I just returned form the best car event in the USA, the 35th Annual Mid-America Ford and Team Shelby Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Over the years I have been fortunate enough to attend the majority of the Mid-America events and have always marveled at the fantastic job Founder and Event Director Jim Wicks and the talented crew do with the multi-venue event. There is literally something for everyone. The event opens with a Team Shelby Drivers School at Hallett Motor Racing Circuit under the direction of Gary Patterson, Shelby Automobiles VP of Operations. Gary is a Mid-America veteran and knows the Hallett race course and is always happy to assist participants learn the track.

The next two days are devoted to open track action, with a cruise through historic Tulsa to Brook Side section on the famed 1960's hot car rendezvous Peoria street. This year over 700 Ford performance vehicles of all varieties.

Every evening from Wednesday through Friday evening there is a art, memorabilia and trade show at the Marriott Southern Hills, the host hotel. What a fun place to be with a just about everything for the Ford enthusiast.

The Friday night program honored Carroll Shelby and the 50th anniversary of his winning the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans. Carroll attended the event and like all of us enjoyed great stories about him from long time friend and renown automotive artist, Bill Neale.

The drag racing at Tulsa Raceway Park features more and more vehicles each year. The manufactures midway and huge swap meet provide everything from Team Shelby membership to steering arms for a 1957 Ford Fairlaine.

The Saturday night banquet features a huge selection of door prizes and an impressive lineup of speakers. This year Mike Crowley, Ford Group Marketing Manager for all North America car and crossovers was the keynote speaker. Mike is the real deal, in addition to being an excellent marketing person, he is an enthusiast, owner of a 1967 and 2010 Mustangs and all around good guy.

I was humbled and honored at the banquet when Fritz Wilke, Ford Performance and Enthusiast Marketing Manager presented me with the Ford Lifetime Achievement Award.

It is an honor to receive such an award from people I have the utmost respect for.

The Sunday car show showcased over 1200 Ford vehicles from 1976 Broncos to the latest Shelby GT500 Super Snake. A number of manufacturers display products including Kicker Audio who brought their 2007 Shelby GT equipped with the new Kicker/ Shelby audio system. The system is now available from Shelby Performance dealers and is a most worth upgrade to your 2005-2010 Mustang or Shelby.

Mid-America is the best automotive event in the country and I have attend most of them.

The 2010 dates are June 16-20 and I plan to return for the 36th edition of the Mid-America Ford and Shelby Team Nationals.