CONCORD, NC – It may come as a surprise to Mustang owners and fans, but the idea of celebrating National Mustang Day each year on (or around) the car’s public introduction day of April 17th didn’t originate from Ford Motor Company. Rather, it was the brainchild of the late Steve Hall, originally set up to be an annual fundraiser for his Mustang Owner’s Museum https://www.mustangownersmuseum.com/ via the sale of windshield stickers to participating clubs. The museum, which is located in suburban Charlotte, North Carolina, created a National Mustang Day NATIONAL MUSTANG DAY - HOME website to facilitate the sale of the window clings and list all of the participating club activities planned for that day, as well as to register for the museum’s own NMD events. And so it is that ever since the Ford Mustang had turned 50, the practice of owners and fans gathering on National Mustang Day has grown into a global phenomenon.
Again this year, the Mustang Owner's Museum invited the Mustang world to experience its special 2025 National Mustang Day events held on April 11th and 12th (as the 17th fell on a Thursday). The annual two-day program hosted Ford guest speakers as well as Barn Find Hunter Tom Cotter, plus a Mustang cruise, a whole-hog BBQ, a Mustang car show with awards and the Mustang Owner's Museum 2025 Hall of Fame induction dinner. The rain on Friday didn’t deter participants from meeting at the museum in Concord, North Carolina, just down the road from the Charlotte Motor Speedway, for a cruise to the Petty Garage and Museum in Randleman, NC. Everyone toured the Petty Museum and got a "behind the scenes" walk-through of the Petty Garage. The highlight of the day was a surprise appearance by "The King" himself, Richard Petty, who took photos with everyone.
For the third year in a row, the Friday night Whole Hog BBQ dinner was a big hit, with attendees treated to a fresh-smoked whole hog and all the fixin’s. Capping off the evening was a presentation by guest speaker Tom Cotter. Known for his passion for uncovering hidden automotive gems, Tom has spent his life exploring barns and garages across the country. He’s written multiple books, had his own TV show and currently hosts the YouTube series Barn Find Hunter. He shared stories from his adventures in discovering forgotten automotive classics.
On Saturday, the show field at the museum started filling up at 8 a.m. for the National Mustang Day car show. It was a chilly day, but that didn't stop anyone from coming out to celebrate their passion for the Ford Mustang. The first guest speaker was Matt Grev from the Ford Performance Racing School. Matt discussed the details of the school and how they can help anyone take their driving expertise to the next level, whether they are beginners or experienced racers, Next up to speak was Bud Magaldi. Bud was the Chief Designer and (styling) Design Manager of the Fourth Generation (SN95) Mustang. Saturday’s third guest speaker was Art Hyde. Art was the Chief Program Engineer of the Fourth Generation (SN95) and Fifth Generation (S197) Mustangs. And the day’s fourth guest speaker was Omead Dorandish. Omead was the Lead Designer of the Seventh Generation (S650) Mustang. Attendees remarked that all of the speakers were engaging and very informative, thanks to their strong passion for the Mustang.
While the event had several fun activities that afternoon, one of the most exciting was the drawing for the 2016 California Special Mustang Giveaway car. Congratulations to the lucky winner Dave Handy of Cornelius, North Carolina. The winning ticket was pulled by Sami, the grandson of Museum Hall of Fame inductee Bill Dillard. Winners of the car show were chosen by each of the Hall of Fame Inductees, as well as the Mustang Owner's Museum staff and by the event attendee voting. Saturday evening was reserved for the Induction dinner for the newest members into the Mustang Owner's Museum Hall of Fame. Not only was Art Hyde one of the guest speakers during the car show, but he was also the emcee for inducting the newest Hall of Fame members, which included: Dave Pericak -- Mustang Industry (via video acceptance); Bob Tasca -- Mustang Racing (with video acceptance by his sons); Steve Turner -- Mustang Journalism; and Bill Dillard – Mustang Hobby.
The Mustang Owner’s Museum invites you to Mustang’s 62nd birthday with more exciting event activities planned for National Mustang Day 2026 and new Hall of Fame nominees at the very place where NMD was born. Plan to make the trip in mid-April of next year so you don’t miss it!
FORD PERFORMANCE PHOTOS COURTESY GERARD FERRAIOLI / RGA MEDIA SERVICES
