Phoenix, AZ: - Despite record gas prices, over 200 Mustang enthusiasts from all over the world have registered to participate in the landmark cross country Mustang road trip for 2009. Hailing from over 30 states and 6 countries including Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Sweden, The Netherlands, South Africa, and Canada, the caravan is setting records for international participation.
“We have always had participants from around the world, but this year is shattering all previous records”, says event coordinator Sam Haymart. “Over 50 parties have registered from abroad including over 30 from Australia alone”. Most of the participants coming from overseas are planning to rent Shelby Hertz and other Mustangs for the drive, while some are planning to transport their cars to America for the adventure.
The planned caravan drive kicks off in Las Vegas, NV on April 11th at the Shelby Automobiles Factory. Participants will celebrate at an evening reception the night before and will start the drive at the front door of Carroll Shelby’s shop. From there, the five-day road trip to Birmingham, AL for Mustang Club Of America’s big Mustang 45th Anniversary Show at Barber Motorsports Park continues a Mustang tradition.
Each day of the drive involves planned events and tours, lunch stops, and overnight stays. The 2009 Mustangs Across America drive has some new routes and byways planned along old sections of Route 66 as well as off-shoot trips to places like Santa Fe, NM and Clinton, OK for some sightseeing.
Mustangs Across America organizes the convoy drive with a schedule of about 400 miles a day with planned staging areas, lunch stops, and overnight accommodations. The group works with local chambers of commerce, clubs, and sponsors to add local events, tours, and gatherings along the five-day road trip. Enthusiasts are welcome to join in the adventure for the entire trip or just for a short segment or two.
“The 45th Anniversary Drive is shaping up to be the biggest Mustangs Across America drive ever”, says Haymart. “Hotels are already filling up in many overnight stops and we are adding third and fourth properties to keep up”. The Mustangs Across America 45th Anniversary drive is expected to garner over 500 Mustangs in the group to make their way to the MCA Show in Birmingham, AL.
Full Event Information Here
Mustangs Across America 45th Anniversary Drive Schedule:
Friday, 4/10/2009: Kick-off and Welcome Reception - Shelby Corner Cafe, Las Vegas, NV
Saturday, 4/11/2009: Las Vegas, NV to Holbrook, AZ
• Lunch Stop: Seligman, AZ
• Side Trip: Route 66
Sunday, 4/12/2009: Holbrook, AZ to Santa Rosa, NM
• Lunch Stop: Albuquerque, NM
• Side Trip: Santa Fe, NM
Monday, 4/13/2009: Santa Rosa, NM to Mustang, OK
• Lunch Stop: Amarillo, TX
• Side Trip: Route 66 Museum, Clinton, OK
Tuesday, 4/14/2009: Mustang, OK to Shreveport/Bossier City, LA
• Lunch Stop: Dallas, TX
Wednesday, 4/15/2009: Shreveport/Bossier City, LA to Birmingham, AL
• Lunch Stop: Jackson, MS
Thursday - Sunday 4/16 - 4/19, 2009: Attend the MCA 45th Mustang Anniversary Celebration (Separate Registration Required with Mustang Club of America Event)
Sunday, 4/19/2009: Mustangs Across America Dinner Banquet
• Location: Double Tree Hotel Ballroom - Birmingham, AL