TMSBrad

It usually takes a few years before a car becomes popular with performance enthusiasts. Not so the current Ford Mustang, which is driving sales of Ford performance parts to record levels.

"In the 25-year history of the Ford Racing Performance Group, we have never seen sales like this," said Jamie Allison, program manager of the group.

Last year, Ford Racing's performance business -- worth millions of dollars annually -- increased more than 10 percent. For 2006 year-to-date, sales are up another 15 percent and headed toward a record year.

"Almost from day one, the new Mustang has been a boon to our business," said Allison, who estimates that pony cars – past and present -- account for 70-80 percent of Ford's performance parts business.

Ford's new race-ready FR500C Mustang, sold through select dealers, is contributing to the increase. But customers also are snapping up parts to dress up and modify their new showroom Mustangs, according Joe Charles, performance parts specialist for Parkway Ford outside of Atlanta.

"It's been amazing," said Charles. "We've had guys with brand new cars come in and drop several thousand dollars on major modifications."

This growth is due to the appeal of the Mustang among enthusiasts, success on the track with the FR500C "Boy Racers" and the launch of Mustang Performance Packs. In addition to offering individual performance parts for 2005 and 2006 Mustangs, Ford Racing started bundling certain components together as packages or packs -- FR1-Power Pack, FR2-Drag Pack and FR3-Handling Pack.
These packs were showcased in the recently launched Shelby GT-H. For more information, visit www.fordracingparts.com.

Kluski

I think they left a part out. Don't worry, I put it in for them. I know without this site, I would not have gotten into the aftermarket. I have spent a few grand, but it has been worth it!!

traffic142

I agree, the internet and this site more importantly is the reason I modded as much as I have. I am like alot here, a wait and see person. I see people doing mods and having sucess. They share how to do the mod at home (thus freeing up monies for more mods), posting pics of how to do it. How good or bad a mod turned out.

Brad's site (and there are some others) that fuel the after market business. There are some businesses that would not be doing as well if it had not been for sites such as these.