Katrina and I just returned from the 50th Anniversary Aero Warrior Reunion. I heard several different numbers on how many cars were there and the number was obviously different each day. Some people came to one venue and others for another. There also were cars that broke down on the way and some at the event. Some participants never made it to the event for various last-minute conflicts or emergencies. A good estimate is that there were approximately 100 Superbirds, 40 Daytonas, 14 Dodge Charger 500s, 15 Talladega, and 18 Mercury cars. My guess is that most of the cars there were of driver quality with some outstanding real race cars, several tributes and a number of very well done show quality cars of all brands that were being driven.
I will have a lot more details over the next few weeks but let’s start with photos of some of the Ford products that were there.
Katrina found this STP jacket and had to try it on and tried to buy it but the owner would not hear of it! If you have any STP clothes contact me at rfleener@comcast.net.
You can click on any image below and then click on the new image to enlarge it on your screen.
At the Speedway.
Even a model was out posing with the Fords!
Leonard Wood
Vintage Winged Warriors on track.
Vintage Winged Warriors on track. The seats are painted to make the stands look full, they were empty!
Today’s heros, Kevin Harvick, Ford driver.
Another modern day hero, Joey Logano, Ford driver.
Dr. Cyclone, Tom Wilson, finally has a car that actually drives!
All colors of Degas were represented.
Mark and Jennifer Shilliday were everywhere with they Dega.
Todays Wood Brothers Ford Mustang.
This is one cool rare car. It is Mike Atkins custom green paint Talladega built and painted in the early 70s. It still looks real good. Mike, son Rick and family brough three cars to the event. The Ford and Mercury rand fine the Superbird, not so much.
Bobby and Donnie Allison with the Signature Car. Both of their signatures are on it from 1969 Daytona 24 Hour Race. More on this in a future Post.
Dave Marcus was a hard core MOPAR race car driver but he was everywhere during the event and was happy to pose with a Ford!
Pam and Tim Wellborn with Theo Teske (Mike Teske’s son)
Some of my first and strongest memories from my childhood relate to cars. I still remember when things happened based on what car I was driving at the time. I grew up and lived in Iowa for nearly 40 years before moving to Southern California and now live in Tennessee. I was a Corvette fanatic for years but then re-discovered vintage American Muscle. My wife, Katrina, and I decided we wanted to focus on unique and rare muscle cars. After a lot of research we fell in love with the Ford Blue Oval Aero Cars. These were only built in 1969 and and aerodynamics became an important part of winning races. The only purpose of these limited production cars was to win NASCAR races using the Boss 429 and 427 power plants complimented with a special, wind cheating, aerodynamic body. The Ford Talladega and Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II are terrific and historic cars. This site is devoted to these car and their owners past and present. We provide an Online Registry for recording the long term history and ownership of every remaining Talladega, Spoiler and Spoiler II.
I had a great time . I enjoyed meeting new people and seeing old friends . I enjoyed the cars as always . I was happy to see my car made into some photographs. I wish the rain would have held off for the race . The good thing was I made it home safely and at a decent hour. I hope everyone else did also .
What a great event. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Fleener house next year!
I had a great time . I enjoyed meeting new people and seeing old friends . I enjoyed the cars as always . I was happy to see my car made into some photographs. I wish the rain would have held off for the race . The good thing was I made it home safely and at a decent hour. I hope everyone else did also .