All Roads Lead to Terlingua

It's not every day that you get a chance to do something out of the ordinary and be part of history, but the last few days have been just that. Invited to the Shelby Automobiles 2008 Bull Run was something I will take with me to my grave. I've long followed the exploits of the original Terlingua rebels back in the 1960s - the week long partying, the chili cook off, the dirt bike and horse riding, and of course the racing. Winning the 1967 SCCA B-production class with Jerry Titus was just the icing on the cake.

This time around, with Shelby Automobiles having delivered the first of its new Terlingua Mustangs to its first owner, a Park Ranger who lives in Terlingua, the stage is set for some more great memories. I got a chance to drive the prototype, which for a little V-6 I can tell ya, goes like snot. It also corners like its on rails and will take turns as easily at 100 mph as it will at 30 mph (I won't tell you how I know that). If that wasn't enough, those who were invited had the privilege of sitting down and chatting with the legends who made it happen, Carroll Shelby, artist Bill Neale and drivers Bob Bondurant and Tom Yeager. I felt truly honored to be in their presence and the camaraderie that these guys share, even after 40 years is unsurpassed. The Shelby team are also a great bunch and if you've never been to their facility in Las Vegas, make sure you take the trip. I plan on writing more about Terlingua, but if any of you every have a chance to go there, take the opportunity - it also has some of the best driving roads and vistas in the country. And if you're in a Shelby Mustang so much the better, just watch out for a young guy with sideburns and a cowboy hat who has a tendency to lock the keys in the car when its running...