Enthusiasts were part of a special public “debut” of the highly anticipated 2010 Ford Mustang, which served as the pace car for the vintage racing field. The next-generation Mustang was outfitted in a special “camo” package, keeping some key design cues secret until its reveal later this year.
The camouflaged future version of America’s favorite muscle car looked right at home in Elkhart Lake, Wis., along with a 2009 Ford Mustang Bullitt and a 2009 Ford Fusion with a limited-edition “Blue Suede Package.”
Last Saturday marked Ford Mustang Day at Road America featuring a “Mustang Corral” along the straightaway. Every Ford Mustang and its occupants were admitted free to the Kohler International Challenge presented by Ford.
While historic race cars graced the famous race track, enthusiasts on hand also were able to get behind the wheel of some of Ford’s latest products - the 2009 Flex, Escape, Edge, Fusion, Focus coupe and other vehicles available for consumers to test drive all weekend.
The 25th anniversary of the then-highly anticipated 1983 Mustang GTP debut and its rain-soaked maiden victory was the foundation for the on-and off-track events.The Mustang GTP car that won that day was on display for the thousands of fans attending the event. The legendary car, an innovative racer that was the creation of Ford’s then newly-formed Special Vehicle Operations (SVO), was just a part of a significant Ford presence at the annual vintage event.
Also on hand during the weekend were several Ford GTs, which gave hot laps on the legendary 4.048-mile Road America course.
The final component to the Ford Mustang celebration was on-track. Four Shelby Cobras entered the Historic Grand Prix, and the Shelby drivers wore vintage late 1960’s racing attire. These Shelby entries mark the first time Shelby Automobiles joined forces with Ford to race since 1968.
