Enthusiasts flocking to Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway on April 16-20, 2014 to celebrate the Ford Mustang’s 50th birthday can enjoy activities beyond the track – from a cross-country pony drive and festive dinners to an opportunity to “run with the ponies” at a half marathon and 5K.
“Mustang has evolved to represent far more than just a car – it’s the symbol of a high octane lifestyle,” says Ronald D. Bramlett, executive director of the event. “The car was designed from birth to be a canvas that people could personalize for their own taste, so we did the same with this incredible celebration. Since our members enjoy the roar of the track, as well as participate in a broad range of other activities, we expanded the menu of choices. It will be a memorable experience for the entire family.”
The following highlights activities beyond the track. They are separate ticketed events:
Mustang 50th Pony Drive
The largest caravan of Mustangs in history to cross the United States will join the official 50th birthday festivities. Cars from every decade are being summoned to Norman, Okla. on April 13, 2014, where they can connect with the herd headed either to Charlotte Motor Speedway or Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The Las Vegas Pony Drive is stopping in Amarillo, Texas; Albuquerque; N.M.; and Flagstaff, Ariz. The Charlotte Pony Drive is being hosted in Little Rock, Ark.; Nashville, Tenn.; and Asheville, N.C. Those who cannot travel to Norman can still register for the Pony Drive and join the group in one of the host cities along the route.
Mustang 50th Birthday Parties
Both Charlotte and Las Vegas are hosting birthday parties on April 17, 2014 – Mustang’s official birthday – to honor the pony car. In Charlotte, Cabarrus Arena & Event Center is welcoming enthusiasts for a Carolina-style barbecue where past and present Team Mustang members will be in attendance. Meanwhile in Las Vegas, festivities are being held at the New York-New York Hotel & Casino Brooklyn Bridge. A variety of Mustangs will be parked on the bridge, while guests mingle with Ford Motor Company executives and enjoy food inspired by the Big Apple.
Kannapolis, N.C. Car Cruise
Mustangs from Charlotte Motor Speedway will caravan to nearby Kannapolis on April 18, 2014 for an evening of food, fellowship and live entertainment from the local band, Continental Divide. Proceeds from the cruise benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.
Shelby American Gala
Also on April 18, Shelby American senior management will welcome guests for an evening gala at their new Las Vegas headquarters. Guests will enjoy dinner, and a tour of the state-of-the-art production facility and the Shelby Heritage Center featuring the first Cobra CSX2000 and prototypes of the Series 1, Shelby GT-H, Terlingua and GT500KR.
Mustang 50th Half Marathon and 5K; Enter to Win a 2014 Shelby GTS Mustang Convertible
On April 19, 2014, fitness event management leader, Vision Event Management, is producing the Mustang 50th Half Marathon and 5K at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway oval, inner road course and drag strip. This unique, fun run kicks off at 7:00 a.m. offering spectacular Nellis Air Force Base and mountain views. Striking Mustangs will dot the course and registered runners will be entered into a drawing to win a custom 2014 Shelby GTS Mustang convertible. Afterwards, participants will enjoy a post-race party, and they will receive a day pass to the 50th Birthday Celebration. Entry fees and registration must be completed by April 16. Half marathon runners will earn a finisher medal as well.
Mustang 50th Birthday Celebration: Saturday Evening Banquets
On April 19, 2014, guests will join Ford Motor Company executives, and past and present Team Mustang members for an evening banquet and awards ceremony. In Las Vegas, the festivities are being held at the Luxor Hotel and Casino. For those enthusiasts celebrating Mustang’s 50th in Charlotte, the Embassy Suites Charlotte-Concord will play host. Both receptions begin at 6:00 p.m., and dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m. local time.
For information, please visit mustang50thbirthdaycelebration.com. Celebration news can also be found on Facebook.
[Source: Mustang Club of America]