Mustang V6 1000 Lap Challenge

I know it's been a little over a week since they did it, however, it's outstanding and I'd like to comment. The 2011 Mustang V6 is the first car in history with 305HP to exceed 30mpg. On one tank of petrol not only did it go the 1000 laps of the challenge, but set a new record by going a total of 1457 laps. 776.5 miles at an average of 48.5mpg, with the aid of fuel efficient driving techniques.



You may be think to yourself "My hybrid does that already", but this is a muscle car folks. To be able to pull these kind of numbers in this car is a big thing.

"A team of Ford engineers prepared for the challenge by implementing fuel efficient driving tips including minimizing the use of air conditioning, steady and consistent driving, avoiding sudden stops/starts and keeping the RPMs low. The engine in the Mustang is powered by a lightweight, all-aluminum 3.7-liter dual-overhead-cam V-6 engine that uses advanced engineering to deliver its combination of power and economy. Twin independent variable camshaft timing adjusts the valve train in microseconds depending on driver inputs, further contributing to the engine’s overall efficiency. The Mustang used in the challenge is a stock production vehicle that can be purchased through a Ford dealer."

Now lets see if they can do that with the new V8 they just came out with in the 2011 Mustang GT...

Mullinax Ford Car Show, July 3, 2010.

After watching the weather all week wondering about the chance of rain for today, decided "late afternoon rain" would not spoil the fun one bit. Woke up this morning bright and early to go meet some members of the MFMC for breakfast: Jim, Vic, and Val as usual... However, there were other members that showed up to the show: Steve, Jeff, and a member unknown to me.

Mullinax Ford enlisted the Muscle Car Network to put on their show with them, and had the start time advertised as 10am. Jim noticed that at the dealership it was advertised as 9am so we got there earlier than pretty much everybody, we were awarded with a nice shady spot by a tree. More cars turned out than I had expected, we filled up the small lot they had us in pretty quickly. There was a wide variety of makes of car in attendance, mostly muscle cars, classic cars, and hot rods. I have been to 2 MCN organized car shows, and am a member of the network. I thought both shows were a good time, and enjoyed them, but the lack of anything to do with late model cars is a little disappointing.

There were a few cars that stood out as something special for me, they are as follows:

A group of early 70's Mustangs owned by a family with the last name "Speed".


A 1954 Ford "Skyliner".


And a MG "Midget".

Mullinax Ford had a few cars on display as well, mot surprising it was mostly Mustangs. A couple of Shelby 500's, a Roush stage 1 & 427R, and some of the new 2011 GT 5.0's were out. Amongst all that muscle was a car making a comeback for 2011, the Ford "Festiva" is back!

At the end of the day, I had a really good time. I saw a couple of people I haven't seen in a while, and some folks I see all the time and enjoy their company. Also, I was able to take more pictures of cars, which is always fun for me...

Renninger's Car Show And Chili Cook Off, June 27, 2010.

Last night after the show at Harley Davidson I cooked up some contest winning chili to bring up to Mt. Dora today for the car show at Renninger's Antique Mall. However, upon arrival at the show the lady looked at me as though I had 3 eyes when I said I was there for the Car Show and Cook Off. I had found out about this event on "The Muscle Car Network", and it seems as though the information was not exactly accurate. The lady I had originally talked with had her supervisor talk with me, she felt bad for the mix up and waived my fee for the show today and gave me a V.I.P. card for when they DO have the cook off in October. She explained that the guy that organized the event was way to premature on advertising the event, and was unable to make it happen. October seems a much better time for a chili cook of anyway, so I went in to enjoy the show and share my chili with new friends.

Renninger's property seemed massive, with many things going on at once. There was an indoor area with permanent antique shoppes, People selling their junk a swap meet outside, and a car and bike show every last Sunday in the back area. Further back there appeared to be bleachers, after investigating I learned they have demolition derbies, tractor pulls, and all manner of motorized events.

There were about 50 cars in attendance, mostly classic like usual with some Late Models scattered here and there. When I arrived I parked under some trees to get the shade, but that quickly went away for the car. I set up my spot back under these great live oak trees draped with Spanish Moss. I swear I should have been drinking mint juleps and eating some fried green tomatoes. About an hour after I arrived 3 other Mustangs showed up and parked right by me, they got to partake in the chili I had made.

For being such a HOT day I was surprisingly comfortable, a combination of the great shade of those live oaks and a pretty constant breeze made it quite bearable.

The show was judged, and trophies for "Best GM", "Best Ford", and "Best Mopar" in pre and post 1970. Also, there was "Top 25", "Best of Show", "Best Paint", and "Best Interior". I ended up with a "Top 25" trophy for the day, and should have had a "Best Chili" win too.

I am looking forward to October when my Chili and my Car will win awards for the day, it will be a fun day I am sure...