An untested Mustang, five drivers and autocross debut: The result?

The scene? An SCCA autocross, a Mustang of unknown origin and five drivers eager for seat time. Would the car survive? Only one way to find out.

With each driver getting five runs, that meant a whopping 25 runs on the docket for the Mustang that day. Sometimes a car is lucky to get that many runs in a full season–or at least a half of one. 

First up to the start? Me.

Photograph by David S. Wallens

As a new driver to the autocross scene, I used my first three runs to get familiar with the course layout and the feel of the car. Once I was set, it was time to push it and attempt to leave no time on the course. 

And right off the line, the Mustang didn’t disappoint. 

As one foot left the clutch, the other smashed the gas pedal and the Mustang lurched forward, pushing me back into the seat as the engine howled away. I quicky shifted into second, the painter’s tape on the shift knob sticking lightly to my fingers–call it a quick fix for a loose emblem.

As I teased the gas, the Mustang responded in kind, and before I knew it, I was gliding through the first and second turns, the car weaving through the slaloms like a dog in an agility contest at Westminster.

The Mustang and I were soon greeted by a large, left-hand sweeping turn into a late apex. Oh boy, time for brakes–fresh brake fluid, don’t fail me now.

I got an immediate response as the Mustang braked soundly and swept into the turn, the tires chittering against the pavement, the grip faltering ever so slightly–darn all-season tires–and the car’s back end swinging out a bit more then I would’ve liked.

Photograph by Colin Wood

As I corrected before heading toward the next barrage of slaloms, my foot quickly became reacquainted with the gas before bidding it farewell into the last turn before the finish–a sharp 180. 

Once again, the high-pitched squeal of tires and the groan of the stock suspension rang out as I rounded that final turn. The Mustang lined up out of the turn, the gas pedal hit the floor, and the car streaked across those final cones before slowing to a crawl for the drive back to the grid. 

As I pulled back into my spot and stepped out of the car, the smell of brakes seemed to fill the air–yummy right? 

Pulling off my helmet, I looked over at Colin, my co-driver for the heat, and smiled. I knew he would have just as much fun as I did. 

After a few more seat changes between Colin and me, our runs were up. 

So, 10 runs down, 15 more to go, and the Mustang was still going strong–minus a bit of brake pad and tire rubber.

In a later heat, three other drivers from the GRM crew–Chris, David and Tom–hot lapped the car in an effort to keep the event running on time. 

By the end? Boy, were those tires and brakes squealing.

Photograph by Chris Tropea

“I was really impressed with [the Mustang’s] durability–25 back-to-back runs with zero issues isn't something every 20-year-old used car can do,” Tom shares. “I left tons of time on course fighting for front grip, especially in slow-speed corners where, even with left-foot braking, it would just grind the poor outside-front tire off. Still, though, I had a blast. This same car, lowered, with front camber, real tires and working shocks? Sign me up!”

Just like that, our 25 runs were complete, and the Mustang’s first autocross came to a close. 

The Mustang? While it may have picked up a few new creaks and ticks and left a bit of rubber on the course, it was still standing and–better yet–driving. It even drove another hour and a half home.

Our next steps? Stash our stock parts and begin our Club Spec conversion. 

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