A rainbow of over 80 Ford GTs attended Owners Rally 12
In August of 2017 another gathering of Ford GTs and Ford GT owners came together in Park City, Utah. While this was the 12th Ford GT Owners Rally, it was the first to feature new Ford GTs alongside 2005 and 2006 models. I had every intention of driving my 2005 Ford GT to this rally. After all, it was the same road trip I’d made in my GT just 4 months earlier to attend the new Ford GT press launch.
A Mustang Shelby GT350R is the perfect alternative to a Ford GT at this rally
Sadly, after planning to drive the GT my schedule shifted and I couldn’t afford the 2 extra days to make the trip up and back. I quickly purchased airplane tickets and wondered what kind of rental car I’d be stuck in while following GTs through the mountains of Utah. Then I had an idea. What if I contacted Ford and asked for one of the new Shelby GT350Rs? I hadn’t driven one yet, and I’d be showcasing the Shelby to a highly-targeted demographic of likely customers.
Ford was kind enough to ship a 2017 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R to attend the Owners Rally
My plan worked. Ford agreed to ship a new 2017 Shelby GT350R to the St. Regis resort in Park City, where the Owners Rally was being hosted. I arrived the first night of the rally to find a Lightning Blue Shelby GT350R with Black racing stripes waiting in the parking lot. I’d heard very good things about the GT350R since it was introduced in 2016, and by the end of the rally I knew all those things were right.
Cruising the roads of Utah with 80 Ford GTs was a great time
You can read my official story on the rally, and the Shelby GT350R, at Forbes.com. I’ll also provide a deeper dive into the Mustang Shelby GT350R in a couple days. For now let’s focus on the 12th Ford GT Owners Rally.
A collection of old and new Ford GTs made for quite the sight in the Rocky Mountains
With two generations of Ford GT streaming through the mountains of Utah it was quite a spectacle for rally attendees and local Utah residents. The weather was nearly ideal, matching the visual appeal of over 80 Ford GT’s draped across the Rocky Mountains.
The first day of Owners Rally 12 focused on a scenic drive through Utah and Wyoming
Seeing both generations of Ford GT, not just next to each other but also in motion, really emphasizes the design differences between them. The 2005-2006 Ford GT has a classic shape that will never go out of style, while the new Ford GT looks like a low-flying UFO from the 22nd century. One timeless, one purposeful, both visually stunning.
Over 40 Ford GTs participated in the track day at Utah Motorsports Campus
After touring the mountains of Utah, with a short jaunt through southwest Wyoming, the group returned to the St. Regis and prepared for a track day at Utah Motorsports Campus. The next day continued with perfect weather and over 40 Ford GTs circulating the road course for several hours.
A ride-along with Andy in his black 2006 Ford GT won’t be forgotten
I was lucky enough to ride with a fellow second-generation owner in his black 2005 Ford GT. Andy is a professional racer who knows how to get the most out of any car. With just some upgrades to the tires (Hoosier R7s), suspension (Scott Ahlman shocks) and brake pads (Pagid Yellow) his Ford GT was properly capable of taking advantage of the track. And the ride in his Ford GT was one of the most entertaining I’ve ever had.
Henry Ford III attended Owners Rally 12 and spent quality time with the participants
As with every previous Ford GT Owners Rally, this one included plenty of face time with Ford executives, including Henry Ford III, the head of Ford Performance Marketing at the time. Henry is one of the most down-to-earth car guys you’ll ever meet. If you can get past the intimidation factor of his name and family tree you’ll find plenty to talk about in the realm of automotive enthusiasm.
Yet another successful Ford GT Owners Rally goes into the history books
After 3 days driving on the road and track it was easy to remember why these Owner Rallies have become so popular with Ford GT fans. And with another generation of Ford GTs arriving there’s sure to be plenty of adventures in the coming years.
Ford GTs of every style and color participated, including a very rare 2017 Heritage model