The 35th Annual Mid America Ford Team Shelby Nationals



7/04/09

The 35th annual Mid America Ford / Team Shelby Nationals was held June 25th through June 28th, 2009 in Tulsa Oklahoma. Both the Ford Motor Company and Shelby are major sponsors of the show.

If you ever plan to go a large show, I would recommend this one. The atmosphere is very friendly and it is easy to make new friends. There are plenty of events to keep you busy. You are sure to find something interesting at the show. Open track events, swap meet, drag racing and the car show were all very fun ! The evening was filled with seminars and interesting speakers.

The weather could only be described as "hot". Most days it was over 100 degrees.

Carroll Shelby's cars are always popular. He managed to attend the evening program and rumor has it was spotted at several of the local establishments. I heard his presentation and he is looking and sounding great.



The 1968 Shelbys had a strong presence. The quality of the cars has risen significantly over the last several years. The daily drivers are starting to look like the concours cars. I liked the blue convertible, the black GT350 . . .

I know not everyone will build an elite show car. The point is to get the basic things correct and work on the details as you go. As an owner of one of these fine cars, that is your responsibilty. If you need help, this the perfect place to ask. I saw almost all of the national judges and restorers at this show.



This black, GT500 KR came all the way from Wisconsin. The owner, Lance, won the popular vote and wowed the crowd with the giant Cobra snake. Lance drove his car on the street and the track. This GT500 KR can do it all.



David and Linda's car was voted the best fastback. This red GT500 with Air Conditioning was spot on. When was the last time you saw mirrors under a driven car ? They came from Texas.



Chris brought his GT500 KR. This car looked nice in the original Lime Green Metallic and the emblem placement is 100% correct.



This red GT350 was at the car show. At Tulsa even the really nice cars just have a way of blending in. There were hundreds of cars !



It would be unusual to see one special paint car at a show. Believe it or not - there were three in Tulsa! This yellow fastback had Arizona plates. The hubcaps look great.



Keith Craft is known as an engine builder. I think he will also be known as a 1968 Shelby restorer. His yellow GT500 KR was entered in the concours and won the Heritage Emerald Award. That is very difficult for the first try. There were just 86 yellow fastbacks built.



If you like the 1968s, the red, GT500 KR convertible with a 4 speed transmission must be a desirable car. This car won the Heritage Emerald Award.



At least three of these guys came all the way from Norway to see the Shelbys ! Svein (far right) is a frequent contributor and "Director of Norweigan Operations" for the website. I was so glad Svein, Bjorn and Anders could make the trip.

They are standing in front of the car known as the Coralsnake. The Shelby made it's second public appearance in Tulsa. It was very popular. The car was able to collect Tulsa's highest honor, The Heritage Diamond award. The car has won the two biggest Shelby shows in its first two outings. Now that the nation's top judges have looked the car over, I will be posting more on the website. I also think you will be seeing a lot more of the car in other media.

A dead battery kept the car from a perfect performance. Luckily, it was after the judges had left. Always check your battery!



You never know who is looking at your car. Here a concours judge has found something interesting. These guys are always studying the smallest of details to add to their knowledge base. The best way is to look at as many cars as you can. A very early Sunday morning shower, did not deter anyone.



I did manage a peak at a few other cars. This Pastel Blue Boss 429 was my personal favorite.





If you like the newer stuff how about an orange Super Snake ? Even the brake rotors were orange. I don't think that would make it past a 1968 judge.



The Terlingua Mustang is very popular and has its roots in the 1960s.



Carroll Shelby's newest creation was unveiled at the show. It is called the "Shelby SR". It looks fast ! How about making a plan for next years Mid America show ?