From the Auction Block to the World Challenge Grid: Mustang Set for Barrett-Jackson

Scottsdale, Jan. 15, 2011: SPX, a company founded as an automotive components supplier that has grown to a global, Fortune 500, multi-industry company, will auction off a Ford Mustang FR500S modified to World Challenge GTS specifications at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, on January 21. Additionally, the auction will include a sponsorship package, various racing equipment and more. All proceeds from the sale will go directly to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The winning bidder will have the opportunity of the lifetime as this turn-key package gives them the chance to sit on the grid as the World Challenge Sports Car Wars season opens at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg with the IZOD IndyCar Series, March 25-27.

Along with the FR500S Mustang, the winning bidder will receive race training at the Ford Racing High Performance Driving School at Miller Motorsports Park; a $20,000 cash sponsorship from SPX; Stand 21 tailor-made driver’s suit, gloves, shoes, underwear and helmet; an assortment of safety equipment including a HANS Device and SPEEDCOM two-way radio; tools, including a floor jack, jack stands, a tire and wheel holder, tire tread and air pressure gauge, flood spotlight, battery-operated impact wrench, a stop watch, two 16-gallon gas cans and various hand tools along with a tool chest.

The FR500S is no ordinary “tuned” Mustang as SPX has joined forces with Ford Racing, Miller Motorsports Park, the Ford Racing High Performance Driving School, Stand 21, SPEEDCOM Communications, Capaldi Racing, Cragar Wheels and Pirelli to create a turnkey package that will take the winning bidder from the bidding floor at Barrett-Jackson straight to the starting grid for the 2011 World Challenge Championships.

Capaldi Racing is the shop responsible for modifying the brand new FR500S to the World Challenge rulebook. Modifications include a Carbon-fiber louvered hood, trunk and wing for less weight and better aerodynamics, Pirelli P Zero Racing Slicks mounted on Cragar racing wheels; Ford Racing Performance parts such as high-flow cylinder heads, camshafts, intake manifold, throttle body, oil pan, one-piece aluminum driveshaft, Brembo Racing Pro Series four-piston brake calipers, plus 14-inch slotted disks and racing brake pads. Most importantly, the Mustang received a modest horsepower increase from 325 to 400.

The Ford Racing High Performance Driving School, the only official Ford Racing driving school, located at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah, will put the winning bidder (or their appointed driver) through a four-day race-training school that, should the attendee qualify for an SCCA Pro Racing license, will enable the Mustang to launch off the grid at World Challenge’s iconic standing start at the St. Petersburg Grand Prix.

The 2011 World Challenge season begins with races one and two of Sports Car Wars at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg IZOD IndyCar weekend, March 25-27. The World Challenge is North America's top production car-based racing championship. Divided into three separate categories (World Challenge GT, World Challenge GTS, and World Challenge Touring Car), each race features a thrilling standing start, adrenaline filled door-to-door action and world class drivers. World Challenge features cars from the world's most popular manufacturers – race-prepped versions of the cars driven on the streets. Sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing, World Challenge races at North America's premier road and temporary street courses. For more information about World Challenge, visit www.world-challenge.com.

Attached: The SPX Ford Mustang FR500S to be auctioned at Barrett-Jackson.

Credit: World Challenge