The Mustang FR500S is the newest addition to the Mustang FR500 race car family and the only car that is homologated for the Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup; a new professional racing series that debuted in 2008.
Manufactured at AutoAlliance International in Flat Rock, MI -- the same facility that builds street-legal Mustangs, the limited-edition FR500S is the first race car built by Ford Motor Company on a production line intended for sale to the public. The car features the 4.6L 3-valve production V8 engine and a variety of Ford Racing performance parts, including a cold-air kit, high-capacity radiator and two-way adjustable dampers and springs. The car can be ordered through Miller Motorsports Park or your local Ford dealer and is delivered to the customer in race-ready condition, complete with a roll cage, racing seat and safety harnesses, an AIM data acquisition system and even a timing and scoring transponder.
Co-developed by Ford Racing and Miller Motorsports Park, the Mustang Challenge is an affordable, challenging platform for racers who want to compete in a V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive car on a level playing field that showcases driver ability. The series is sanctioned by Grand Am and staged eight races in 2008 in support of major professional road racing events across North America.
RACE SERIES
FR Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup
PRIMARY COMPETITION
Spec Series
Specifications
SPECIFICATIONS
Hero Card
HOW TO ORDER
Order Form
FR Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup LAS VEGAS (October 30, 2007) – Miller Motorsports Park, in partnership with Ford Racing, is pleased to announce a new professional racing series that will provide competitors an affordable way to go racing with a V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive car.
The Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires will be an eight-round series utilizing the new Ford Mustang FR500S fitted with BFGoodrich g-Force R1 tires. The series, which will be sanctioned by the Grand American Road Racing Association, will consist of eight races during the 2008 season. A schedule of events and television package will be announced in the near future.
Series staff will be headed up by Series Director Lynda Randall, an industry veteran with many years’ experience in race series management. Drivers will compete for purses and prizes totaling $300,000. Points will be awarded through 25th place, with 30 points to win and an individual point for pole position. The series will be open to drivers with a national-level racing license.
The Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires will feature 45-minute“sprint” races. Each race weekend will include two 30-minute practice sessions, a 25-minute qualifying session and a 45-minute race.
“We are very excited about the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires,” said Miller Motorsports Park CEO/General Manager Alan Wilson. “The series will fill a significant niche in professional road racing and will be the perfect venue for a variety of racers. The Ford Mustang FR500S has proven to be stable, reliable and fun to drive, and the competition should be close and intense.
“We would like to thank our friends at Ford Racing and BFGoodrich Tires for helping us develop this program, and we look forward to working with them to provide racers and fans with some of the best road racing in America over the years to come.”
“Being a lifelong Ford fan myself,” said Miller Motorsports Park owner Larry Miller, “I am thrilled about the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires. The Ford Mustang FR500S is a terrific car, and I think the racing is going to be tremendous. The series represents a unique business model for a racetrack to undertake, one that adds another innovative facet to our operation at Miller Motorsports Park. Our friends at Ford Racing and BFGoodrich Tires have been phenomenal to work with as our relationship has flourished from the creation of the Ford Racing High Performance Driving School through the co-development of the Ford Mustang FR500S to the creation of the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires. It’s an exciting time for us, and I can’t wait to see the cars on the track.”
“All of us here at Ford Racing are excited about the introduction of the new Mustang FR500S race car and the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires,” said Dan Davis, director, Ford Racing Technology. “The FR500S is the latest in our FR series, and we’re very proud of it. We wanted to create an affordable race car, one that still packs the power and performance people expect from a Mustang. I think we’ve done just that.
“The new Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires will be an exciting option for those who want to start to get into professional sports car racing. We’ve had a great partnership with the people at Miller Motorsports Park, and look forward to working with them to grow this series.”
For more information on the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires, visit the series’ website at www.MillerCup.com. For more information on Miller Motorsports Park, visit www.MillerMotorsportsPark.com. For more information on Ford Racing, visit their website at www.FordRacing.com. For more information on BFGoodrich Tires, visit their website at www.BFGoodrichTires.com.
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Competition Mustangs : Mustang Series
ARRIVE AND DRIVE
http://www.speedworksrd.com/
SpeedWorks car number 21 testing at Putnam Park Road Course earlier this month.
October 6, 2008 (Indianapolis, IN) SpeedWorks R&D will be conducting a full day of testing on October 20th at the Putnam Park Road Course 35 minutes south west of Indianapolis. The SpeedWorks R&D team will bring one or two of their Mustang Challenge cars to the circuit for drivers to acquaint themselves with the car for a day of testing on the course. The SpeedWorks R&D team will provide a full crew including an engineer for the test. SpeedWorks R&D can also provide accommodations close to the circuit and the Indianapolis International Airport. Drivers that are interested should contact Peter Parrott at 317-241-3664 for information and scheduling. Drivers who would like Mustang testing but have a conflict with this date, should also contact Mr. Parrott so the team could check on alternate dates for testing.
Speedworks R&D
FORD RACING NEWS
Ford Introduces its First Factory-Ready Race car
Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup
OWNER INFORMATION
Setup Guide for FR500S
FORD INTRODUCES ITS FIRST FACTORY-READY RACE CAR; FORD MUSTANG CARS AND ENGINES HIGHLIGHTED AT SEMA
Mustang racing adds the all-new Mustang FR500S competing in the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup.
The Ford BOSS 500 is the first modern-day nitro drag racing engine. It was designed by Ford and John Force Racing and will be rolled out in 2008.
Ford Racing Performance Group offers line of performance 4.6L aluminum crate engines called “Aluminator,” available as both long and short blocks.
An all-new Ford Mustang V-6 appearance package adds excitement and exclusivity to the 2008 Mustang V-6 coupe.
LAS VEGAS, Oct. 30 – Ford Racing proves once again that Mustang is meant for the track with the company’s first factory-ready muscle car and a series of other actions announced today at the 2007 Specialty Equipment and Manufacturers Association (SEMA) Show.
Building on Mustang’s racing heritage, Ford Racing is introducing:
A new Mustang FR500S race car and racing series
The Ford BOSS 500 nitro drag racing engine, featured in NHRA Mustang Funny Cars
A line of Ford Performance “Aluminator” crate engines; and
A Mustang V-6 appearance package new for 2008.
The Mustang FR500S race carBuilding on Mustang’s rich and successful racing heritage, Ford Racing is offering customers a new way to affordably race with the all-new 2008 Mustang FR500S. This car will be the heart of the all-new Mustang spec series, the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup, which will make its debut on tracks around North America in 2008.
The FR500S was built on the production line at AutoAlliance International in Flat Rock, Mich. Interior work was completed at Watson Engineering in Taylor, Mich.; the 4.6-liter 3-valve V-8 production engine was produced by Ford in Romeo, Mich., and sealed and dyno’d at Roush Industries in Livonia, Mich. It will retail for $75,000 straight from the Ford Racing parts catalog.
“Few manufacturers can say that they build race cars right on the production line, and we’re proud to be one of them,” said Dan Davis, director of Ford Racing Technology. “The FR500S provides customers and racers a chance to get into a high-performing vehicle that is durable, reliable and competitive – straight from the factory.”
With the addition of the Mustang FR500S to the current stable of Mustang race cars including the FR500C and FR500GT, Ford Racing now provides customers a ladder of car offerings to help them climb up the ranks of professional racing.
http://www.fordracingparts.com/announcements/news67.asp#fr500s
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Competition Mustangs : Mustang SeriesThe Ford BOSS 500 Nitro Drag Racing Engine
Racing enthusiasts know that the true heart of a race car is its engine – and Davis wants to make sure that the “heart” that powers NHRA Funny Car Mustangs of John Force Racing is pumping “blue” blood in the future.
Davis and John Medlen of John Force Racing challenged themselves to develop the new Ford BOSS 500, the first modern nitro engine for drag racing. The BOSS 500 was tested on-track for the first time on Oct. 18 and was unveiled for media today.
“We wanted to be in NHRA Funny Car with an engine that we really could call all our own,” David said. “I wanted people to see a Ford Mustang race car and know that it’s winning races with true Ford power.”
Davis and Medlen looked at the current nitro engine, discussed where they felt it had weaknesses, and decided to design and build a new engine to address them.
The BOSS 500 is the first nitro drag racing motor designed with analytical tools. It has a strengthened block for better durability and new cylinder heads developed by Ford and Force engineers. The basic design will favor areas such as the main caps register and the main webs in the block. Its engine block also is anodized blue after machining, helping ensure fans and competitors alike know when they’re seeing a Ford nitro engine under the hood.
Most of the external surface areas on the new 500-cubic-inch engine have been redesigned; a new belly pan was designed for better sealing; and the valve covers purposely call back the old Ford BOSS motors. The engine also features Ford main bearings with actual parts numbers in the Ford performance catalog.
“We had three things in mind when we set out on this project,” Davis said. “First, for marketing purposes, we wanted to say that we were putting reality behind the term ‘Powered by Ford.’
“Second, on the technical side, we have always helped out with aero, chassis development and now safety, but we always stopped short of the engine. This project has been a technical exercise for our engineers and the Force team to take the current motor, redesign it and make it a Ford.
“Finally, we want fans to associate this engine with Ford and Force, but we also know this provides a new revenue opportunity for us,” Davis added. “In Funny Car, the plan is for this to be a John Force Racing-exclusive engine at the start, but we do want to be able to sell it to Top Fuel teams for competition in the near future.”
Davis said that the current plan is for new Force Mustang driver Mike Neff to use the Ford BOSS 500 engine full-time in 2008 as it goes through its development phase. The other Force Mustang drivers – John Force, Ashley Force and Robert Hight – will use the engine after it has been further developed.
Ford and Force Racing also are investigating a team to be the first development operation in Top Fuel, with a measured, commercial rollout to more competitors after it has gone through a prove-out stage in that division.
Mustang FR500GT for Rolex Series GT
Ford Racing has added another rung to the top of the Mustang racing ladder – the Mustang FR500GT, which is being homologated for 2008 Grand-Am Rolex Series GT class competition, starting with the 24 Hours at Daytona in January.
The Mustang follows on the heels of the highly successful FR500C in Grand-Am KONI Challenge competition and is reminiscent of the Trans-Am Mustangs from the 1970s. Closely aligned with the FR500GT competing for the FIA GT3 European Championship, this vehicle boasts a 5.0-liter V-8 engine, which is part of the Ford Racing Cammer engine family.
If the FR500GT is homologated, Jim Click of Arizona and his race team plan to compete for the 2008 Rolex Series GT championship.
Ford Racing also is looking for additional racing series where the FR500GT could compete.
Related Links :
Competition Mustangs : Grand-Am
The “Aluminator” Crate EngineWith the all-new “Aluminator” line of crate engines, Ford Racing further strengthens its reputation for building performance engines that are factory-quality, easy-to-install and priced right.
The foundation of these engines is the 4.6-liter engine block used in the Mustang GT with its new block featuring strength unmatched by any previous production 4.6-liter aluminum block.
The new “Aluminator” crate engine line features high strength and quality but also is affordable because of its high volume production.
Because components have been used in production vehicle applications, parts cost is minimized as well. Short-block prices start at $4,500 MSRP, making the “Aluminator” engines with all-new components comparable in price to aftermarket remanufacturing programs.
New V-6 Mustang Appearance Package
An all-new appearance package from Ford adds excitement and a design exclusive to the 2008 Mustang V-6 Coupe. It can be paired with the Ford Racing power upgrade package, the Ford Racing handling package – or both.
The V-6 appearance package includes 18-inch, five--spoke, polished forged wheels, providing an aggressive stance that complements the ’60s-inspired styling. Additional features, including chrome billet grille insert, scoops, spoilers and blackout treatments come together to deliver a distinctive and integrated look.
Also available and tuned for the 2008 V-6 Mustang are the Ford Racing power upgrade and handling packs that can be used alone or in combination. Add a Ford Racing short-throw shifter for manual transmissions, and the V-6 Mustang is transformed with added performance and excitement.
Sachs Damper Guide for FR500S
FR500S Parts Information
FR500S Parts List
Torque Sheet for FR500S
Fuel Pumpout Information for FR500S
Brembo Rotor Assembly Instructions
AiM MXL Configuration File for FR500S
BFGoodrich Tires g-Force R1 Information
Clutch Bleeding Procedure
Fascia Trim Templates for FR500S
FR500S Aero Info
Corner Light Brake Duct Modification for FR500S
GENERAL SPECS
Built at AAI in Flat Rock, Mich., the home of the Mustang
Roll cage built to SCCA, NASA and Grand-Am Spec
Factory-built and painted body shell with all sound deadening and seam sealer deleted
Complete safety system including integral side head restraint, a six-point HANS-compatible harness, and steering wheel with quick-release hub, fire suppression system and window net.
Lexan quarter and rear windows
AIM MXL Data Acquisition System
Master cutoff switch and center switch panel
Decontented wiring harnesses for minimum necessary functionality
Aero - Wing/Splitter
3:73-ratio axle with Ford Racing/Torsen differential
POWERTRAIN
Engine Type: Dyno-checked and sealed 4.6L 3-valve, fuel-injected V8
Bore/Stroke (mm): 90.2x90.0
Compression Ratio (in/mm): 9.8:1
Material: All Aluminum
Horsepower: 325
Ford Racing high capacity racing radiator and aluminum degas bottle
Ford Racing 84mm cold air intake kit
Ford Racing driveshaft loops
6-speed transmission with upgraded clutch and Ford Racing short-throw shifter
Recalibrated PCM, to 320+ horsepower
Ford Racing/Borla stainless steel long-tube headers and X- Pipe
CHASSIS/STEERING/BRAKES
Drivetrain Layout: Rear-wheel drive
Front Suspension: Two-way adjustable front dampers with coil springs, adjustable anti-roll bar
Rear Suspension: Live-axle; Panhard rod, two-way adjustable rear dampers with coil over springs, anti-roll bar
Ford Racing/Brembo 4-piston 14" Front brakes with race pads front & rear; Race ABS calibration
Ford Racing Front and Rear sway bars with 3-position front adjustment
Steering Type: Rack-and-Pinion
Ford Racing front strut tower brace
Ford Racing front camber/caster plate
Ford Racing rack-and-pinion steering
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