Carroll Shelby and Team Shelby have signed an agreement to make the Mid-America Ford Performance and Shelby Meet the Team Shelby Nationals, which is held annually in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The preeminent Ford and Shelby show for the past 33 years, it attracts 30,000 people annually.
As the new home of Team Shelby, Carroll plans to attend the inaugural 2008 Team Shelby Nationals on June 12-15.
"We formed Team Shelby to give all Shelby enthusiasts more ways to enjoy a high octane lifestyle," said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby Automobiles and the first member of Team Shelby. "I've admired the way that Jim Wicks, Randy Roberts, David Apgar, and everyone at the Mid-America Ford Performance and Shelby Meet have grown their event following this same philosophy. So instead of creating a new event, we decided to partner with the best and create a national Team Shelby event that would show just how much we appreciate all Shelby, Ford, and Mustang fans across the country."
The longest-running, multi-faceted event of its kind, the Mid-America Ford Performance and Shelby Meet began as a picnic hosted by Jim Wicks and a group of diehard enthusiasts in 1974. Today, it has blossomed into a multi-day event with drag racing, road racing exhibitions, a trade show, a cruise night, car show, and a banquet.
"When I started the Mid-America Meet 34 years ago, I knew it would be a continuing evolution," said event founder and organizer Jim Wicks. "I'm excited to join with Team Shelby and be a part of taking the fun and excitement of this fast-paced event into the future."
Team Shelby is the only club officially recognized by the factory for all vehicles built by Shelby. The organization is directed by Robert Lane and Sharon Elliot. Members don't need to own a Shelby to be a member, just share a "life needs more" attitude and celebrate all high performance Shelbys.
"The Team Shelby Nationals will continue the celebration of Mr. Shelby's 85th birthday during 2008, which will begin at our annual Las Vegas event," explained Ms. Elliott. "We'll also have regional activities like track days and factory tours. Members can learn about these opportunities through our Web site where videos, forums, podcasts, exclusive news and briefings by key Shelby execs will be available only to them. Another huge benefit of membership will be access to our on-line Shelby registry; so owners won't have to wait for print editions to be compiled."
While plans are evolving based on this new relationship, the 2008 Nationals currently will feature three days of open track at Hallett Motor Racing Circuit, Saturday drag racing at Tulsa Raceway Park, parts swap meet and vendor area, High Performance Shelby driving school, car show at the Tulsa Southern Hills Marriott, autograph session with Carroll Shelby and special guests.