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

GIRLS ON THE RUN!

Muscle cars, cross country rallying and epic driving adventures. If you think a coast to coast drive, fuelled by a $1 million prize fund and legendary parties are the domain of the male of the species, The Great American Run is about to prove you wrong.

In an entry quota of 200, Ashley and Aimee Perlinger are the sole female entrants for the rally against time which begins along the east coast of America this July. Promising white hot action from start line to chequered flag, The Great American Run breezes through destinations including New Orleans, Indianapolis, San Antonio and Las Vegas.

Petrol heads and driving aficionados, hardcore racing fans and first time rally racers – all will spin their wheels in an attempt to travel the 3000 mile route in the time closest to that set by the event organisers. Entrants can choose to start from the sunshine state of Miami, FL or take in the hustle and bustle of New York City, NY.

The Perlingers may be newcomers to motor sport, but they’re not phased by the thought of taking on 399 men. “The distraction factor is key and I believe we have that in the bag!,” says Ashley. “Unless the male teams are wearing blinders, they will be distracted by the Perlinger gals… And if they are wearing blinders, well then we are sure to have the advantage. We are both extremely competitive by design – so experienced or not, watch out!”

With all entrants competing for a limited edition Saleen Ultimate Bad Boy Mustang, title honours and automatic entrance into next years one million dollar event, the Great American Run is about enthusiasm and spirit. As veteran Cannonball Run entrant and The Great American Run organizer, Tim Porter says, “It doesn’t matter what you drive, a Lamborghini or Lincoln, Ferrari or Ford, Mini or Maybach – it’s not the metal that counts but the spirit you bring with it.”

The all-girl squad will be traversing the 3000 mile route in style. Their Bentley GT sports car with 552 horsepower is being prepared by Matt Crandall at GranPrix Imports, Oregon. As well as the usual assortment of GPS and radar detection systems, the girls are planning a full aural assault with driving tunes selected especially for the adventure. “We’ve spent time over the last year or so cruising around together but haven’t had the chance to take part in any test sessions,” says Aimee. “We figure if we’re going to be sat in a car going across country, we should do it in style and do it in a Bentley.”

Speaking of style, sibling rivalry has been put aside when it comes to agreeing on the best leg of the six day tour. “Vegas Baby!” confirms Aimee. “The leg from Vegas to LA is what we are drooling about. Vegas, enough said – guaranteed great time! Driving from Vegas to LA, the anticipation, the desert, the eventual win… we can’t wait.”

Following in the wheel tracks of the world famous Cannonball Run, the Great American Run is the first event of its kind in the United States and will make history when the lights go green at each starting city on 29 July.

For Ashley and Aimee, the challenge will not be getting to the finish line but keeping their competitive natures under control within the tight confines of their Bentley sportscar. “The right mix of crazy and conservative is the trick,” notes Ashley.

While they haven’t been putting in the hours on the track, the sisters have become familiar sights in their local gyms and think their preparation will give them the edge. For Aimee, her workout sessions will help with her next mission, also being carried out for sponsor Fluge Global

Adventures. “Flugle Global is giving me a spot on their Everest Team,” confirms Aimee. “I will be trekking to Base Camp in October, so working out has become an essential part of each day for me.”

The winner of The Great American Run 2007 will not necessarily be the car first past the flag.

The Saleen Ultimate Bad Boy Mustang and event title will go to the driver or team posting an overall time nearest to that set The Cannonball Run crew. Adding to the excitement, the competitors will be challenged en-route by a series of checkpoints and unexpected detours on their way to Las Vegas, a track day at Willow Springs Raceway and final group run to Los Angeles.

For sales information, to reserve your place or for sponsorship details, contact Jo Groome. Tel: +44 1403 276191 or email: info@cannonballworld.com. Alternatively, call toll free in the USA: 800-619-8593

Editors Note:

The Great American Run is organized by Cannonball Run World Events Ltd. Please direct all press queries to Rebecca Appleton. Tel +44 208 123 5178 or email Rebecca@topposition.co.uk.

High resolution images, editorial comment, archived press information and interviews are available on request. These can also be downloaded online from www.thegreatamericanrun.com

Press Release

THE GREAT AMERICAN RUN TESTING BEGINS

The very first limited edition Ultimate Saleen Bad Boy Mustang to roll off the production line has made its public debut with the initial test session for July’s Cannonball World Events Great American Run.

Participant Nick Fluge and event organiser Tim ‘Maverick’ Porter put the liveried machine through its paces at Willow Springs Raceway. The duo spent the day getting a general feel for the car and its performance capabilities.

“Testing was great,” enthused Fluge. “It was great to see the Saleen that Tim helped design to finally break cover in its full race colours. The day itself was very productive from a performance perspective, it handles extremely well and more than surpassed my expectations.

“The car is almost 100% ready but will receive a little TLC and more testing ahead of the July 29 start. In particular I am planning a few tricks with regard to advanced radar detection and GPS systems.”

Speaking trackside, Tim Porter commented that, “The first session on track was absolutely superb. Running alongside a circuit full of other Mustangs was fantastic. The ‘Bad Boy’ Mustang outperformed all comers and drove without a hitch all day. I think this car will surprise many; it certainly exceeded my expectations and handled extremely well.”

Set to be the largest car event in North America, The Great American Run is a week long epic race across America. Strictly limited to 400 drivers, the participants will set off from four different destinations and ultimately meet in Los Angeles. Based on the European Cannonball Run, each route will span approximately the same distance, converging in Las Vegas before taking in a high-octane track day at Willow Springs Raceway and travelling together to LA for the event finale.

A target time has been set for each stage of the event (achievable without breaking the speed limits), and the winner of the event will be the drivers of the car that get the closest overall time. The victorious team will be announced at the Final Night Gala Dinner in Los Angeles, CA and will take the World Title, the trophy and free entry in to the next event to defend their crown.

To reserve your place for the adventure of a lifetime, visit www.thegreatamericanrun.com

Editors Note: Please direct all press queries to Rebecca Appleton. Tel +44 208 123 5178 or email Rebecca@topposition.co.uk. High resolution images, editorial comment, archived press information and interviews are available on request.

Press Release

SALEEN SIGNS ON AS TITLE SPONSOR OF AMERICA’S LARGEST ROAD RALLY

“THE GREAT AMERICAN RUN”
~ Winner Takes Home a New Saleen S281 “Extreme” ~

IRVINE, CALIF. – Saleen Inc., manufacturer of the world’s fastest production car – the Saleen S7 – today announced it will be sponsoring the world’s largest road rally: “The Great AmericanRun.” This event marks the state-side arrival of Europe’s most famous road rally taking place July 29 – August 4, 2007. To celebrate the inaugural U.S. rally, Saleen Inc. has been commissioned by Cannonball Run World Events, Inc. (CRWE) to uniquely modify 25 stock Saleen S281 “Extreme” Mustangs with an additional 50 horsepower (aftermarket upgrade*), and identical black-on-black paint and graphics packages. CRWE has reserved one of the modified 600 horsepower “Extremes” for the winner of the event.

On July 29, 2007, 400 cars will start from four originating cities: Washington D.C., New York, Atlanta and Miami, to embark on a 3000 mile coast-to-coast free-for-all. Each night, entrants will enjoy luxury hotel accommodations at four star hotels and extravagant parties. Each of the cars will ultimately regroup in Las Vegas, where the remaining drivers will gather for the final leg of the rally to Los Angeles for the event’s award ceremony and track day at the historic Willow Springs Raceway.

“Saleen is proud to support an event of this magnitude that brings together all types of enthusiasts and all types of performance cars – foreign and domestic – in a fun and safe environment,” said Steve Saleen, founder of Saleen Inc. “Our mission is not just about building the highest performance cars in the world, but also about building opportunities for car enthusiasts to share great experiences with each other. The Great American Run will be an experience enthusiasts will talk about for years to come.”

CRWE is well known for developing safe and fun events with a track record of seven successful rallies. In fact, the object of the rally is not who can reach the final destination first, but rather who can most closely attain an average speed of 61 mph over the 3000 mile route.

“Safety is paramount to this event, and in the previous five years and seven events held in Europe, we have never had a serious accident,” said Tim Porter, chief executive officer of Cannonball Run World Events. “We believe that this is due to the way we police our events with very strict rules. The object is to complete the course with an average speed at or below the national speed limit, rather than racing to be the first car to arrive.”

25 “EXTREME” CARS FOR RALLY ENTRANTS

The 2007 Saleen S281 “Extreme” is quickly becoming known as the world’s fastest production Mustang. With 550 horsepower, 525 lb-ft of torque, Saleen’s patented Racecraft suspension, close-ratio six-speed transmission, 4:10 rear gearing with a Maxgrip differential, high-flow cooling system, 15” slotted and vented disc brake system, and numerous additional internal and external performance enhancements; the “Extreme” rivals all competitors in the high-performance sports car world, including the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Ferrari 430, Porsche 911 Carrera and the Dodge Viper SRT-10.

For the “Great American Run,” CRWE will be commissioning Saleen, Inc. to modify 25 stock Saleen S281 “Extremes” and having them converted to 600 horsepower, with aftermarket options available soon through the Saleen SpeedLab®. CRWE has named this exclusive collection of cars “The Ultimate Bad Boy Edition” and will only make them available to race entrants.

The 550 horsepower Saleen S281 “Extreme” is currently available for purchase at “The Saleen Store” and Saleen Certified Dealers for those not participating in the event. Visit www.saleen.com for further product and dealer information.

Saleen S281 Extreme “Ultimate Bad Boy Edition” vehicles are all equipped the same:

2007 Black Saleen S281 Extreme
Aftermarket options include:

  • Forged 5-spoke, one-piece wheels (painted black)
  • 50 Horsepower upgrade* – VOIDS WARRANTY (Aftermarket option available mid-year 2007 as a Saleen SpeedLab product)
  • Numbered gold plaque (provided by CRWE) (Buyers may add upgrades – i.e. scenic roof, tires, stereo system, etc.)
  • Official “Great American Run decals (provided by CRWE)

For more information regarding “The Great American Run” or Cannonball Run World Events, please contact 1-800-619-8593 or visit cannonballworld.com.

ABOUT SALEEN

Since the company’s inception in 1984, Saleen has produced over 12,000 complete and EPAcertified vehicles, more than any other specialty automobile manufacturer. In addition, Saleen has equipped more than 600,000 vehicles worldwide, further emphasizing their commitment to excellence.

A nine-time Manufacturers’ Champion in GT sports car racing, Saleen manufactures the American super car — the Saleen S7, as well as the S281 Mustang, S331 Sport Truck and the Saleen/Parnelli Jones Limited Edition Mustang. Saleen’s manufacturing facilities are located in Irvine, California and Troy, Michigan. The Michigan facility has just completed all paint and assembly of the Ford GT as a special project for Ford Motor Company.

* Horsepower upgrades are only available on an aftermarket basis and void the manufacturer’s warranty on the vehicle. Customer is responsible for all emission compliance on any aftermarket powertrain modifications. The 550 horsepower Saleen Extreme is fully emissions compliant. Saleen makes no representation as to the emissions compliance of any vehicles modified by CRWE.

Enthusiast News

RACER AND CAR BUILDER STEVE SALEEN RESIGNS

Racer and Car Builder Steve Saleen Resigns from the Company that Bears His Name

May 15, 2007

More than 23 years ago, Steve Saleen founded a modest company that would produce specialty Mustangs much like those of Carroll Shelby before him — improving on the popular platform that Ford provided and creating a unique brand based on racing heritage and an exclusive image offering handling and performance and style. The slogan would be appropo — Power in the Hands of a Few.

Cheers to you, Steve — and to the vision you’ve had for the Pony Cars and Super Cars that you’ve brought to us over the years — and for those rolling works of art that hopefully you will continue to inspire in the future!

Click here to participate in the discussion.

Press Release

THE GREAT AMERICAN RUN ANNOUNCES $1 MILLION BOUNTY!

The Cannonball World Series has today announced that entrants signing up for July’s Great American Run will have the chance to walk away with the largest prize in road racing – a cool $1 million.

Already set to be one of the greatest car events of the decade, the stateside spectacular will see this year’s winner take home a brand new limited edition Saleen ‘Bad Boy’ Mustang and automatic entrance into next year’s rally. The one million dollar fund will be paid out to the winner of the 2008 epic.

“We still have a few spaces remaining for drivers and teams wishing to take part in this summer’s road rally,” confirms Tim Porter, event organiser. “The victorious pairing will be granted admission to defend their crown next year and earn their shot at our mammoth prize fund.”

The largest ever cash reward offered for non-professional drivers, the Great American Run million dollar bounty is destined for the competitor successfully navigating more than three thousand miles of the American road network in the time closest to the benchmark set by the Cannonball World Series Events crew.

Based on the legendary Hollywood movie, the Great American Run follows the same format as the ultra-successful European Cannonball Run. With four starting cities, four hundred muscle cars and a six day drive, entrants slug it out on a coast to coast cavalcade which takes them through some of the finest scenery in the United States.

“The Great American Run is set to follow in the wheel tracks of some of the most epic car rallies seen on European tarmac,” says Tim Porter. “Larger than life with muscle cars and show cars, entrepreneurs and life-long friends, it’s not the taking part that counts in the Great American Run, it’s the spirit with which you compete!”

The 2007 Great American Run begins on July 29 in Miami, FL; Atlanta, GA; Washington D.C. and New York City, NY. One hundred drivers will set off from each destination before converging in Las Vegas. Following an all-comers high-octane track day at Willow Springs Raceway, the cavalcade of cars will then travel together to Los Angeles for the event finale.

To reserve your place for The Great American Run, visit www.thegreatamericanrun.com

For sales information, to reserve your place or for sponsorship details, contact Jo Groome.

Tel: +44 1403 276191 or email: info@cannonballworld.com. Alternatively, call toll free in the USA: 800-619-8593

Editors Note:

Please direct all press queries to Rebecca Appleton. Tel +44 208 123 5178 or email Rebecca@topposition.co.uk. High resolution images, editorial comment, archived press information and interviews are available on request.

Press Release

HANCOCK PARK ASSOCIATES TO BUY ASC’S CONVERTIBLE & DESIGN UNITS

DETROIT, May 4 /PRNewswire/ — ASC Incorporated announced that Hancock Park Associates, a private-equity firm based in Los Angeles, has signed a definitive purchase agreement for the automotive “open air” roof-systems unit and the automotive design-services unit of ASC from its owner, American Specialty Cars Holdings LLC. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

As a condition of the asset-purchase agreement, the sale of the two ASC units is to be conducted under the provisions of Chapter 11, Section 363, of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Accordingly, ASC has filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.

American Specialty Cars Holdings believes that a sale in this fashion will ensure an orderly, strategic sale of ASC’s viable open-air and design units and the liquidation and dissolution of ASC’s other, non-productive assets.

As part of the filing, ASC has arranged for debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing from Comerica Bank, which will be used by ASC to fund normal business operations. The company said the steps it is taking will help ensure continuity of supply to its customers, and that it has planned appropriately for these actions and is operating as normal.

About ASC
ASC Incorporated is a supplier of highly engineered roof systems and of design services for the world’s automakers. The company was founded in 1965 and is headquartered in Southgate, Mich. More information can be obtained at http://www.ascglobal.com.

About Hancock Park Associates
Hancock Park Associates is a private equity investment firm founded in 1986 which focuses on small to mid-size businesses in the retail and manufacturing industries and is the principal shareholder in Irvine, California-based Saleen Inc. More information can be obtained at http://www.hpcap.com.

SOURCE: ASC Incorporated

Enthusiast News

SPEED TV: “THE AMERICA’S SUPERCAR”

Our friends at Saleen sent the following announcement:

“The America’s Supercar” – Speed TV
Debuts Saturday April 7th 8:00pm E/T
Repeats Sunday April 8th 2:30pm E/T, Monday April 9th 2:00pm E/T and Saturday April 14th 4:00pm E/T

This special features the creation of the Saleen S7 Supercar. It follows the S7 from the drawing board, through wind tunnel to testing the prototype in Wales, and to the assembly line in Irvine where race cars and street cars are built side by side. This not to be missed special will also feature the story of an automotive pioneer, Steve Saleen, who built an uncompromising car whose sole purpose was to beat the world?s best car.

SPEED TV: The American Supercar
http://www.speedtv.com/programs/495

Click here to participate in the discussion.

Automotive News

FORD HOT RODS

By: N.A. on March 31, 2007
Original Article: PRESS, THE

IN BRIEF–DRIVE

A run of 100 retro hot rod replicas of the 1932 ‘flathead’ V8 Deuce Coupe is to start next month at the Saleen’s facility in Troy, Michigan, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the car. The first has already been snapped up by a collector, who paid $NZ480,000 at the Barrett-Jackson classic car auction. The other 99 will be sold through US Ford dealers at $NZ225,000.

Press Release

START YOUR ENGINES FOR THE GREAT AMERICAN RUN!

Following in the high-octane wheel tracks of the hugely successful Cannonball Rally, a cavalcade of outrageous cars, daredevil drivers and madcap thrill seekers will make history in just four months time when the lights go green for the Great American Run.

Set to be the largest motor event in North America, four-hundred drivers will set off from four different destinations, slugging it out on a coast to coast race to one final destination in an epic extravaganza of man against machine. The limited entrance quota is almost fulfilled, meaning few chances remain to be in with a chance of walking away with a limited edition Cannonball Rally 600bhp Saleen Mustang and automatic entrance into next year’s $1 million event.

With one hundred drivers per route, the Great American Run start line spans four cities – Miami, FL; Atlanta, GA; Washington D.C. and New York City, NY.

After a cross-country trek through strategic checkpoints in destinations like New Orleans, Indianapolis, San Antonio and Las Vegas, all roads will eventually lead to Los Angeles. But before crossing the finish line, every competitor will be given the chance to spin their wheels at the historic Willow Springs Raceway. Pitting thoroughbred Ferraris against muscle-bound Fords, breeding counts for nothing on the Great American Run.

“Whether you’re tearing up the pavement in a Lamborghini or a Lincoln, Mini or Maybach, it’s not the metal that counts but the spirit you bring it with,” explains Tim ‘Maverick’ Porter, event organiser and veteran of seven European Cannonball Runs. “The trophy does not necessarily go to the first team to cross the finish line. Rather a target time has been set for each stage of the rally. The winning title will be given to the driver posting the nearest time overall.”

An adventure of a lifetime or race against time? The choice is yours. Pitting professional petrol heads against those of a more sedate nature, the Great American Run covers 3000 miles in just one week.

Starting on July 29, the 2007 event harks back to the Hollywood heydays of the early 1980s when Burt Reynolds’ Cannonball movie inspired a generation of road rallies.

This version of the event however has a thoroughly modern twist – a limited edition Saleen S281 ‘Extreme’ Mustang custom-built and modified by Saleen Inc., manufacturers of the world’s fastest production car, gifted to the title holder.

The stunning performance vehicle benefits from an additional 50 horsepower upgrade on the standard 550 horsepower, 525 lb-ft of torque, Saleen’s patented racecraft suspension, six-speed transmission, graphics package and internal and external performance enhancements.

The last to roll off a production line of twenty-five, the prize Mustang bears an 18 carat gold plated chassis placard attesting to its limited edition status. Its twenty-four siblings are for the exclusive use of race entrants.

Entrance to the 2007 Great American Run is strictly limited to 400 drivers and their sidekicks. To reserve your place for the adventure of a lifetime, visit www.thegreatamericanrun.com. For competitor information in the UK call +44 (0)1403 276191 or US toll free on +1 800-619-8593.

Editors Note: Please direct all press queries to Rebecca Appleton. Tel +44 208 123 5178 or email Rebecca@topposition.co.uk. High resolution images, editorial comment, archived press information and interviews are available on request.