Ford Mustangs have been track-raced in the NASCAR Cup Series since 2019, replacing the discontinued Ford Fusion. Recently the Darlington Raceway held The Goodyear 400 NASCAR Darlington Raceway Throwback Weekend over the 2023 Mother's Day weekend.
The Ford Special Vehicle Registry administrator, Austin Atwood, was tasked to find several classic Mustangs to help celebrate the event. He choose four Mustangs registered on the Ford Special Vehicle Registry (www.specialvehicleregistry.com).
The vehicles selected were an early 1965 Blue Mustang Coup owned by Frank Cavallo. It is a true 64 and a half with its 260 engine. Next, a Wimbledon White 1970 Mach 1 complete with 351 Cleveland and Shaker Hood owned by Bill Hamilton. Then a 1993 Mustang SSP 5.0 LX in the silver colors of the North Carolina State Patrol owned by Doug Phillips and finally, a 2004 Competition Orange Mustang Cobra owned by Cody Bunce.
It was a beautiful weekend with three races taking place. On Friday night was the 200-mile Craftsman Truck Series Race. Saturday afternoon was NASCAR Xfinity Series for aspirating stars and veteran drivers who still enjoy competing. Also, on Saturday after the race a big parade from downtown Darlington to the Racetrack took place with classic NASCAR racecars, their drivers and many others including the four classic Mustangs. Finally on Sunday afternoon the NASCAR Cup Series Goodyear 400 took place.
One of the highlights of the weekend was getting to meet the Wood Brothers and their present-day driver, Harrison Burton and their 2023 Mustang bearing their famous number 21 and a Throwback paint job for Mother's Day. There was plenty of rubbin' and racin' as the young Burton brought his Mustang to a 6th place finish.
See more great photos in the gallery below.