Tag Archives: Event

SALEEN MUSTANG CREATOR TO DISPLAY CARS, SIGN AUTOGRAPHS AT FOOD LION AUTOFAIR

Steve Saleen, creator of the Saleen Mustang, will visit the Sept. 10-13,2009 Food Lion AutoFair at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. There will be a display of special high-performance Mustangs he has produced over the last 25 years. Photo: Brad Bowling
Steve Saleen, creator of the Saleen Mustang, will visit the Sept. 10-13,2009 Food Lion AutoFair at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. There will be a display of special high-performance Mustangs he has produced over the last 25 years. Photo: Brad Bowling

Steve Saleen’s name has appeared on more than 11,000 high-performance Mustangs over 25 years, and he is celebrating that milestone with a special display and autograph sessions at 10-11 a.m. and 2-3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11, during the Sept. 10-13 Food Lion AutoFair at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Saleen was a successful Formula Atlantic racer in the early 1980s when he realized that a few simple improvements could make Ford’s popular Mustang perform on par with more expensive sports cars. Borrowing his sister’s white 1984 Mustang hatchback with 5.0-liter V-8 and five-speed transmission, Saleen designed a package that would transform the pleasant pony into a modern muscle car. He upgraded the suspension with stiffer springs and shock absorbers and installed a set of exotic alloy wheels. To aid its high-speed handling, this first Saleen Mustang received an aggressive front air dam, low side skirts, and a rather large rear wing. The final touch was a banner of vinyl lettering across the top of the windshield announcing “Saleen Mustang.”

Saleen kept his prototype and sold two cars to West Coast Ford dealers before the ’84 season closed. Those first three cars, and every Saleen Mustang since, received a unique production number separate from the Ford VIN, a practice that enhances their collectible status.

Steve Saleen took his cars racing in 1986 and won four Sports Car Club of America championships in ’87, giving his company the first of many competition trophies.

Due to federal emissions regulations, Saleen was not allowed to modify the 225-horsepower Mustang engines, so he hired a former Environmental Protection Agency official in 1988 and put him to work certifying a 300-horsepower V-8 for limited production. At the time, such a challenge was unprecedented for a small-volume manufacturer, but it resulted in the 1989 Saleen SSC, a car that enthusiasts still refer to as the “super Mustang.” Not only was the engine more energetic, but the suspension, brakes, wheels and tires, transmission and rear axle were designed especially for that model. The leather-covered interior was fitted with a massively powerful sound system, four-point rollbar and a unique “rear speaker enclosure” that eliminated the back seat. All 161 SSCs were white hatchbacks.

Saleen’s 10th anniversary in 1993 coincided with the final year of the “square” Mustang, a design Ford introduced in 1979. Steve Saleen chose to send the so-called “Fox” body on its way with a bang and developed the supercharged, 450-horsepower SA-10. Only nine of the black hatchbacks were built – all wearing the latest and greatest go-fast parts the company’s catalog had to offer.

Five years later, the SA-15 embodied all that was holy to the Saleen faithful, this time in the form of 10 yellow convertibles with supercharged, 320-horsepower V-8s. Matching yellow 18-inch alloy rims, a composite hood, unique leather interior, and a fiberglass cover over the rear seats made the birthday model stand out from the standard Saleen Mustang.

Another five years flew by, and, for 2003, Saleen offered six pearlescent white SA-20 convertibles with 375-horsepower V-8s and a “Speedster” appearance package similar to that on the SA-15. The hefty sticker price, $54,357, included airfare for two to the Saleen plant in Irvine, Calif., one night’s lodging, a celebratory dinner with Steve Saleen and attendance at the company’s annual car show.

Recently, Steve Saleen left Saleen Inc. and launched a new company called SMS Ltd. to manufacture niche-market, ultra-performance vehicles out of new Chevrolet Camaros, Dodge Challengers, and, of course, Ford Mustangs. To recognize his 25th anniversary, Saleen built a single 720-horsepower silver hatchback he intends to keep for personal use.

The Food Lion AutoFair is commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Saleen Mustang with a special display that will include an SSC, SA-10, SA-15, and SA-20 – all owned by collector and longtime Saleen enthusiast Debbie Blaylock, of Asheville. Rounding out the exhibit will be a 2007 Saleen/Parnelli Jones Limited Edition model built to celebrate the company’s 20th anniversary of its first SCCA championship. Steve Saleen will be on hand Friday, Sept. 11, to meet fans and sign autographs in the Showcase Garage from 10-11 a.m. and 2-3 p.m.

Enthusiasts can enjoy the Saleen 25th anniversary display during the Sept. 3-6 Food Lion AutoFair. The Fall Food Lion AutoFair annually attracts more than 100,000 visitors. It features more than 50 car club displays and more than 7,000 vendor spaces that offer a huge array of automotive parts and memorabilia. More than 1,500 collectible vehicles of all makes and models will be available for sale in the car corral that rings the 1.5-mile superspeedway.

Food Lion AutoFair hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Sunday. Tickets are $10 for adults while children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. On Friday, Sept. 11, in honor of their public service, all police, fire and emergency workers showing a badge or ID will receive free admission to the Food Lion AutoFair. Parking for the event is $5.

For more information, contact the Charlotte Motor Speedway events department at (704) 455-3205 or visit the Food Lion AutoFair event page.

WOODWARD DREAM CRUISE 2009

From our friends at Saleen Performance Vehicles.

Woodward Dream Cruise 2009
Preproduction S7 with 2010 435S #02

[Source: Saleen Performance Vehicles]

2010 SALEEN 435S: HIGH PERFORMANCE VALUE – UNMISTAKABLY SALEEN

“In these difficult economic times we wanted our first vehicle to deliver a lot for an affordable price,” — Mike Shields, CEO of Saleen Performance Vehicles.

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C., July 24, 2009 – Saleen Performance Vehicles today unveiled its first 2010 product, the Saleen 435S, based on the new 2010 Ford Mustang. The introduction took place as part of the Special Vehicle Team Owners Association’s annual “Mustang Week” event. The 435S is the first vehicle launched under Saleen’s new ownership, following the purchase of Saleen Inc. earlier this year.

This car continues the Saleen tradition of offering limited-edition, high-performance vehicles for enthusiasts who are looking for an exhilarating driving experience, with refined drivability for real-world road conditions.

The 435S is designed to provide affordable, high-value performance.

“In these difficult economic times we wanted our first vehicle to deliver a lot for an affordable price,” said Mike Shields, CEO of Saleen Performance Vehicles. “It was created much more for ‘go’ than for show. We focused on power and handling, and it’s a great platform to build on if a customer wants to take it farther later on.”

The heart of the car’s performance is its 4.6-liter, 3-valve SOHC V8 engine, complete with a Saleen Series VI twin-screw supercharger and two-stage intercooler. This engine produces a vigorous 435 horsepower and 425 lb.-ft. of torque, is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, and has a 3.73:1 rear axle ratio with limited-slip differential.

The car rides 1.5 inches lower than a Mustang GT, thanks to its Saleen Racecraft performance suspension. The system is designed to reduce body roll, provide nimble, precise handling and improve traction, while retaining the compliant ride of a good daily driver. The suspension package includes springs, a stiffer front stabilizer bar, and nitrogen-pressurized shock absorbers tuned exclusively for the 435S.

The vented brake rotors, front and rear, are slotted and cross-drilled for improved feel and stopping performance. Larger, 14-inch slotted front rotors with 4-piston calipers are available as an option.

The 435S has the Saleen-signature long, low, sleek looks and aggressive stance that have distinguished the company’s previous cars. Traditional Saleen styling cues include an understated trim panel between the taillights with “Saleen” in raised lettering, mesh covers over the fog lights in the grille, and the Saleen name and chevrons as graphic elements placed low on each side. An optional Aero Package includes a lightweight chin splitter and rear spoiler for improved aerodynamics.

Other exterior highlights include unique, 18-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels (19- and 20-inch wheels are available), and “435S” lettered on each side of the hood’s power dome.

Inside, the modifications are designed to enhance the driving experience and to express the car’s character. These include a new, short-throw shifter for quick, precise gear-changing performance, and new, driver-oriented gauges. These uniquely styled gauges retain Mustang’s MyColor™ capabilities that allow the owner to select from more than 125 custom colors for the instrument cluster. The car’s identity is highlighted by a Saleen logo embroidered on the headrests.

“All in all, we believe the 435S is the right car at the right time,” said Shields. “It’s a terrific performance value that we’re proud to offer. And this is just the first of many great Saleen vehicles we’ll be launching in the future.”

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STEVE SALEEN HONORED WITH LEE IACOCCA AWARD AT MUSTANGS NORTHWEST ROUNDUP

Bellevue, Washington — July 18, 2009 — SOEC Exclusive — by Jim Dvorak

In a hotel atrium full of Mustang enthusiasts gathered for the 29th annual banquet of the Mustangs Northwest Roundup, a very surprised Steve Saleen was presented with the prestigious Lee Iacocca award for his “dedication to excellence in perpetuating an american automotive tradition.”

Since starting Saleen in 1983, Mr. Saleen has been a significant contributor to the Mustang hobby through is racing, automotive manufacturing and aftermarket parts businesses, as well as his public appearances and interactions with fans.

The trophy was presented jointly by National Parts Depot’s Rick Schmidt and Saleen owner and enthusiast Bill Smallwood III, who resides on the organizing commitee of the Mustangs Northwest Roundup.

Steve and Liz Saleen have been attending and supporting the Mustangs Northwest Roundup since 1993, an event which has been known as the “World’s largest annual gathering of Mustangs,” and is also established as the largest gathering of Saleens year after year. The Mustangs Northwest committee attribute much of their success to the continued support of Mr. and Mrs. Saleen.

Other honors Mr. Saleen has received in the past include being inducted into the Mustang Hall of Fame.

The Lee Iacocca Award was created by the Iacocca Foundation for car clubs and shows to acknowledge car enthusiasts and their passion for maintaining an American tradition. This beautiful award is a one of a kind elegant plaque with a likeness of Lee Iacocca and his signature engraved in gold. The Iacocca Foundation supports Type 1 diabetes research.

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SALEEN PERFORMANCE VEHICLES VISITS WEST COAST

Photos from our friends at Saleen Performance Vehicles, taken during their west coast adventure.

10-0007 S281 Supercharged
10-0007 S281 Supercharged

[Source: Saleen Performance Vehicles]

MUSTANG 45th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION COMING TO BARBER MOTORSPORTS PARK

ZOOM Motorsports and the Mustang Club of America are proud to bring the Mustang 45th Anniversary Celebration to the Barber Motorsports Park the weekend of April 16 to April 19, 2009.

Birmingham, AL (Vocus) March 27, 2009

“Coming back for the Ford Mustang’s 45th Birthday was a given”

ZOOM Motorsports and the Mustang Club of America are proud to bring the Mustang 45th Anniversary Celebration to the Barber Motorsports Park the weekend of April 16 to April 19, 2009.

This event marks the Mustang Club’s second visit to the Park, after the Club’s 30th Anniversary which was held there in 2006. “Coming back for the Ford Mustang’s 45th Birthday was a given,” says Steve Prewitt, Executive Director of the 45th Mustang Anniversary Celebration. “The layout and beauty of Barber lends itself perfectly to an event of this magnitude and significance.”

Over 2500 Mustangs (from all over the US, Europe, Australia, and the Netherlands) are expected to descend on the Park over the 4 day event. Each model will be celebrated including Mustang, Shelby, Boss, Saleen, Rousch, SVT, Cobra, Steeda, and McLaren, with several examples of the original 1964-1/2 model. Show cars will be displayed around the entire Park with the Mustang Club of America hosting a formal judging competition.

Additional weekend events include a Thursday night “Cruise In” and street party in downtown Homewood, Alabama, that is expected to draw over 700 participants and a Saturday night banquet titled “An Evening with Ford.” On-track activities include open track days for Mustang participants and two races provided by Ford Racing Mustang Challenge, which will host rounds three and four of their racing season.

“The Barber Motorsports Park is the perfect venue to celebrate 45 years of one of America’s greatest sports cars,” says Clark Virden of ZOOM Motorsports, the exclusive promoter and management team for the Barber Motorsports Park. “We’re thrilled to be the host for this historic event and with the careful planning of the Mustang Club; we look forward to making this a celebration that all Mustang fans will be proud to call their own.”

To register your Mustang, please visit http://www.mustang.org.

For more information on the event and to purchase tickets visit http://www.barbermotorsports.com or call 800-240-2300.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Clark Virden – 205-262-2823
Sarah Knowlton – 205-977-9350

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