On April 16th through April 19th, Mustang enthusiasts from across the world converged upon Barber Motorsports Park near Birmingham, Ala. to celebrate the 45th Anniversary of the Ford Mustang. It’s estimated the event, which was presented by the Mustang Club of America, attracted more than 38,000 spectators and more than 2,000 Mustang show cars spanning all five Mustang generations.
On Thursday night around 650 Mustangs cruised from the Barber Motor Sports Park to Homewood, Ala. for a street party featuring food and live entertainment.
During the weekend Ford Racing offered installation of Ford Racing performance upgrades for late model Mustangs in an on-site "Mustang Garage”. Mustang racing was another highlight, with a double-header Mustang Challenge race taking place over the weekend. Jack Roush Jr. finished 7th during round three, which was his first race driving a Mustang Challenge car. In honor of his time behind the wheel, Roush became the first-ever recipient of a “Media Car Cup” from Mustang Challenge for his spirited participation. In round four Ted Anthony Jr. finished first place, followed by last season's champion Andrew Caddell who placed second. Joe Lee Middlebrooks placed third in round 4, with Mike McGovern placing fourth. Professional road racers such as SPEED TV personality Tommy Kendall provided hot laps for lucky attendees around the Barber Park in Mustang FR500S race cars. Adding to the excitement was a 2010 Shelby GT500 pace car which ran laps around the track all weekend.
The event also brought out nine original owners of 1964 ½ Ford Mustangs. Ford Motor Company President and CEO Alan Mulally, who was also in attendance, stopped by to talk to the original owners. He even stopped by to pose for photos next to the first Mustang ever built. The car was on display at the Barber Motorsports Park Museum. Mulally also spent time talking to the media after offering up a speech to the crowd during opening ceremonies.
Other special guests included NHRA’s Mike Neff, along with Tim Wilkerson, Bob Tasca III, Robert Hight, John Force, and Ashley Force Hood. Even Steve Saleen was in attendance, talking up his new SMS 460 and SMS 460X Mustangs.
In all the Mustang 45th Anniversary celebration was a huge success with Mustang enthusiasts and clubs from around the world in attendance. This included the Mustangs Across America group (all 600+) which traveled from Las Vegas, Nev. to attend the event. The group traveled an impressive 400-450 miles per day and was joined by folks such as drifting superstar Vaughn Gittin, Jr. who hitched up with the group in Oklahoma. “For an enthusiast, driving their Mustang across the country with hundreds of others is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Sam Haymart, president of Mustangs Across America, Inc. “There is nothing quite like the magic and camaraderie that grows from the event. It really captures the American spirit that has made this country great.”
Prior to the event, Steven McCarley, president of the 11,000-member Mustang Club of America, said, “We have people coming in from 15 foreign countries, including Australia, Denmark and France. And some of them may be bringing their cars with them.” He added, “Mustang is the glue that bonds all of us together. Whether you’re a casual observer interested in seeing the latest model Mustang or a true fanatic who eats, sleeps and breathes Mustang, this is where you want to be to celebrate the 45th anniversary.”
