DARLINGTON, SC – For some time now, Ford Performance has been getting the word out to Mustang enthusiasts about the benefits of joining the Ford Special Vehicle Registry. Whether it’s been from attendance at Ford events and car shows or via the “Fast News from Ford Performance” weekly e-newsletter or perhaps through the Enthusiasts section of FordPerformance.com, the team has been busy explaining how signing up with this official Ford registry can put you and your Mustang(s) in the spotlight. This online showcase of owner Mustangs allows registrants to access and display their vehicle's original factory NAVIS data, plus gets them a 10-percent discount off Ford Show Parts orders (including factory window stickers and Ford Certificates of Authenticity) as well as establishes a relationship directly with Ford – including the chance to get invitations to special Ford activities and events.

How’s this for a recent example: Over the May 12-14, 2023, Mother's Day Weekend, NASCAR celebrated the Darlington Throwback Weekend at the Goodyear 400 NASCAR Cup Series Race. There were many historical NASCAR race vehicles and notable Fords displayed in the FanZone at the gate entrances of South Carolina’s Darlington Raceway. Among those were four classic Mustangs chosen from owners who had registered their cars with the Ford Special Vehicle Registry.

The four vehicles selected were an early 1965 Blue Mustang Coupe owned by Frank Cavallo. It is a true “64½” car with its 260 V-8 engine; next up was a Wimbledon White 1970 Mach 1 complete with a 351 Cleveland and a “Shaker” hood, owned by Bill Hamilton; then there was a 1993 Mustang SSP 5.0 LX in the silver livery of the North Carolina State Patrol, owned by Doug Phillips; and finally a 2004 Competition Orange Ford SVT Mustang Cobra, owned by Cody Bunce. 

The cars were selected by Special Vehicle Registry Administrator Austin Atwood, who not only manages the registry and its website but also is the coordinator for the Ford Performance Club Connect program managed by Ford Performance Enthusiast Communications manager John Clor. The owners were contacted to see if they (along with their cars) would like to attend the Darlington Throwback Weekend as special VIP guests – and the four invitees jumped at the chance.

The weather was perfect for the three races taking place over that weekend. On Friday morning, a video shoot with Fox Sports was done at the track with Mike Joy, who serves as the lap-by-lap voice of Fox Sports' coverage of NASCAR. The group was joined by the Wood Brothers and their driver of the No. 21 Mustang, Harrison Burton. Friday night started with 200-mile Craftsman Truck Series Race, and Saturday afternoon was the time for the NASCAR Xfinity Series for aspirating stars and veteran drivers who still enjoy competing. Right after Saturday's race, a parade from downtown Darlington to the Raceway took place that included classic NASCAR race cars, their drivers and many others -- including the four classic Mustangs that were invited from the registry. It all led up to the Sunday afternoon NASCAR Cup Series Goodyear 400 race.

Fans were treated to a typical NASCAR race, with several wrecks but no injuries and lots of old-school rubbing and racing -- as they used to say in the old days. Adding to the excitement, the registry’s classic Mustang owners were treated to VIP passes and free race tickets for the entire weekend. Mike Galinac and Emily Miller were the Ford Performance hosts, shuttling registry VIP’s around and making sure they were in the proper place at the proper time. Attending this awesome throwback event and experiencing a great weekend of racing as the guests of Ford Performance was all made possible because these Mustang owners took a few minutes to join the Special Vehicle Registry. (Currently, Ford Mustang and Mustang Mach-E vehicles can be added to the Registry. More vehicle models will be available in the future.) So what are you waiting for? Sign up with the Special Vehicle Registry today – its fast and it’s FREE, and might just make YOU a Ford VIP!

FORD PERFORMANCE PHOTOS / COURTESY BILL BUTLER