustang parts, is proud to announce the release of the all new GFM1-ST1 “Glass” Hood. This unique product allows 2005-2009 Ford Mustang owners to show off their engine bays even when the hood is closed, whether cruising down the boulevard or at a weekend car show. The kit utilizes the stock hood and high quality tempered glass and comes as a kit ($1,299.99) or as a complete hood assembly with the glass installed minus color match ($2,499.99). For more information visit www.hillbankmotorsports.com or call 888-445-5226.

At this point, you've probably heard quite a bit about ABACO Performance's "DBX," the company's new digital mass air meter--a device that could change the way hard-core and novice 'Stangbangers go about fine-tuning certain EFI combinations.

We've been anxious to check DBX out for a long while now, and I'm currently in Clinton, Illinois, doing just that. More after the jump...

Anderson Ford, home of Anderson Ford Motorsport, is the the final stop on this latest tech extravazganza. I've been spending a few days with Rick Anderson, and we've been flogging a few different Ponies on AFM's Dynojet chassis dyno, playing around with a 97mm DBX and seeing just how it works.

Sorry, there's not much more to tell you here. A complete and detailed report of our DBX tests will appear in an upcoming issue of 5.0 Mustang and Super Fords.

Make sure your subscription is flush, 'cause you don't want to miss the full 411 on this thing!

So we've seen various spy shots revealing bits and even full looks at the interiors in the 2010 Mustang test mules. This is the first official shot...

...revealed over at www.the2010mustang.com. It shows of a classy new dash treatment and a side view of the new steering wheel. I still feel the same way about the juxtaposition of the round outer vents and the rectangular center vents, but the rest of the changes look pretty sharp. What do you think?

UPDATE: Here's the official PR on the interior design:

In keeping with the more dynamic and aggressive exterior, the 2010 Mustang’s all-new interior is an equally powerful design with world-class craftsmanship and materials. “The double-brow design is a critical part of Mustang interior DNA,” says Robert Gelardi, senior designer. “But it’s been modernized and integrated into a one-piece, dramatically sculptured instrument panel, executed with the highest levels of fit and finish.”

“Hard-plastic instrument panels are a thing of the past,” adds Gary Morales, design manager. “The 2010 Mustang instrument panel is exquisitely crafted in soft seamless TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) skin, fully encompassing genuine aluminum trim. Every line, proportion and surface has been carefully optimized to create an exciting cohesive driving environment.”

“The Mustang is about honest, real American muscle,” says Jennifer Atanasovski, color and materials designer. “Therefore, silver paint was not acceptable - real aluminum with the soft IP and high quality leather was essential.”

“Today’s photo really shows the shape and sculpture we put in the design,” says Gelardi. “The engine and transmission are the heart of the Mustang, so all the lines expand outward from this central nucleus of power: Notice the dramatic sweep of the aluminum panels, and how the exhaust-inspired air registers and fully circular gauges appear drilled into and precisely inset into the metal,” he says.

“The world-class fit and finish, strong yet modern connection to Mustang heritage, and upgraded materials make this a standout interior,” says chief designer Douglas Gaffka.

“We went down to the quarter and tenth of a millimeter to make sure everything was precisely executed,” said Gelardi. “That is the difference between ‘good enough’ and exceptional.”

Time flies when you are having fun! The Inaugural season of the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup is coming to a close this weekend in the SunRichGourmet.com at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah. Rounds 7 and 8 comprise a double-header on Sept 19th & 21st on the challenging 24 turn 4.486 mile road course.

As I reflect back on the season I realize how many terrific people I met and what a great job the series did making it fun. Heck, I won my first Pro Series sprint race at Mid-Ohio. Now it’s time for one last hurrah at Miller and I hope to win one more before it’s over. In the spirit of good fun can I take a moment and point out the Cast of Characters that made the (show) series so much fun?

Eleven competitors will have made all eight races for the series and be contending at Miller. First up will be “Casper”, Andrew Caddell, who by the end of most races has disappeared up ahead. Casper has also won at Miller before in another series. Then there is Speedy Gonzalez”, Carlo Sparacio who has been fast in the last few races. Don’t count out the “Governor,” Mike McGovern as he will be running in the Koni Challenge GS race as well. Let’s not forget my hero “Antonio,” Tony Buffamonte who ran lap for lap in the New Jersey race with Borcheller. There are a host of guys wanting to crack the Top 5 with the likes of “Iron Mike Harvison” who was there at the start of the year and wants to get back, “The Dr.” Rick Edwards who has been moving up lately, “The White Stallion,” Andrew Hendricks, “Big Daddy” Kent Jordan, “Curious George” George Winkler, and “The Clicker” Jim Click.

There are other regulars in the series that will be at Miller and the odds on favorite to win it all is “Captain Fantastic” Terry Borcheller, the road racing ace.  I expect local racing “Legend” Pratt Cole to be quick and you can count on “Little Joe Middlebrooks” and “The Wild One” Dan Aweida, showing up ready to race.  A surprise contender in race seven could be 2007 D1GP Champion and drifting star Vaughn Gittin Jr. who is making his road racing debut. I ran some laps with him earlier in the year at Miller and he was… “Gittin with it!” In the first six races alone a total of 33 different racers have made an appearance in the series.

The FRMC for the Miller Cup will hold the season ending banquet in the fabulous Miller museum following the last race on Sunday the 21st where the top three finishers along with others will be celebrated for their series success. I enter the weekend second in points looking to hold off Third-Place Mike McGovern who’s 24 points behind and Tony Buffamonte who is in 4th and an additional 10 points back.

Wow….now that was fun!

Jamie

Previously Ford Racing provided a non-adjustable tuning tool with its cold-air and supercharger kits, but now there's a new, improved Pro Cal tool working its way into the kits...

While the old ProCal tuner simply loaded or unloaded the tune, the new unit provides adjustability for wheel and tire upgrades as well as the ability to read OBD-II error codes. Currently the new tuner is only in the M-6066-SGT kits, but will be phased in to other kits throughout the year.

A tech project (which you'll read about in an upcoming issue of the magazine, of course) has me currently sitting in the incredibly beautiful "Rocky Mountain" region of our country, in Bristol, Virginia. The Tennessee border is just a few miles south on Interstate 81, as is "Thunder Valley," the dragstrip element of the Bristol Motor Speedway (NASCAR Sprint Cup stock car) complex. This is my first time ever seeing this area. It really is something else.

Also nestled in this region lies one Mustang enthusiast's personal playground. I've had the pleasure of spending the last couple of days with Allen Hurley and Johnny Morris of "Team Hurley"/Image One Motorsports, and I'm still totally blown away by Alan's ginormous shop-and-dyno facility, that he basically built for himself, his brother and his family to use.

That's right, it's personally owned and non-commercial. These guys aren't a "Mustang shop" at all, but if you're a Mustang guy, the stuff they've got going on up on their private hill will have you thinking they do this stuff for a living--or should do it for a living. Check it out after the jump...

According to an old saying, "the guy with the most toys wins." Well, I have to give Allen Hurley his prize now, because his palatial shop, chassis dyno and 65-acre hilltop spread is hands-down the best personal Mustang toy box I've ever seen. Sure, I bet there are others out there who may have better, but I've now experienced the Team Hurley compound, and it's absolutely incredible.

Beautiful grounds, super-clean work areas in the shop, enough space to park a fleet of 'Stangs (I saw at least 6 Ponies in the stable, including the twin-turbocharged S197 that was prepared for our 2008 King of the Street competition at Bowling Green), as well as a mega-coach motorhome, stacker and enclosed trailers, tractors and farm machines, quads and endless trails for riding, a gun range and whatever else you can think of.

The photos only do the place "some" justice. It all really has to be taken in in person, and I'm really glad I had the opportunity to do so.

Yes, I am SUPER jealous!

Over on the Team Shelby message board, Bud from Shelby Autos posted pics of Shelby's latest limited-edition ride—A GT500KR Golf Cart. Only 100 of the carts will be sold, and the asking price is as much as a Mustang GT, but I wish I could afford one. See the details from Bud's post after the jump...

That is correct!!!! There WILL be a new type of KR hitting the roads (ok, the golf course) real soon!!!! These beauties WILL be limited to 100!!!!!!! They will all have their own CSM# and will go into the registry as such too!!!!
Each cart will take around 6-8 weeks to make. I will have more specifics on these soon. What I do know.........

1. Only 100 will be made.

2. They have there own SWAMP COOLER!!!!!! Just fill the top tank with ice and now you got AC!!! How "COOL" is that!!!!

3. Each will have an AM/FM/CD player!!!

4. Carbon Fiber accents and a Carbon Fiber steering wheel!!!!!

5. Custom wheels!!!!

6. Storage up front and rear!!!

7. And I have heard that these carts are FAST!!!!!!!!!

There is a ton more of information and as soon as I get the specifics, I will post them. Now, you are probably asking how much? The selling price on these INDIVIDUALLY numbered and Shelby registered carts is $25,000.00 Trust me, a ton of work and love went into these carts. You will not be dissapointed!!!! They truly are a work of art!!!!

Now on with the pics!!!!!

Enjoy!!!!!!

Bud

It's been more than 11 years since I loaded up my truck and moved from New York to Los Angeles. The most-memorable things about my cross-country journey are not all of the miles I drove, even though it's impossible to forget all of those miles. The things I remember most are the sights I saw along the highways and roads we traveled, through states like Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, Texas, New Mexico, etc.

"Seeing America" from a road-trip perspective really brings the beauty and greatness of our country into focus. I joined Paul and Ronda Svinicki (of Paul's High Performance), former NMRA Factory Stock racer, Jeff Schmell, and the rest of Hot Rod Magazine's "Drag Week" caravan as they toured the Mid-South region of the United States. I rode along as the convoy rolled to Montgomery, Alabama, Memphis, Tennessee, Bowling Green, Kentucky and all points in between them, and had one heck of a great time...

It definitely was a long trip (that will be detailed in an upcoming issue of 5.0 Mustang and Super Fords), but I'm glad I had the opportunity to make it. Keep an eye out for the full story. For now, here are a few images from the road.

Enjoy!

Project Vapor Trail has been under the knife since it rolled onto the lot at Anderson Ford Mercury back in late March. Despite the constant mods, it's been rolling on stock wheels and tires the whole time. Well, that's because I was waiting for just the right wheel to come along, and it did...

Tomorrow morning I'm heading over to Tampa Bay Shelby for an upgrade to some new special-edition wheels from the Carroll Shelby Wheel company. If you are a regular reader of the magazine, you probably know which wheels I chose, but you'll have to wait for the magazine to see the new rims, but they will be wrapped in Nitto tires, including some drag radials out back.

I can hardly wait!

Our friends at Ford Racing and Paul's High Performance assisted with a top-speed record attempt. The record didn't fall, but the team did run a big number. Check out the official press release after the jump...

During the week of August 19-22, a team of thrill seekers ventured out to the Bonneville Salt Flats Speedway to break a land speed record. Forty years after Mickey Thompson set nearly 300 speed and endurance records in a 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 to support Ford Division's launch of that now-famous model, Danny Thompson, Mickey's son, was set to repeat history in a 2008 E85 powered FR500C Ford Mustang. The FR500C was equipped with a 5.4L Ford GT block, heads and various performance parts from Ford Racing.

Brent Hajek was the mastermind and financier of this project. Mr. Hajek is a race car owner, driver and racing enthusiast. He also has a large collection of vintage race cars housed in the Hajek Motorsports Museum
in Oklahoma.

Mickey Matus, Ford Performance Group Manager, was called in to kick off the project. Ford Motor Company supported the endeavor with parts, test facilities and engineering. Ford Racing contributed by having Dev Saberwal, Calibration Engineer, provide on-site support in Utah and handle much of the dynamometer testing in preparation for the event. Ford Racing's Larry Ferrin also assisted behind the scenes to keep the project moving.

While the Mustang's powertrain had undergone significant testing and development on the chassis dyno, the FR500C had not turned a wheel under its own power prior to the run at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Results from the dynamometer indicated that the FR500C was capable of producing over 1,100 horsepower. It wasn't until the actual run at Bonneville that a driver sat behind
the wheel.

The trick to capturing any new land speed record is being able to repeat the record time. Therein lies the challenge. The Ford Mustang was able to hit a top speed of 251.741 MPH once, but was not able to repeat
the feat.

Although the goal of breaking the record was not achieved this time around, Ford Racing is proud to have had the opportunity to support the project. And the car is scheduled to return to the salt later this year!

Many thanks to all involved, and especially to Brent Hajek (Hajek Motorsports ), Paul Svinicki (Paul's High Performance ), Glen Sapp Fabrication and Rockett Brand Fuel for making this the fastest production-based Mustang on the planet!

Thanks also to KJ Productions for the
awesome video.

Ford Racing Parts Used:
M-6010-GT** ALUMINUM 5.4L BLOCK
M-6049-GT FORD GT RH CYLINDER HEAD ASSEMBLY
M-6099-GT FORD GT LH CYLINDER HEAD ASSEMBLY
M-6582-C SVT BLUE COATED VALVE COVERS
M-6067-A FORD RACING COIL COVERS
M-8005-R MUSTANG FR500C RADIATOR

One thing I really like about my job is the fact that at least once every month--especially in the summertime--or certainly by every second or third month, I know I'll be traveling from our magazine's West Coast satellite office, to one or several locations anywhere in the United States...or the entire WORLD, for that matter (I kicked off 2008 with a trip to visit Nitto Tire's facility in Japan). In my case, "business travel" involves covering an NMRA event and/or working on tech projects with different Mustang shops around the country. It's part of what I do here, I just hope you all think I'm doing it well.

Today is officially "Day One" of my latest trip: a week-and-a-half venture to several of our southern states (Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky) and a stop in the midwest (Illinois) before I head home. Getting started on this junket involved some funky flight logistics (notice the boarding passes of multiple airlines), which routed me through San Francisco.

Normally, I try and fly to-and-from destinations as directly as possible and avoid sometimes lengthy layovers that prolong arriving at my final destination. For this trip, the layover I had wasn't all that bad at all. Why? The answer lies beyond the now-famous "jump"...

As a norm, our business trips usually are, "all 'Stangs, all the time." In my case, a 'Stang-related reunion, dinner and great conversation were made possible by my long layover in San Francisco.

When I arrived in 'Frisco, I made a call to my long-time Mustang buddy, Norman Chang, and let him know the layover situation. For those of you who don't recognize the name, Norman is one of the Cali-based 'Stangbangers who make up the West Coast's original group of true, hard-core Mustang racers.

I met Norman and a few of his NorCal buddies back in 1999, at the NMRA's first attempt at holding an event in Phoenix, Arizona. In the years after that meeting, we kept in touch, built better and faster Mustangs, and eventually we both started competing in the Pacific Street Car Association's events, with Norman and his 7.50-second/190+ mph turbocharged LX coupe winning the sanction's Outlaw Street points championship in 2003 (I finished second in points in Open Comp that year).

Those were fun times, back in the days. No doubt. However, although "change" is something that goes hand-in-hand with the passing of time, some things, like friendship, don't change at all. While I hadn't seen Norman in a long time, he made adjustments in his after-work schedule (wife and two young sons at home), and picked me up at the airport so we could go and have dinner and catch up with each others' lives...and, of course, Mustangs and Mustang racing!

The quick time to visit definitely made the layover a lot easier to take, and left me thinking back on the "old days" of all this stuff even more, as the plane made its way across the country.

Most 5.0&SF readers already give the Mustang the award of their favorite car, but Intellichoice.com recently awarded the ’08 Mustang for its favorable cost of ownership. Check out the press release action after the jump...

FORD MUSTANG WINS 2008 MOTORIST CHOICE AWARD

* The Ford Mustang is the winner of the 2008 Motorist Choice Award, Sporty Car segment. The awards are based on cost of ownership data from IntelliChoice.com and vehicle owner satisfaction information from AutoPacific.

* The Mustang outranked the Volkswagon Eos, Hyundai Tiburon, Mitsubishi Eclipse and last year’s winner, the Scion tC, in 17 categories, including Image, Vehicle Reputation, Power & Acceleration, Reliability, and Fun to Drive.

* The Ford Mustang is Ford Motor Company’s longest-running nameplate and has been the best-selling sports car for 22 straight years.

DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 13, 2008 – The Ford Mustang, America’s best-selling sports car for 22 years, has been honored with the 2008 Motorist Choice Award in the Sporty Car segment by car buying information Web site IntelliChoice.com and automotive consulting firm AutoPacific.

The Motorist Choice Awards were designed to recognize vehicles that appeal to both the heart and head. The awards are calculated by combining IntelliChoice.com’s cost of ownership data with AutoPacific’s owner satisfaction information culled from more than 40,000 new car and truck buyers.

“The Mustang is an outstanding value, and it satisfies owners from the six-cylinder buyer all the way up to the muscle car guy who’s driving a Shelby 500KR,” said George Peterson, president, AutoPacific. “That’s a combination that’s hard to beat.”
Vehicle owner satisfaction was measured in 45 different areas. The Mustang outranked its Sporty Car competitors – the Volkswagen Eos, Hyundai Tiburon, Mitsubishi Eclipse and last year’s winner, the Scion tC -- in 17 categories, including Image, Vehicle Reputation, Power & Acceleration, Reliability, and Fun to Drive.

“It really speaks to the quality of Mustang and its status as an American icon,” said Fritz Wilke, Mustang brand manager. “The Mustang is a symbol of power, performance and coolness, and anyone who owns one knows that they are a part of something special – a piece of Americana that goes back 45 years.”

Mustang appeals to a broad range of consumers because the brand offers a wide range of choices, Wilke says.

“From Bullitt to Cal Special to GT500 to Warriors in Pink to the Pony Package, there is a Mustang for every taste,” he said.

The Mustang also has the most fuel efficient V-6 in its segment, Wilke says.

“The Mustang V-6 offers best-in-class fuel economy, sporting 26 miles per gallon on the highway,” he said. “And for serious enthusiasts, we have Mustangs that provide serious horsepower. A 5.4-liter Supercharged V-8 is available with 500 hp and 480 foot-pounds of torque.”

The 2008 Mustang GT convertible has been recognized for best-in-class safety. It is the only convertible to earn a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) after tests for frontal crash, side impact and rollover.

In addition, VEHIX TV™ recently named Mustang among the vehicles with the best resale value, beating out models from Honda, BMW, Porsche, Audi and nearly all domestic automakers.

About the Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang, introduced in 1964, is Ford Motor Company’s longest-running nameplate. It has also been the best-selling sports car for 22 straight years. Mustang sales hit an astounding 419,000 in its first 12 months on the market and topped the 1-million mark in the first two years, shattering the sales records of any single model in the history of the automobile.

Ford built its 9 millionth Mustang this year, and the company is commemorating another important milestone in pony car history with a special 45th anniversary edition for the 2009 model year. Only a limited number of 2009 Mustangs – featuring 45th anniversary badging – are currently available for purchase, fueling speculation that the 2009 Ford Mustang model may one day become a collector’s item.

Even I am starting to fall for the ’10 hype now. The wheels are sweet, the curves are sexy, and those sly dogs hid the Sync controls on the steering wheel photo. Check out all the official hyperbole and photos after the jump...

In the next coming weeks, the story of the 2010 Mustang will unfold at www.the2010mustang.com. Leading up to the car’s reveal at the LA Auto Show, Mustang enthusiasts will get a sneak peek each week at various design elements of the 2010 Mustang. Since creating the pony car segment 45 years ago, Mustang has withstood the test of time, as competitors have come and gone, leading the way and the 2010 model writes the next chapter in an even more muscular way.

It all begins at the grille. Mustang chief designer Douglas Gaffka explains that this week’s reveal image provides not just a glimpse of the upcoming pony car, but it hints at the design philosophy behind the 2010 Mustang.

“The new Mustang will be a distinct presence on the road,” said Gaffka. “Everything flows from the shark-nose front; it sets up the direction and tension of all the surfaces. It’s even more aggressive than before- it’s a modern interpretation of the strong Mustang lineage.”

Senior designer Robert Gelardi echoes, “Every element on this car, including the leading edge, is a cohesive, connected part of this new chapter in Mustang DNA. Both the exterior and interior are modern and dynamic, yet you’ll recognize the Mustang’s strong bloodline.”

Strong, dynamic lines and sinuous sculptural wheel arches give the impression that the 2010 Mustang is ready to strike. “The sheetmetal is taut and strong, like an Olympic runner ready to take off,” added exterior design manager George Saridakis. “The resulting shapes communicate movement and energy.”

But the overall shape is only part of the next chapter in the Mustang story. Every detail, no matter how small, was executed with world-class design and craftsmanship. “Both the interior and exterior are full of precise, jeweled details,” says design manager Gary Morales. “Whether it’s the headlamps, badging and wheels outside, or the gauges, steering wheel and air registers inside, you’ll see the care and quality that went into the design,” adds Gelardi.

In this Web-driven society, manufacturers are always looking to gain online leverage. As we all know being current and cutting edge are the keys to keep people coming back for more. It doesn’t hurt to have a really good product, or line of products. One such company with a fresh look to its Web site is Mothers (www.mothers.com). Check out more info after the jump…

Everyone has their favorite manufacturer of car care products, and I’m absolutely positive that Mothers is at the top of the list for many Mustang enthusiasts. Who could argue with that fact, either? Mothers has seemingly every car care product needed to keep your Mustang looking like a million bucks inside and out. From car wash to an endless array of wax products, Mothers has it covered. Now it has a new Web site featuring an all-new look with intuitive navigation. This feature is designed to enable users to easily browse through thousands of pages aimed at educating consumers on all aspects of proper automotive appearance care.

New material has been added, but the site also features old favorites and updated photo galleries, which are now easier to use, as well. A How-To section serves as an online detail tutorial, and it can be downloaded and printed to keep handy out in the garage. If you’re not sure how to perform a detailing function, Mothers new site also features numerous demonstration videos focusing on specific detailing practices to enable you do them right the first time.

Mothers has had an online presence since 1995, and this reintroduction will no doubt keep your Mustang shining for many years to come.