La CROSSE, WI – Automotive attractions in and around Dearborn, Michigan, and the Woodward Dream Cruise have long been a mainstay of Team Shelby Great Lakes events. Many years were spent there along with other popular enthusiast venues in the Detroit metro area. With the forming of Team Shelby’s new Motor City Chapter and some geographical realignment, The Great Lakes Region needed to find a new event venue for 2024. After some research, La Crosse, Wisconsin, was chosen for this year’s Great Lakes regional event due to its beautiful scenery, winding roads and abundance of resources and attractions.

So it was that the 2024 Team Shelby Great Lakes “Great River Run” kicked off the month of August with a Check-In Day on the opening Thursday. Joining the group in La Crosse was Rafella Golden, Director of the Shelby Foundation; Emily Lambert, Team Shelby Pacific Coast Director and Managing Director of the Cobra Experience located in Martinez, California; and Aaron Shelby, Member of the Board of Directors for Shelby international, the Co-CEO of the Shelby Foundation and of course, Carroll’s grandson.

Friday started off with a trip to the Apple Blossom Overlook on the Minnesota side of the Mississippi River. There, each car lined up for a photograph overlooking the river some 600 feet below. With approximately 50 participant cars to shoot, there was plenty of time for attendees to chat or just enjoy the view. As the photo session concluded it was back onto the winding road to Mormon Coulee Park in Shelby, Wisconsin, for a picnic with 80 of your best friends. Participants played games or just relaxed. For lunch there was bratwurst, burgers and hot dogs. Also on the menu was some sweet corn picked the day before the event by Scott Potter, son of the Wisconsin State Director Art Potter. It was a great day to have a Shelby in Shelby (WI) with a bunch of Shelbys (and many Mustangs. too). Not a group to sit still too long, it was soon back on the road for another cruise, with the destination this time being back at the host hotel. After freshening-up at Stoney Creek, participants made their way along the Mississippi River where they boarded the La Crosse Queen paddle-wheel boat for a 90-minute tour that included sightseeing, a favorite beverage and pizza.

For Saturday morning, it was off to Dahl Ford in Onalaska, Wisconsin, who hosted a Cars & Coffee for the group. Team Shelby is a club about people with event participants centered around the love of Ford and Shelby. From the Model T to the Ford GT, we love them all. While we did not have a Ford GT at this event, we did have a Model T! Participants got to chat with Aaron Shelby, who spent most of the weekend signing cars and other memorabilia. Not a group to miss meals, it was off we go again – this time headed to Tenba Ridge Winery in Blair, Wisconsin, which is known for its beautiful views, handmade pizzas and some of the world’s largest pretzels. After lunch, the group got back on the road – albeit a more narrow and curvy route than before. The driving was engaging and quick to the speed limit, although suggested curve speeds were mostly disregarded. Going through some of the smaller towns, the sight and sounds of all the Mustangs and Shelbys rolling down the street brought residents out of their homes to view the parade. Upon arrival back at the hotel, one could not help but notice the smiles on the faces of the drivers (although to be fair, it was reported that some of the passengers looked a bit pale).

The event finale on Saturday evening was hosted at the Dahl Auto Museum in La Crosse. There, organizers arranged a special treat: Most in the area have never really seen a real, original Shelby Cobra. So Rollie Stephenson, owner of CSX 2350, arranged with Richard Mueller to transport the car from his home to the museum event. Richard and his wife traveled several hours each way to get the car there. CSX 2350 was wearing number 99 just as it was raced by Stephenson and Bob Bondurant. As attendees started dinner, Team Shelby Regional Director Tim Stieve opened the program. First up was Emily Lambert to talk about the Cobra Experience. Emily talked a bit about the family museum and what they do there, as well as growing up in that tough environment. She then recapped several initiatives they have going on right now. The “3rd Pedal” program was started to help younger drivers learn how to drive a manual transmission; adults are now requesting a session as well. The second program mentioned was a Florida-to-Colorado tour with recently graduated mechanics.

Emily also recounted that the museum had purchased a low-mileage 1969 Mustang Mach 1, but since the car had been sitting for a while, numerous parts needed to be replaced before any long drive could be considered. The Great Lakes Region stepped in to help with the cost of the parts, and Emily thanked the group for their assistance on that museum project. Next, Aaron Shelby made his way to the microphone. Aaron spoke about his role within the company and his role as a liaison with Ford Motor Company and what that role means to both companies. Throughout his talk it was very apparent that Carroll himself had provided the pieces to keep Shelby up-front and solidly tied with Ford. The floor was then open for a Q & A and attendees were able to ask Aaron their questions.

Stieve then took the mic back to discuss the Foundation charity. A short video telling the story of one young lady helped by the Carroll Shelby Foundation brought tears to some of those in attendance. While fellowship is the primary goal of Team Shelby, the Foundation has become important to all. Seeing young children in a time of need is heartbreaking and helping them was important to Carroll. Keeping the Shelby legacy alive is a core mission of Team Shelby.

The last topic covered was what Team Shelby is all about. A lot of the attendees were new members, but some were not even members at all. After another short video, Stieve recounted that there are many different reasons for belonging to the club, but the strongest draw is the sense of family. In times of joy, need and tragedy, Team Shelby members support each other. One of our members from the Detroit area, Cathy White, had passed away this past spring. While we all miss her, nothing can compare to what her husband, Steve, has been feeling. Cathy had expressed her desire to attend this event, so, organizers decided they wanted to do something for Steve in her memory. Each event has its own logo, so the decision was made to put a little hidden “Easter Egg” within the logo in Cathy’s honor. Event logos usually contain the location (in this case La Crosse, Wisconsin) and the letters were all in white, except for the C and the W, which were in yellow. While it took a bit of time, Steve found that special “Easter Egg” for Cathy. Through tears Steve said, “I do not know what to say. I am very touched & grateful.”

The last order of business on that final night was the silent auction benefiting the Carroll Shelby Foundation. Numerous items -- including a diecast signed by Carroll, autographed pictures by Peter Brock and Aaron, and several discontinued items were sold at auction, raising hundreds of dollars for the charity. Yes, this inaugural Great River Run was filled with beautiful sights and great driving. But more importantly, it was three fun days spent with old friends and with new friends while creating a lifetime of memories.

FORD PERFORMANCE PHOTOS / COURTESY BRIAN HANSON and EVENT PARTICIPANTS