Team Shelby and Shelby Automobiles, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc., (CSBI.PK) will gather enthusiasts from around the globe to celebrate the opening of the redesigned factory museum at the Las Vegas factory on January 8-11, 2009. The four day “Shelby Bash 2009” will include a car cruise from Los Angeles, chili cook-off, car show, open track sessions, meet and greet, drive to Barrett-Jackson and other activities.
“This will be a special moment in Shelby history,” said Amy Boylan, president of Shelby Autos. “The Bash will dedicate the redesigned museum, which honors Carroll and the many people who worked so hard to win races and create balanced performance cars for real enthusiasts over the years. From the Cobra to the Dodge era, Series 1 and Ford Shelby Mustangs, we’ll celebrate the vehicles that are part of the Shelby legend.”
Team Shelby was formed in late 2007 for enthusiasts interested in all vehicles built by Shelby. Ownership of a Shelby is not mandatory; members must only embrace all high performance Shelbys, as well as Mustangs modified with genuine Shelby parts.
“The first major Team Shelby event was our 85th birthday party at the Las Vegas factory in January 2008,” stated Team Shelby Director Sharon Elliott. “Members had such a good time that we’re going back to commemorate the grand opening of the museum. Shelby Bash 2009 builds on our party this year with an event that gives people a way to enjoy their cars in an array of ways.”
While plans are evolving, the event will feature:
· “Shelby Run” cruise from Los Angeles to the factory and over to Barrett-Jackson
· Autograph session with Carroll Shelby and special guests
· Special museum tours
· 2 days of open track action at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and a poker run
· Gala, parties and a special breakfast
· Car show with a parts swap meet, vendor area and chili cook off demonstration
The Shelby museum, which is located on the Shelby Automobiles campus at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, was extensively renovated this year. From CSX2000, the first Cobra, to the latest Ford Shelby GT500 “Super Snake” and the first Ford GT prototype, the museum celebrates the life and cars of Carroll Shelby. It was expanded to 11,000 square feet to encompass interactive displays, exhibits of historic and current Shelby cars, a museum gift shop and library. Dubbed “the Shelby Archive Center”, this library provides public access to records, data and memorabilia from Mr. Shelby’s racing career, as well as the official Shelby Registry that documents all of the vehicles built by his companies since 1962 .
“The recent opening of the Shelby Café was the first step in making the Shelby facility a major attraction,” added Boylan. “From the museum to the road course at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, this campus represents all aspects of the Shelby lifestyle. It’s a place to honor our glorious past while focusing on our bright future with cars that stir the soul. The 2009 Shelby Bash will be a great way to introduce the public to this spectacular new campus.”
About Team Shelby
Team Shelby is the only club officially recognized by the factory (www.shelbyautos.com) that embraces all vehicles built by Shelby over the past 46 years. The group offers a wide variety of activities, ranging from track days to factory tours. The enthusiast community features a Web site hosting videos, forums, podcasts, exclusive news and briefings; an on-line Shelby registry is also planned. Information is available at www.teamshelby.com and www.midamericafordmeet.com.
About Shelby Automobiles, Inc.
Founded by legend Carroll Shelby, Shelby Automobiles, Inc., manufactures and markets performance vehicles and related products. The company manufactures authentic continuation Cobras, including the 427 S/C, 289 FIA and 289 street car component vehicles. The company has partnered with Ford Motor Company to produce the Shelby GT, Shelby GTH and GT500KR, which are based on the Mustang. For more information about Shelby Automobiles, visit www.shelbyautos.com.