TULSA, Okla. – The annual Mid America Ford & Shelby Nationals could perhaps be best described as the yearly “Ford Marathon.” So much so that, just as they do each year, event organizers again published a “Survival Guide” for this, the 44^th Annual Mid America Ford & Shelby Nationals, held June 13-17, 2018, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. That’s four and a half days of Ford and Shelby fun, if you count Wednesday with a late-day start for registration at 5 p.m. for early arrivers. These folks realize they are in for a marathon car event, which is likely why people keep coming back to the Mid-America show each summer.

To label the Tulsa Shelby Meet as a “car show” does not do justice to the entrants. It requires a fair amount of stamina to participate in both days of road racing at Hallett Motor Racing Circuit 40 miles west of Tulsa, one day at the drag strip at Tulsa Raceway Park on Saturday, and a full day Sunday at the car show at the host Southern Hills Marriott.

The leisurely part of the event is the cruise on Thursday night to the Brady District in old downtown Tulsa. Hundreds of people park their cars in front of the quaint, little shops and restaurants, where they might enter for a cool drink or some tasty cuisine, as they interact with other participants; but, party late is not an option if one plans to get to the track rested and early the next day.

The Mid America meet’s one night off is Saturday, a welcome time after a day at the drag strip. Over the last several years, event organizers have slotted the banquet at the host hotel Southern Hills Marriott in Tulsa for Friday evening. Yes, Mid-America is a Ford marathon. Show veterans know how to pace themselves and pick and choose what part of event they want to enter to maximize their experience. It’s  

(For other event details and photos, click on “Mustang 360” coverage HERE.)

FORD PERFORMANCE PHOTOS / COURTESY JERRY HEASLEY