Fun Ford Weekend 2005
Last Updated on Thursday, 05 February 2009 23:13 Written by dave Thursday, 05 February 2009 22:51
Saying that I'm into cars is like casually mentioning that Bill Gates makes an above-average income. So I guess it's fair to mention that I spend an inordinate amount of time at the dragstrip. Seriously. I go to the strip more than you go to Wal-Mart. Unfortuantely, there aren't any tracks within close proximity to New Orleans. A few years ago. I'd have to go to Gulfport Dragway (about an hour away), or Hub City (in Hattiesburg) or State Capitol Dragway (in Port Allen), both about 2-3 hours away. However, a few years ago, No Problem Raceway opened up about an hour from where I live, and they have a road-race circuit and also attract national events. I went to the 2005 Fun Ford Weekend event when it was there and saw all the big boys like Billy Glidden and Tim Lynch. Of course, I took plenty of pictures just for you.I've been to a million different car shows and do you know what's never there? Real cars. The ones like you an I have, that actually get driven on the street. The ones that get peppered by pebbles and cigarette butts on a daily basis. Yeah, those. Well, the dragstrip is the perfect opportunity to see real cars that aren't pampered trailer queens.
Like this Fairlane with a big 460 and polished Cragars. It even has a current registration sticker.
Another '70's Mustang looking sharp. The hood is always a good place to put your performance-part decals.
As if I needed another reason to get on the ball with my car.
Nice '68 convertible with Shaker hood.
I didn't use 'lens flare' on this one. That's how shiny it actually was!
Triple-black Fairlane that probably gets a wee bit hot during the summer.
When's the last time you saw a deTomaso Pantera? For those of you who don't know, deTomaso was an exotic car manufacturer (they're actually still in existence) that was partially owned by Ford and hence used Ford 351 Cleveland engines in it's vehicles. To this day, they are known for being a low-cost, reliable alternative to the true Italian supercars.
The big 351 Cleveland with rear-mounted trans.
Carbon and custom Lightning.
The old mainstay.
Nice convertible Thunderbird. If there was ever an underrepresented vehicle at car shows, this is it.
Roush GT. These aren't as popular as Saleens, but still offer potent performance.
Pre-DOHC Cobra. Pushrods represent!
I haven't seen a Torino in forever.
Especially one this nice.
Two-tone Fairlane that looks like it's seen its share of street duty.
Another pre-DOHC Cobra with Trick Flow heads and intake.
'60's-era Stang with modern EFI engine.
Big custom F-100.
Think it's all fun and games between passes?
Drag Probe that ran 7's.
You have a set of serious stones when you drag race your already-modified 2005 Mustang with the freaking paper tags. I wonder how you explain a nitrous backfire to the warranty manager.
Ford also had these engine cutouts on display. This is the new 6.0 liter Powerstroke turbo diesel.
Or a 3-valve 5.4?
How about a Triton 3-valve V-10?
A very reasonable $6,000 would get you this G-Force transmission.
Mustang making it's way down the 1350.
Probe vs. Cougar.
The True Street crowd.
There were many True Street entrants, I might enter next year.
A Mercury Marauder. Don't see many of these.
This is about all you can do to your car under True Street rules. No opening of the hood or trunk, the only adjustments that can be made are to tire pressure.
The Dallas Mustang crew showcasing their drag car.
This guy brought his flamed Mustang from Texas to compete in True Street.
The ear-bleeding section.
They also had some cool cars in the parking area.
It looks fast even when it's standing still. Or maybe it's just blurry.
More parking lot goodness.