SPEED™ to GIVE AWAY ONE-OF-A-KIND, 800+ HORSEPOWER 2013 SHELBY GT500 MUSTANG

LIVE BARRETT-JACKSON COVERAGE FULLY INTERACTIVE LED BY HAGERTY FANTASY BID & SPEED SOCIAL GARAGE

        An all-black, one-of-a-kind, 800+ horsepower 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang HFB Special Edition is this year’s Hagerty Fantasy Bid giveaway grand prize, a part of SPEED’s 39 hours of live coverage from the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event and Auction in Scottsdale, Ariz. that starts Tuesday, Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

            Game play begins Thursday, Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and lasts through Sunday, Jan. 20 with 28 fantasy bid cars selected to cross the block throughout the weekend.

            It’s easy to enter, as any Hagerty Fantasy Bid contestant who places a fantasy bid is automatically eligible for the giveaway Mustang (sign-up information below). A random drawing from all fantasy bid entries throughout the four days of competition determines the winner, which concludes on Sunday, Jan. 20.

            As with each Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event and Auction on SPEED, fantasy bidding is only a portion of the interactive and digital opportunities throughout any one of these live auction events. The SPEED Social Garage, live streaming video, live blogging, photo galleries and SPEED.com’s up-to-the-minute coverage of the market and trend lines offer the audience a unique two-screen experience.

            “How phenomenal is it that Ford was able to top last year’s incredible one-of-one Shelby giveaway,” said Rick Miner, SPEED SVP of Production, Network Operations & Executive Producer of Barrett-Jackson. “I’m thinking about quitting my job just so I can enter the contest.”

            Besides its jaw-dropping horsepower numbers, the Shelby GT500 HFB Special Edition is loaded with performance and aesthetic upgrades. A full Ford Racing lowering kit, Hydraulic Hood struts and Shelby Wheel Company’s Nitto 20x9.5 front and 20x11 Drag Radial rear tires gives it one mean profile.

            Interior-wise; the custom-made front and rear seats feature black suede inserts, black carbon fiber stripes and blue stitching all combining for an attractive outward appeal, while still maintaining Ford’s firm, yet comfortable, driver support structure.

            Full-length stainless steel headers with high-flow catalytic converters, a Borla exhaust system, high-flow air filter and an Ice Nine modified air intake (adding 30 bhp) all increases efficiency, power and enhances the sound of this enticing package.

           

            Adding to the overall look is W2 Graphics’ flat black stripe kit, RTR’s rear license plate surround and Ice Nine’s side splitters and smoked lens kit. Also included are a custom billet antenna, 3D carbon fender scoops, custom quarter window scoops, quarter panel scoops, billet aluminum Hagerty Fantasy Bid badging and a laser etched, Hagerty logoed gas cap that signifies a Special Edition Mustang.

            On the interactive side, one can join the Barrett-Jackson conversation through the SPEED Social Garage located athttp://www.speedtv.com/programs/barrett-jackson-automobile-auction/barrett-jackson-social-garage or via Twitter by using the ‘#BJA2013’ hash tag and @BarrettOnSPEED handle.

BARRETT-JACKSON TO SELL RARE ‘67 SHELBY GT500 SURVIVOR CAR AT NO RESERVE AT UPCOMING SCOTTSDALE AUCTION

One of the rarest Shelby Mustangs in the world, a survivor ’67 GT500 (Lot  5024) will be sold at No Reserve during the 2013 Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Ariz., on January 19, 2013. With only 9,841 miles on the odometer, it may be the lowest mileage ‘67 GT500 in existence.   

The Shelby is owned by Stephen Becker, president and CEO of Planet Cobra. He specializes in offering 1965 – 1970 Shelby Mustangs to clients internationally. He and Shelby expert Jim Cowles will be on-site to answer questions about the car and meet with individuals and discuss the vintage Shelby market.

“This car was one of the first GT500’s ever produced by Shelby American,” said Becker. “From its design and performance to its heritage and history, there’s truly nothing like it. It is a testament to the uniqueness of this special survivor Shelby that Barrett-Jackson will feature it as they honor Carroll Shelby this year.”

Barrett-Jackson plans to honor the late Mr. Shelby, who died in May 2012, with a party commemorating what would have been his 90^th birthday on January 11. From the gala to an amazing group of the most desirable Shelby cars that will cross the block, the Scottsdale event will honor the automotive legend.

“Carroll Shelby was an American icon whose influence will continue to shape the automotive landscape for years,” stated Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “The’67 Shelby GT500’s were a major milestone for Shelby American with its big block power and larger platform. Low-mileage survivor cars like this one from Stephen Becker, who is a recognized Shelby expert, are often cited as desirable collectibles. Not only do they provide a way to keep Carroll Shelby’s legacy alive, they are important pieces of history.”

The car has an intriguing history. In 1966, Edward Milkos decided to order the ’67 Shelby for drag racing.  After the car was delivered on February 27, 1967, he spent the next two years competing in races. Unfortunately, his amateur racing career ended when he suffered a serious injury. By the time Milkos healed, fuel prices had raised dramatically and the car was stored in his basement.

Thirty years later, Milkos traded in the Shelby for a late model car. This GT500 is a Nightmist Blue with black interior, a color combination highly desired by collectors. It is loaded with a 428 Police Interceptor engine and a dual four-barrel carburetion. The car has its original paint, wheel, tires and drive-train. It includes all original documentation including New Jersey license plates and a 1970 inspection sticker.

Displayed at the Shelby Headquarters in Las Vegas, the GT500 went on tour in 2010. It was one of 20 vehicles invited to the Shelby tribute at the Quail in Monterey and appeared at the SAAC convention.

“This original, unrestored, well documented, all-matching numbers vehicle is one of the rarest Shelby’s ever built,” noted Becker. “This low mileage Shelby still has its original engine, transmission and rear end. I hope that it will go to someone who will understand and appreciate its value. It would certainly be the crown jewel of any collection.”

Planet Cobra is the most trusted resource for buying and selling genuine Shelby’s today. The company has been in the business for over 30 years and has access to unlimited contacts, databases and insider information that can help enthusiasts buy or sell a Shelby Cobra or Mustang at the best possible price.

Stephen Becker, well-known and respected Shelby expert, is one of the most prolific authorities on Shelby vehicles. His expertise and in-depth knowledge has been tapped by clients to purchase, consign and restore original Shelbys. Becker has been retained by key auto groups and leaders to authenticate and value Shelby cars. More information is available at www.goplanetcobra.com

Kenny Brown Light-Weight Radiator Core Support for 2005-2013 Mustang and Shelby GT500

Kenny Brown has released his NEW Light-Weight Radiator Core Support designed to fit all 2005-2013 Mustangs, Boss 302 and Shelby GT500.  The new core support is another addition to Kenny's popular AGS 4.0 line of chassis and suspension components designed to add strength and reduce weight.

“Our new Light-Weight Radiator Core Support is another product of our GT-4 Mustang development program, according to Kenny Brown.  It's another great way to shed a few pounds on the front of the car and gain some strength for the track, but we also designed it for street use so all of the factory bracing and sway bar brackets fit through 2013".

The Light-Weight Radiator Core Support is designed to replace the factory component and is a bolt-on part that requires no modifications.  The new core support also allows for use of the factory support bracing used on 2011-2013 model Mustangs, equipped with electronic steering. Tubular design also allows for a considerable reduction in weight over the factory stamped steel support, and helps to further improve the weight balance of the car.  The assembly is manufactured from high-grade steel, finished in a durable powder coating, and includes all required hardware.

Kenny Brown Performance News - Light-Weight Tubular K-Member

Kenny Brown has released his NEW Light-Weight Tubular K-Member designed to fit all 2005-2013 Mustangs, Boss 302 and Shelby GT500.  The addition of this new K-member makes the AGS 4.0 Suspension System a complete solution, and allows you to upgrade all of the factory components adding strength and reducing weight at the same time.

“Our new Light-Weight Tubular K-Member is derived from both our GT-4 Mustang development and professional racing programs, which are a segway to several new suspension innovations we plan to release in the next year, according to Kenny Brown.  The K-member is also currently being used on Mustangs in NASA American Iron and the Pirelli World Challenge racing series, where we have spent the first half of the year developing and validating it as part of the new AGS 4.0 Suspension we offer for street and racing applications".

Kenny’s newest version of the AGS 4.0 Suspension System offers completely re-engineered and racing-inspired suspension geometry, plus a significant reduction in weight through the new K-member and front lower control arm modules.  The extended performance benefits are improved roll center, increased anti-dive, and modified camber/toe curve all of which go a long way in improving the overall driving dynamics.

The Light-Weight Tubular K-Member is designed to replace the factory unit and is a bolt-on component that uses OEM mounting points.  The new K-member also allows for use of the factory core support support brace used on 2011-2013 model Mustangs, and optional load support braces found on most 2005-2013 Shelby GT500 models.  The K-member is exclusively designed to be used with Kenny Brown 2005-2013 Front Lower Control Arm Modules and works with all 4.6L 3V, 5.0L Coyote, and 5.4L 4V engines.  The entire assembly is manufactured from high-grade steel, finished in a durable powder coating, and includes all required hardware.

The Light-Weight Tubular K-Member for 2005-2013 Mustang, Boss 302 and Shelby GT500 along with other world-class chassis and suspension components for the popular S197 platform are available through authorized Kenny Brown Performance Parts Dealers, online at www.kennybrown.com or by calling Kenny Brown Performance direct – (855) 847-4477.

NHRA FACTORY STOCK SHOWDOWN ADDED TO MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS LINEUP

NHRA has announced the formation of the NHRA Factory Stock Showdown at the 2012 Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis, Aug. 29-Sept. 3, adding even more excitement to the biggest, richest and most prestigious drag race in the world. The NHRA Factory Stock Showdown is a competition designed to showcase the Ford Mustang Cobra Jet, Dodge Mopar Challenger Drag Pak, and Chevrolet COPO Camaro. 


The program will feature '08 and newer models. Competition will be run heads-up as a class within NHRA Stock eliminations. Early rounds of eliminations in the NHRA Factory Stock Showdown will take place Thursday, Aug. 30. The final four cars in competition will run Friday, Aug. 31, in conjunction with the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series qualifying sessions. An NHRA Wally will be awarded to the winner of the NHRA Factory Stock Showdown. All participants in the NHRA Factory Stock Showdown will still be able to run in the national event eliminator.

HRML Podcast Update: June 9th Broadcast

This weeks Hot Rod Magazine Live is jam packed with great guest and event news. First Mike Davidson from the 27th annual "Classic at Pismo Beach Car Show" stops by to share news about this terrific event. Then Fords Jim Owens Shelby/Boss Mustang marketing manager help spred the news on the 2013 Shelby GT500. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

The Circle Track hour is a crazy pinball ride. First Dennis talks to the crew from HOT ROD Magazine about the 18th annual Power Tour and then John Luft from Shelby American grabs a microphone to share his take on the future of the company after the loss of Mr. Shelby. To close the show we review the 2012 BMW 650i. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

2013 Shelby GT500 Goes for 200 MPH at Italy's Nardò Ring

The 2013 Shelby GT500 is the fastest Mustang production car ever made, and to prove it, SVT took one to the Nardò Ring in Italy. SVT Lead Functional Engineer Kerry Baldori tells us about the challenges of making the car do 200 MPH reliably and safely. CLICK HERE TO WATCH! 

Vaughn Gittin Jr. working his way up the points ladder at Formula Drift Rd. 3 Palm Beach

Vaughn Gittin Jr. and Formula Drift returned to Palm Beach International Raceway over the weekend for the second consecutive year in a row. With a new course design this year, Vaughn and the Monster Energy Falken Tire Ford Mustang RTR qualified in 1st place, and fought hard to take 5th place overall at Round Three.

The stands were packed for Saturday’s main event; with an increase in attendance compared to 2011 and 200,000 viewers tuning in live via the Driftstream. After beating out Matt Field in his top 32 battle, Vaughn took full advantage of the hour-long “Half Time” break to chat and snap pictures with fans over at the Falken Tire pits, have some fun racing the HPI RC replica of his Monster Energy Falken Tire RTR against other remote control enthusiasts, as well as toss out swag over at the Exedy Clutches booth.

Back on the track, Vaughn was matched with Michael Essa for his battle of the Sweet Sixteen. Vaughn led first, blasting through the course and making use of the entire track as the judges had specified during the drivers meeting. Essa would take a more shallow line in order to try to pull closer to the speedy Mustang.

Vaughn gave chase next, remembering that Essa had been killing it on the entries throughout the weekend, and to be prepared for anything. Prepared he was as Essa threw it in with crazy angle and VGJR did not let up and continued chasing hard. But Essa was unable to hold it and unfortunately resulted in a spin, as Vaughn eased past his competitor finishing out his run beautifully. Watch the VIDEO of the battle of Vaughn verses Michael Essa.

Vaughn moved on to face his Falken Tire/ Autosport Dynamics/ Ford Racing/ Mustang RTR teammate Justin (JTP) Pawlak in the Great Eight. This was no doubt a highly anticipated battle for both the two competitors as well as their fans. Being the higher qualifier, Vaughn would lead first. He had another amazing lead run, with JTP pushing to stay with him throughout the course. JTP however, was unable to keep it up and lost drift going into the last clipping point.

When it was Vaughn’s turn to give chase, he followed JTP in and remained glued to his fellow Mustang RTR competitor throughout the course. The judges could not come to a decision and decided that a One More Time was needed. Watch the VIDEO of VGJR and JTP’s first pair of runs.

For their OMT battle, neither “BroStang” driver was backing down, as Vaughn led first with an amazing run as JTP aggressively hunted him down through every turn. When it was Vaughn’s turn to give chase, he pushed hard at initiation with intense angle behind his competitor and made slight contact, unfortunately breaking a tie-rod and causing him to spin. Watch the VIDEO of their OMT battle.

“I am really pumped on the weekend overall,” says Vaughn Gittin Jr. “We worked hard to get our Mustang dialed and brought home first place qualifying position and fifth place overall along with some much needed points. This Championship isn't over and we plan to continue clawing our way back up to the top where we belong!”

With his respectable 5th place event finish, Vaughn moves up to 9th place overall in the Formula Drift Championship. Next up for Vaughn on the FD circuit is Round 4 at Wall Speedway in New Jersey. He plans to continue pushing hard in hopes of a podium finish and working his way up ladder in the FD points chase.

Kenny Brown Launches New AGS 4.0 Suspension Technical and Installation Video Series

Kenny Brown Performance has just released their new AGS 4.0 Suspension video series on the Kenny Brown website at www.kennybrown.com.  Kenny's new AGS 4.0 Suspension is quickly becoming standard equipment on many championship and race winning 2005-2013 Mustangs campaigning across the country in both amateur and professional racing series.  His road-going version of the system is also gaining considerable popularity with Mustang, GT500, and Boss 302 owners who are looking for the best hardware available for aggressive street driving and open-track days.

In the eight-part video series designed to educate consumers and wholesale customers, you will learn everything you ever wanted to know about the individual components and the complete system.  Two opening videos explain the philosophy and evolution of Kenny Brown Advanced Geometry Suspensions, complete with a technical overview of the newest AGS 4.0 Suspension.  Six technical installation videos highlight the fitment of the individual components on a new Shelby GT500, and provide valuable insight as to what each component offers the end-user, and how many of the parts are designed to work in harmony.

The AGS 4.0 Suspension is also standard equipment on all of Kenny's new GT-4 "Super Mustangs", which are just now making their way into the specialty vehicle marketplace.  Over the long Memorial Day weekend several enthusiasts and racers were able to get up close and personal with Kenny's flagship GT-4RS Mustang at Sebring International Raceway.  Those attendees were also able to get a sneak preview of the complete video series, and a few lucky people were even able to experience the suspension first-hand from the passenger's seat with Kenny behind the wheel.  Of the cars in attendance at the event, several Mustangs ranging from early fox-body all the way through to new 2013 Boss 302 showed up at the track equipped with Kenny Brown hardware or complete AGS 4.0 Suspension systems, and they put on a great show.

As the year progresses, the Kenny Brown Performance crew will be participating in several open-track and enthusiast events and conducting short seminars on the basics of chassis and suspension tuning.  Mustang owners will get the view the videos as part of the presentation and engage Kenny one-on-one in special question and answer sessions.  As Kenny continues to re-build his parts and vehicle manufacturing companies, you can expect to see a host of technical videos and complete video series highlighting his new range of chassis and suspension components, and some awesome video productions showcasing his new range of GT-4 "Super Mustangs".

The learn more about the video series and view each of the eight productions, visit http://kennybrown.com/ags-40-gt-4-suspension-system-1 and click on the "Video" tab.  All of the YouTube videos are embedded on the page making it simple and easy to view each clip on one standardized platform, Kenny Brown TV.  In this special "AGS 4.0 Technical" section you can also view images of the individual components or complete system, read an overview of the suspension as a whole, and see technical information on each component that makes up the complete AGS 4.0 solution.  Once you have learned everything you need to know, you can navigate to the Kenny Brown shopping cart and purchase or review sales related information for the components and systems, or look for an authorized dealer/installer who can assist you with upgrades.