SOUTH HAVEN, Mich. – Enthusiasts across the Midwest know that the legendary Woodward Dream Cruise is much more than just a weekend event for cruising, especially when it comes to Ford owners and fans. From shows hosted all week long, to club gatherings, autocross, racing events and track days, the week offers something for everyone. One of our favorite pre-cruise activities that is always sure to put a smile on your face is the annual Mohawk Track Experience. Celebrating its ninth year, this event invites on-track enthusiasts out to Gingerman Raceway on the west side of Michigan for two days of fun lapping the 1.88-mile circuit. 

One of the key features of the event is that it’s truly for everyone -- from those having no track experience to seasoned racers. Mohawk offers driving instructors included with on-track participation, so even the novice driver can try their hand at carving apexes and nailing braking zones. The relaxed, non-competitive atmosphere also allows you to engage with other track enthusiasts and pick up a thing or two for your next visit out.

Another draw to the impressive event is the cars in attendance -- some that you’ll never see on the street. This year we witnessed a dozen or so of Ford Performance’s race cars like the Boss 302S, FP350S, and Dark Horse R. In the past we’ve seen several Ford GT race cars, and everything from Mach 1’s to GT500KR’s as well. Most of the owners also have passenger seats, so if going for a ride in one of these legendary vehicles is something you’ve always wanted to do, chances are you could make that happen by simply asking nicely during the Mohawk Track Experience.

The event isn’t just all fun and games, as the event’s founder and manager, Paul Rocha, utilizes the experience to raise funds for JDRF. Known for his personal mohawk hairstyle, Rocha opted for donation goals to swap things up a bit this year. At the first milestone, he would sport a reverse mohawk, at the second, he would dye it red, and the third step would include a rat tail. Lucky for Paul, he hit all three goals and the hairstyle came to life during the event! The top donor, Ford retiree and super-enthusiast Mike Berardi, got to shave Paul’s mohawk into a “reverse mohawk” in front of participants as the promotion raised just shy of $15,000 for Juvenile Diabetes research.

We hear that next year Paul is going to raise the bar to mark his 10th year hosting the event, so be sure to check the event website (http://www.mohawktrackexperience.com) for the dates next August and get your Mustang ready to go to the 10th Annual Mohawk Track Experience.

FORD PERFORMANCE PHOTOS / COURTESY MARCUS CERVANTES