All posts by Jim Dvorak

Managing Director of SOEC since 2005. Veteran of the Southern California automotive scene. Involvement with Saleen dates back to the mid 1990s.
Press Release

SALEEN CLUB “CLEAN MACHINE” SWEEPSTAKES

SOEC logo

SALEEN CLUB ANNOUNCE “CLEAN MACHINE” SWEEPSTAKES
Teams with Car Care Provider to Expand Social Media Presence

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA – April 3, 2020 – Saleen Owners and Enthusiasts Club (SOEC) announce the “Clean Machine” photography sweepstakes – these contests aim to reward Saleen vehicle owners who participate in monthly “call for entries.”  Requirement of entry – share a spectacular photograph of a personally owned Saleen automobile. Contest venue – Facebook group SaleenClub.  Winners will receive select car care product from Mothers® Polish.

SALEEN CLUB “CLEAN MACHINE” SWEEPSTAKES

“Saleen owners are proud of their rides,” said Jim Dvorak, Managing Director of SOEC.  These monthly contests impart SOEC’s initiative to showcase both the Saleen vehicle hobby and its enduring grassroots appeal.  Mr. Dvorak expound, “We’ve had tremendous support in recent years and we consider this an incredible opportunity to award a superb car care product to our dynamic audience for their participation.”

The comprehensive range of Saleen vehicles are tantamount to outstanding performance at unparalleled value.  Achievable exotics with no compromise.  Similarly, Mothers® Polish are innovators in the car care marketplace; a company with an inclusive assortment of sophisticated product and a business philosophy to support the lifestyle of automotive hobbyists as well as the communities behind these vehicles.

Headlining an active enthusiast community; SOEC recognized this unwavering devotion towards the Saleen marque in 1991.  Their distinguished brand involvement carried the organization through three decades of supplementary owner services; while exercising continuous and direct collaboration with Saleen Automotive.

“Saleen is an iconic American lifestyle brand mutually recognized on the streets and in motorsports; custodians cherish, race and accumulate these vehicles by an elevated rate,” acknowledged David Bruno, former SOEC Club Historian.  “In highlighting all Saleen product from the past thirty-five years, we aspire to promote awareness for the array of passion within our community.”

Llorente Lacap, Social Media Coordinator of SOEC, spoke of his appraisal of The Club and recently developed media strategy:

“I think our current landscape offers a great opportunity for SOEC.  The organization encompasses all years of Saleen vehicles and holds a priceless knowledgebase of technical and historical information cataloged within The Saleen Forums (SOEC community board).  Housing over 18,000 threads with 141,000 posts; we really are THE only active Saleen enthusiast website.  Moving forward, SOEC will leverage this asset across social platforms with an aim towards promoting Saleen Automotive, supporting the fans and reinventing our long-standing affiliation with the company.”

These monthly photography sweepstakes will begin during April and continue through September 2020.  Awards, supplied by the current Mothers® Polish catalog, will comprise of assorted exterior and interior car care products.

For questions regarding the sweepstakes and the awards, contact Saleen Owners and Enthusiasts Club directly at info@soec.org. Owners from all over North America are invited to participate.

For more information on SOEC and Mothers® Polish, visit:

About Saleen Owners and Enthusiasts Club
SOEC is a North American based organization headquartered in Southern California.  Primarily focused on the support and enjoyment of high-performance automotive products from Steve Saleen.  Founded in 1991, SOEC is an officially recognized, independent organization, linking owners and fans through national events and virtual communities.  In addition to celebrating the present; SOEC chronicles, archives and provides enthusiasts a historical point of reference for prior company product.

Learn more at www.soec.org.

About Mothers®
Mothers® is known worldwide for its premium-grade polishes, waxes and cleaners, and offers a broad array of finish care products under its Back-to-Black®, California Gold®, FX, LeatherTech™, Marine, PowerBall®, Professional and Reflections® lines. Go to www.mothers.com for information on all of these products, along with a host of how to videos and car care tips in the online Mothers® Detail Guide at www.detailguide.com and the Wax Forum at http://www.waxforum.com. Follow us on FaceBook at http://www.facebook.com/mothersusa.

Click here to participate in the discussion.

[Source: Saleen Owners and Enthusiasts Club]

Enthusiast News

1987 SPEEDLAB / BONDURANT MUSTANG RACER VISITS BONHAMS AUCTION

Lot 184 // The Amelia Island Auction // March 5, 2020

1987 Ford Mustang “Racer”

1987 SPEEDLAB / BONDURANT MUSTANG
1987 SPEEDLAB / BONDURANT MUSTANG

Motorcars from the Collection of Gerhard Schnuerer
1987 Ford Mustang “Racer”
VIN: 1EABP42E3HF136822

  • 302ci V8 Engine
  • Carbureted
  • est. 400bhp at 5,500rpm
  • 5-Speed Manual Transmission
  • Front Independent Suspension – Live Rear Axle
  • 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
  • Purpose built engine
  • A track focused Fox Body Mustang
  • Thought to have been owned by Saleen

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Upon its introduction in 1979, the Fox-Body Mustang breathed fresh life into Ford’s enduring pony car. After years meandering with the Pinto based Mustang II, the Fox was unleashed from the get-go with a range topping V8 motor, unlike its predecessor. While early iterations continued the trend of speed alluding sticker packages, the Mustang now had the performance to back it up. Advancing into the high-tech 1980s, the range of fastback, notchback, and convertible body styles were supplemented by the introduction of the turbocharged 2.3 liter Lima engine. Reaching its ultimate potency in the much sought after SVO Mustang of 1984, this model superseded even the 5.0 powered GT within the Mustang Range.

With production due to carry on into the final decade of the 20th century, Ford remained diligent in keeping the aging platform up to date and competitive with its Detroit based competition. In 1987, the Fox received a facelift which served to both align the vehicle with the rest of Ford’s corporate identity and clean up the aerodynamic surfaces. The powertrain would continue to receive updates in this time and by the final model year the GT trim delivered a respectable 205hp. Available in just about any flavor an enthusiast could want, it should come as no surprise that the popularity of the Fox platform Mustang continues to grow over time.

This particular Fox has been converted into a potent racer. The car is said to have been built by Roush Racing and acquired from Saleen. Little is known about the specifics of the vehicle, but it looks to have been built with top spec components throughout. With a safety check and some light recommissioning, this beast will be sure to bring endless fun at your local track.

Footnotes

Please note, this vehicle is offered on a bill of sale.

https://www.bonhams.com/

Click here to participate in the discussion.

[Source: Bonhams]

Press Release

SALEEN GT4 CONCEPT COMPETES IN SRO WINTER INVITATIONAL RACES

High-performance automaker entered its new turbocharged mid-engine car in two professional races, January 18-19 at Thermal Club

Saleen 1 GT4 concept outperformed all vehicles in the GT4 class, while collecting data for homologation process with SRO Motorsports

THERMAL, Calif. (January 21, 2020) – The world’s newest race car designed to compete in GT4 racing made its official track debut this weekend during the second round of the Winter Invitational Series, Jan. 18-19, at the Thermal Club in the California desert.

High-performance vehicle manufacturer Saleen Automotive officially debuted its new Saleen 1 GT4 concept at two professional races, with a factory entry driven by Dominic Cicero, an experienced professional racing driver and head driving instructor at the Thermal Club.

Saleen entered the unique new racing series as an opportunity to further develop its GT4 concept while the vehicle is undergoing homologation approval process with the Stéphane Ratel Organisation (SRO), in advance of the full 2020 GT4 season.

“Our intention with entering these races was to continue development of the Saleen 1 GT4 concept and collect data to assist the homologation process with SRO,” explained Gabriele Cadringher, director of motorsport at Saleen Automotive. “We knew the car would be very competitive within the GT4 class, but the results even exceeded our expectations.”

Competing in both races while still undergoing homologation, the Saleen 1 GT4 concept outperformed every official entry in the GT4 category, while racing alongside larger displacement machines in the GT2 and GT3 classes. Saleen’s number 8 car placed sixth overall in both races over the weekend, proving the new car’s strong performance and durability.

“We’re thrilled with our results this weekend,” said Steve Saleen, CEO and founder of Saleen Automotive. “There’s no greater test for performance and reliability than a live race and seeing our car outperform the entire GT4 field at both races this weekend was gratifying after months of testing and development work. We look forward to finalizing the homologation process with SRO and seeing the Saleen 1 on the grid at racetracks worldwide.”

Saleen’s GT4 Concept was unveiled in October 2019 at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas as a dedicated racing version of the Saleen 1 production model, with updates designed to comply with GT4 series specifications. The Saleen GT4 concept features updates to the car’s front splitter and fenders, plus new advanced rear diffuser to improve aerodynamics. Per GT4 specifications, a large rear wing is included to add maximum downforce and traction. Saleen’s GT4 concept car also offers front and rear anti-lock braking systems and other GT4-specific equipment.

The Winter Invitational Series by the Stéphane Ratel Organisation (SRO) offers an excellent introduction to SRO’s various series including GT World Challenge, GT Sports Club, Pirelli GT4 America, and TC America. The series includes three events, from December 2019 through February 2020 at the Thermal Club in California. For more information on the series, visit Race.World-Challenge.com.

For more information on the Saleen Cup, visit www.SaleenCup.com. For more information on the Saleen 1 model, visit www.Saleen.com, or follow Saleen on social by using on Facebook at Facebook.com/Saleen, or by using @Saleen on Twitter and @Saleen on Instagram.

About Saleen Automotive, Inc.

Saleen is dedicated to transforming the transportation experience. For over 36 years, the California-based automotive manufacturer has redefined driving through high-performing vehicles that combine championship-winning racing pedigree with innovative technology and distinctive styling.

From the first Saleen Mustang in 1984 to the legendary S7 in 2000 and the groundbreaking new Saleen 1, company founder Steve Saleen has continually set the bar for vehicle design and performance engineering on streets and racetracks worldwide. In addition to its distinctive Saleen Signature and Saleen Original vehicle lines, Saleen offers a wide variety of technical parts, lifestyle accessories and apparel for those with a passion for performance. Learn more at www.saleen.com.

Contacts
Media Contact:
Saleen PR – Collin Whitley
cwhitley@Saleen.com

[Source: Saleen Automotive]

Press Release

LEMAY: AMERICA’S CAR MUSEUM OPENS STEVE SALEEN RETROSPECTIVE

LEMAY: AMERICA’S CAR MUSEUM OPENS STEVE SALEEN RETROSPECTIVE

Renowned Tacoma, Wash. automotive gallery unveils a year-long exhibit celebrating a legacy of racing and road cars by acclaimed racer-turned-automaker Steve Saleen

“Saleen: A Journey from the Heart of a Racer to America’s Supercar” features 17 historic vehicles, including early race cars, Saleen Mustangs, S7 supercar, S1 and more

TACOMA, Wash. (Nov. 20, 2019) — For the next 12 months, racing fans, high-performance car buffs and other automotive enthusiasts can get up-close and personal with historic vehicles and articles from a true American automotive legend – all at a world-class museum facility in the Pacific Northwest.

On Saturday, Nov. 16, LeMay: America’s Auto Museum (ACM) in Tacoma, Wash. opened the facility’s first year-long lifetime retrospective dedicated to a single automotive personality – internationally acclaimed racer-turned-vehicle manufacturer Steve Saleen, and his Corona, Calif.-based company, Saleen Automotive.

The exhibit, “Saleen: A Journey from the Heart of a Racer to America’s Supercar” offers visitors a unique display of Steve Saleen’s rich automotive history, spanning over four decades. Visitors can enjoy a variety of historic vehicles on display, including Steve Saleen’s personal racing machines, early Saleen Mustangs, the Saleen S7 (considered America’s first supercar), and examples of the company’s new Saleen 1 midengine turbocharged sports car and recently unveiled Saleen 1 GT4 concept race car. The exhibit initially features 17 Saleen vehicles, with additional cars rotating into the exhibit throughout the year-long display.

  • 1976 March B Formula Atlantic race car driven by Steve Saleen
  • 1984 Saleen Mustang
  • 1987 Saleen Mustang race car
  • 1988 March Indy Race Car driven by Steve Saleen
  • 1990 Saleen Race Truck (winner of the SCCA RaceTruck
  • Challenge)
  • 1995 Saleen S351 Mustang
  • 1996 Saleen Mustang SCCA T1 race car
  • 2003 Saleen S7 supercar featured in the film “Bruce Almighty”
  • 2003 Saleen SA-20 Mustang
  • 2005 Ford GT (engineered and manufactured by Saleen under contract to Ford)
  • 2005 Saleen Mustang featured as police Decepticon Barricade in “Transformers” (2007)
  • 2007 Saleen S281 Mustang in “Molly Pop” hot pink
  • 2014 Saleen SA-30 Mustang
  • 2015 Saleen S302 Mustang “Black Label”
  • 2020 Saleen Sportruck XR
  • 2020 Saleen 1 sports car (street version)
  • 2020 Saleen 1 GT4 concept race car

The Saleen exhibit at ACM officially opened to the public on Saturday with a ‘Saleen and Caffeine’ event that invited visitors to meet Steve Saleen and enjoy a guided tour of the display. The exhibit opened to record attendance on Saturday morning, with Saleen owners and enthusiasts across the Pacific Northwest gathering for the event.

“It’s an honor to stand here in America’s Car Museum’s beautiful facilities with vehicles representing over four decades of my life and career,” said Steve Saleen, founder and CEO of Saleen Automotive. “I’m proud of our past achievements, but I also look forward to continuing our legacy into the future with unique new Saleen vehicles and a global presence in motorsports.”

In addition to showcasing the uniquely American automotive brand, the “Saleen: A Journey from the Heart of a Racer to America’s Supercar” exhibit aims to inspire the public with Steve Saleen’s illustrious career in automotive engineering, design and manufacturing.

“This is more than a chance for the community to get up close to some of the most extraordinary cars in the world,” said ACM CEO Jennifer Maher. “This is also an opportunity for young people to see that there’s a clear career path in automotive technology and people like Steve Saleen are the role models.”

For more information on “Saleen: A Journey from the Heart of a Racer to America’s Supercar” and to purchase tickets visit: www.AmericasCarMuseum.org.

For more details on Saleen Automotive and Steve Saleen, visit www.Saleen.com, or follow Saleen on social by using on Facebook at Facebook.com/Saleen , or by using @Saleen on Twitter and @Saleen on Instagram.

About Saleen Automotive, Inc.

Saleen is dedicated to transforming the transportation experience. For over 35 years, the California-based automotive manufacturer has redefined driving through high-performing vehicles that combine championship-winning racing pedigree with innovative technology and distinctive styling.

From the first Saleen Mustang in 1984 to the legendary S7 in 2000 and the groundbreaking new Saleen 1, company founder Steve Saleen has continually set the bar for vehicle design and performance engineering on streets and racetracks worldwide. In addition to its distinctive Saleen Signature and Saleen Original vehicle lines, Saleen offers a wide variety of technical parts, lifestyle accessories and apparel for those with a passion for performance. Learn more at www.saleen.com.

About LeMay – America’s Car Museum

America’s Car Museum (ACM), a member of America’s Automotive Trust, is an international destination for families and auto enthusiasts to celebrate America’s love affair with the automobile and learn how it shaped our society. Based in Tacoma, Wash., the stunning 165,000-sq.-ft. facility has been recognized as one of MSN’s 10 Best Automotive Museums worldwide, USA Today’s 10 Best Museums in Seattle and KING5’s Best Museum in Western Washington. ACM serves as an educational center for students of all ages, features 12 rotating exhibits and hosts AAT’s annual Signature Events. For more information, visit www.americascarmusueum.org.

Contacts
Media Contact:
Saleen PR – Collin Whitley
cwhitley@Saleen.com

Click here to participate in the discussion.

[Source: Saleen Automotive]

Event Announcement

AN INTIMATE DINNER WITH STEVE SALEEN, NOV. 15, 2019

DATE: November 15 at 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Steve Saleen

Experience a truly rare, intimate evening with a nationally acclaimed racer-turned-manufacturer Steve Saleen. In a unique dinner setting surrounded by a legacy of racing history and road cars. This is an opportunity to get up close with one of the leading automobile craftsmen while enjoying a four-course tasting menu with top-tier wine pairings by Hedges Family Estate.

Member: $125
Non-Member: $150
Tickets are limited to 75 guests.

PURCHASE TICKETS

MENU

Curated Autumn Dinner by Executive Chef Chef Hudson Slater of Asado Cucina Argentina and Hedges Family Estate.

– 1ST COURSE –
Brown butter carrots, onion soubise, pickled celery, mirepoix salad, carrot gastrique, scallion oil.

– 2ND COURSE –
Pear Salad
Sliced pear, arugula, watercress, fennel, gorgonzola crumble, spiced pecan, poached pear vinaigrette.

– 3RD COURSE –
Filet Mignon
Parsnip & celery root purée, broccolini, fig rosemary demi.

– DESSERT COURSE –
Dark Chocolate Paté
Port caramelized plantains, candied cranberries, pecan crumble, Chantilly cream.

More information:
https://www.americascarmuseum.org/

[Source: LeMay: America’s Car Museum]

Motorsports News

SALEEN CUP 2019 SEASON PHOTO RECAP

From our friends at Saleen Automotive

This weekend was an amazing finish to the first ever Saleen Cup. Here are some of our favorite images from the series.

Click here to participate in the discussion.

[Source: Saleen Automotive]

Motorsports News

INAUGURAL SALEEN CUP SEASON COMES TO A CLOSE

From our friends at Saleen Automotive

CONGRATULATIONS to all for the completion of the year the #saleencup! Paul Terry has officially sealed his position as champion of the inaugural season! Here’s how the final race played out:

Pro/Am:
1. Johan Schwartz/Bryce Miller
2. Paul Terry
3. Lawrence Loshak/ Eric Powell

Young:
1. Carter Fartuch
2. Lindsey Brewer/Zoey Edenholm
3. Austin Riley

We can’t wait until next season!

Click here to participate in the discussion.

[Source: Saleen Automotive]