Situation: Ford Racing Technology (FRT) and Miller Motorsports Park (MMP) are developing a production-based Mustang spec series for launch in 2008 and targeted towards “weekend warriors.” The cars, dubbed “FR500S,” are stock Mustang GT’s that were built at AAI, but have not had the interiors, HVAC, insulation, etc., installed and instead include safety equipment and power and suspension upgrades. The “tubs” will leave AAI with an engine and major driveline components, before they are shipped to MMP for final conversion. MSRP is $75K (USD). Announcement is scheduled for SEMA.

Main Messages :
The FR500S is a terrific racing platform at an affordable price; exactly what, “weekend warriors” are looking for.
Ford Racing believes that there is a market for a V8-powered, rear-wheel drive racing series.
We have a very strong relationship with Miller Motorsports Park and look forward to working with them on this exciting venture.

Q. Who was behind the development of this series?

A. Ford Racing Technology and Miller Motorsports Park.

Q. How are Ford Racing and Miller Motorsports Park involved with this series?

A. Ford Racing is a founding sponsor of the series and will produce the cars as well as provide technical support to its participants. Miller Motorsports Park will own and operate the series.

Q. Why did you select Grand Am to be the sanctioning body?

A. It made sense to go with Grand Am because we already field Mustang race cars in the KONI Challenge Series. They also sanction other series, such as the Ferrari Challenge, and we are confident that they will do a terrific job for us.

Q. Have you finalized your schedule?

A. We are talking to several events headlines by Grand Am, Champ Car and the ALMS and hope to announce our schedule in the next few weeks.

Q. How much is the car going to cost and how do I buy it?

A. MSRP of the FR500S is $75,000 (USD). We are in the process of identifying four to five regional dealers that will be authorized to sell cars to customers, however you can order it though the Ford Racing Performance Parts catalog or by contacting Miller Motorsports Park.

Q. When can I get one?

A. Our intent is to have the initial order of cars ready for delivery by the end of January ’08.

Q. Do you know how much it’s going to cost competitors to participate in the series?

A. Our initial estimates are that it will cost between $6,000 and $10,000 per race to compete in the series, including transportation to and from the event, entry fees, tires, fuel, etc.

Q. How long will your races be?

A. Although we will be limited by how much time each promoter grants us in terms of time, we expect our races to last no longer than 45 minutes. We expect each weekend to consist of two 30-minute practice sessions and a 25-minute qualifying session leading up to the race.

Q. Will your races be televised?

A. We are in discussions with several networks and production companies about a television package for this series.

Q. Have any sponsors signed on to support the series?

A. In addition to BFGoodrich, which has signed on as the presenting sponsor of the series, we are in discussions with several other potential partners.

Q. How big is the prize fund?

A. We plan to offer at least $300,000 in cash and prizes to competitors.

Q. Will there be any sort of hospitality available?

A. We are working on a trackside group hospitality package that would be available to all competitors.