CLARKSTON, Mich. –Earlier this year we told you about the SAAC-Motor City Region club holding its 42^nd Annual “Show & Go” event. The “Show” part took place on Sunday June 11 at Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn, and we gave you a quick look at some of the great cars we had spotted participating in the show held behind Ford’s famed “Glass House.” The “Go” part  happened on that following Monday at nearby Waterford Hills Road Race Course in Clarkston, Michigan.

The SAAC-MCR track dogs returned to Waterford Hills over the Labor Day holiday weened as part of their “2017 SAAC-MCR Go 42” event, but this time with a unique twist. This year the club members decided to make the track outing a “Fantasy Trans Am” day out on the Waterford Hills course. To explain, here’s part of what SAAC-MCR member David Wolf had said in his Shelby Life article on the event:

“A tribute to the ‘golden era’ of Trans-Am series racing could be found at Waterford Hills Road Racing course in Clarkston, Michigan, this past Labor Day. Setting the pace at the event was Darius Rudis, who has been hosting open track day events such as this since the early 1990’s and specifically for SAAC-MCR for the last 15 years. His Triple Yellow, S550 EcoBoost Mustang looks right at home leading period-correct Trans-Am racers around the track.

“The beginning of the day started with a detailed drivers’ meeting where Darius outlined the course and event rules to ensure that everyone remained safe throughout the day. Drivers enjoyed a Le Mans style start, followed by a few parade and touring laps before the real racing began. At these events, participants can opt out of the ‘hot lap’ racing portion if they just want to kick back and take in a recreation of the Trans-Am races of the late 1960’s and early 70’s.

“Once ‘hot lap’ racing commenced, drivers of all skill levels (equipped with the proper safety gear) could test their driving skills on a professional road course surrounded by seasoned drivers that respect the other participants and their rides. There’s truly something about Shelby, Boss, and GT Mustangs going head-to-head with their Chevrolet and Pontiac counterparts that really gets the blood pumping invoking the true spirit of why the event was created.

“This event is held annually and is open to all true-to-the-era pony cars such as the Mustang, Firebird, Camaro, Javelin, Barracuda, and Challenger. Back in the pits, enthusiasts are always willing to provide details about their cars as well as share their vast knowledge of road racing with fellow racers and spectators.”

Our thanks to Darius Rudis, who tipped us off to the event, and to David Wolf for providing the information, as well as some photos along with those submitted by fellow members Phil Jacobs and Rich Tweedle.

FORD PERFORMANCE PHOTOS / COURTESY DAVID WOLF, PHIL JACOBS and RICH TWEEDLE