Late-Model Drag RacingAt first, the '86 fuel-injected 5.0 engine was greeted with concern. Then, enthusiasts learned that minor modifications, like removing the air intake silencer and bumping the timing, could make a dramatic improvement in the car's quarter-mile times. Soon after, the aftermarket, led by Ford SVO, produced equipment to make the cars even quicker. And then it was on, with Mustangers racing Mustangers for bragging rights at tracks around the country. Today, both Fun Ford Weekend and the National Mustang Racers Association cater to heads-up late-model Mustang drag racing, with Pro 5.0 drivers like John Gullet running under six seconds at over 200 mph.
Best Factory Racer: 1995 Cobra RAlthough produced in three different model years-1993, 1995, and 2000-the '95 Cobra R from Ford SVT was most actively involved in road racing. As a street car built for racing, the '95 Cobra R came with a 351 engine and plenty of suspension modifications. A number of Ford-backed but independently-prepared Cobra Rs competed in the Grand Sport classification in the '95-'97 IMSA Endurance Championship, with the number 20 Cobra R prepared by Steeda Autosports becoming the first Mustang in ten years to win an IMSA endurance race with its two-lap victory at Texas Motor Speedway in 1996.
Wildest (late-model): 2000 Cobra RUnlike the unpretentious Boss 429, the 2000 Cobra R from Ford SVT stood out from the regular muscle crowd with bright red paint, a bulging hood, front splitter, side-exiting exhaust, 18-inch wheels, and a rear wing that stood a couple of feet off the rear deck. And that's just the outside. On the inside, the 2000 Cobra R lived up to its billing with a 385hp 5.4-liter engine, six-speed transmission, brake cooling ducts, radio and rear-seat delete, Recaro seats, Eibach lowering springs, and Bilstein struts and shocks. Just add a rollcage and the Cobra R was ready for competition. Only 300 were built as a starting point for road racers, but most were gobbled up by collectors.
Mach 1With the musclecar craze in full flower-power swing during the late-'60s, the '69 Mach 1 hit the streets just in time to save the Mustang's performance image as it lined up against GTOs, SS Camaros, and Road Runners. With the optional 428 Cobra Jet and Shaker hoodscoop, the '69 Mach 1 ranked among the best of the baddest with streetable torque and plenty of horsepower. The Mach 1 continued through 1973 before becoming an upgraded option package during 1974-'75. For 2003, Team Mustang brought back the Mach 1 name for a limited-edition performance Mustang with the four-valve Cobra-based engine and a Shaker hoodscoop.
Trans Am MustangsBy 1966, the SCCA recognized the growing Pony car market and launched the Trans-American Sedan Championship. It was the perfect racing venue for the Mustang, as it competed against Barracudas, Darts, and eventually Camaros, Challengers, and Firebirds. Mustangs dominated the '66 and '67 seasons, winning the overall season championships. Chevy's Z/28 Camaro took over from 1968-'69, but the Mustang regained its championship form in 1970 with the Boss 302s campaigned by Bud Moore. In 1989, the Mustang returned to Trans-Am dominance with driver and manufacturer championships from Dorsey Schroeder and Roush Racing, followed by championships in 1994-'97.