This past week marked the 50th Anniversary of the Ford Mustang and there were plenty of celebrations around the country to celebrate this once in a lifetime event for the original Pony Car. From New York, Las Vegas, Charlotte, and in many other small towns across America, the faithful all paid homage to Americas original pony car - The Ford Mustang. Steeda Autosports was to be a presenting sponsor of the 50th Anniversary Celebration at the Charlotte Motor Speedway where approximately 4000 Mustangs and over 100,000 people converged together to make it one huge Mustang Birthday Celebration to remember forever.
In the corporate display area, we showcased the following four Steeda Mustangs in our display - all of which have made a significant contribution to the rich history of Mustangs and Steeda over the years:
1993 Steeda Cobra R
Steeda Autosports was actively involved in the 1993 Cobra R development program by incorporating the knowledge we had acquired in our racing program to the SVT engineers. One of our contributions to the car was assisting SVT with the design of the vehicles braking system - ensuring that the completed design would have the stamina and capabilities to stand up to the rigors of road racing. Ford ended up building only 107 of the1993 Cobra "R" models - each of them in Vibrant Red and they were available for sale only to licensed race-drivers. At Sebring International Raceway in 1993, our Steeda Cobra R was the very first Cobra R to have success on a racetrack by finishing first in its inaugural race - a huge feat at the time for a new model incorporating new technologies for its time.
1995 Steeda Cobra R
In the wake of the 1993 Cobra R's success, SVT engineers embarked on a mission to developed a more powerful and more competitive R-model based on the 1995 Cobra. Once again SVT engineers collaborated with Steeda Autosports on the development of this model as we provided key racing insights and engineering assistance to bring the car to reality. One of our top priorities was the need for a more powerful engine and more fuel capacity. In response, SVT incorporated an SVT modified version of Ford's 5.8 liter Windsor V8, re-engineered to produce 300 horsepower. To provide for longer time on the track racing, we collaborated on the inclusion of a 22-gallon racing fuel cell that increased the cars time on the track and less time in the pits refilling. Weight-savings was targeted, so there was no back seat, radio, power windows/seats or air-conditioning-not even fog lights, which were omitted to provide ducts for getting cool air onto the front disk brakes. Heavy-duty progressive-rate springs, thicker stabilizer bars and a front strut tower brace helped improve handling. Only 250 vehicles were built, available only in white with Saddle Cloth interior, each with a unique center-tiered fiberglass hood tall enough to clear the engine and induction system. As with the 1993 Cobra R, only owners of a valid racing license were able to obtain one of these cars. Our Steeda 1995 Cobra R was the first Mustang to win a pole position in professional IMSA GS Class competition - a major feat and endorsement of our engineering successes. It's success didn't end there, as it set a new track record at Daytona in the inaugural IMSA Endurance race. In 1996 at the Texas Motor Speedway, the Steeda Cobra R won it's first IMSA race for a Mustang in over a decade by lapping the 65 car field twice during the grueling 6-hour endurance race. Success continued in with first place finishes at both Mosport Park and Daytona - proving that the Steeda Cobra R program was a huge success.
2010 Steeda StreetFighter
Destined to reign supreme in the Pony Wars, this 690HP muscle machine is proof positive that Steeda Autosports builds the best performing Mustangs available anywhere. An ideal Mustang - a formidable weekend warrior on the racetrack or drag-strip that can also be comfortably driven daily. Outfitted with the most extensive standard suspension upgrades ever included on a Steeda production vehicles - including our Watt's Link Suspension system - this performance Mustang can easily pull 1.2gs. With a broad range of brutal power on demand, it turns 0-60 times under 4 seconds and quarter mile times comfortably in the 10 second range. There is simply no other serialized Mustang available today that offers the performance, styling, and performance attitude of this dedicated StreetFighter.
2014 Steeda Q450 Enforcer
Showcasing our current line of performance-bred parts for the ford Mustang, this Q-Series Steeda Mustang is the flagship of our serialized vehicle program and is specially designed for hardcore, power-hungry performance enthusiasts who want the most Mustang muscle for their money. This performance stallion provides plenty of pure pony power to humble the competition every time you turn the ignition key and hit the throttle. Power means nothing without control, so the Q450 precision-engineered suspension and chassis modifications keep the driver in command and deliver an unbeatable level of performance. With strategic modifications all tuned to maximize performance and provide optimum handling, the Q450 is a no-holds-barred approach that delivers pure hardcore driving excitement.
During show hours in the paddock area there were multiple Steeda representatives on hand to supporting on track activities - including our "Ace in the Hole" Master Mechanic Steve Chichisola, Regional and National American Iron Champion Driver Robin Burnett, Camaro-Mustang Challenge Champion James Ray, and the NASA - SE Champion Jim Edwards. Each of these great racing enthusiasts shared racing knowledge and experiences and were on hand to provide some lucky show attendees a first hand look at their race cars as well as a ride-of-their life. Following is a profile of just two of the Steeda cars that were blistering around the track:
Steeda Q650R
Built by our renown "Skunk Works Team" at Steeda Autosports, the Q650R serves as a rolling test bed for continuing refinement and development of our track tested and race proven performance parts and accessories. On the outside, the Q650R is outfitted on the outside with key Steeda's aerodynamic parts (e.g. Steeda Race Wing, Steeda Competition Front Fascia). Under the hood, the Ford modular engine is boosted with the Steeda/Vortech supercharger system and the race tuning is handled by our unique Steeda Performance Calibration - the end result... over 650 horsepower of heart pounding excitement. Inside the Steeda Tri-Ax Remote Racing provides an extremely short throw with precise action needed for the race track. Under the car is where some really advanced Steeda suspension technology is deployed. From the advanced adjustable full coil over suspension system, our proprietary Watt's Linkage, to our D Spec Shocks and bump steer kit, the entire catalog of Steeda's superior suspension parts as well as Nitto's famed NT01 high performance tires - and some extra experimental suspension enhancements as well - have been integrated into this car so as to make it the BEST HANDLING car we have ever driven on a race track. The end result: An ultra high performance - muscular race car that provides instant acceleration, superior handling, and great fear into the minds of our competitors.
Steeda Q450R
Driven by Regional and National American Iron Champion Robin Burnett, this 2010 Steeda Q450R regularly competes in the American Iron Series that provides a highly competitive forum for Mustangs, Camaros, and Firebirds to race against each other. The power of the modified Ford Modular engine is delivered through a Tremex 3650 5 speed transmission and complemented by a precision tuned Steeda suspension system that helps deliver all that added power to the wheels while keeping the driver in total control - perfect for weekend warrior racing at tracks around America.
Overall, everyone completely enjoyed their time at the 50th Anniversary Celebration. The outstanding camaraderie, great cars, and on fast on-track experiences all made it a truly exciting manner to celebrate Mustangs first 50 years. Congratulations to Ford Motor Company and Team Mustang for providing enthusiasts an outstanding pony car for the past 50 years!
Steeda - Speed Matters