Manoli Katakis 
Freedom doesn’t work very well without an individual carrying a sense of responsibility. So if one were to make the excellent decision of purchasing a 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, featuring a titanic 760 horsepower from a 5.2L supercharged V8 engine, they should take it upon themselves that they’re not a public menace behind the wheel.
Unfortunately, America’s driver’s education system doesn’t call for audits or re-testing every couple of years. Nor does it have a tiered licensing system that calls for drivers to demonstrate various levels of ability, and allow drivers to purchase vehicles of certain capabilities only after they’ve passed more rigorous testing.
Instead we’re setting billions of dollars on fire in an attempt to remove the human element from driving completely. But that’s another hot take for another time.
All of this is to say that even though an American driver’s license might as well come out of a damn cereal box, some automakers have taken the initiative to make sure that customers are getting the most out of their products when it comes to using them properly, and to the best of their abilities. And that’s exactly what Ford is doing with the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500.
The program is officially called the GT500 Track Attack, and represents the latest in a long line of similar owner programs offered by Ford Performance. Owners will be given a unique opportunity to learn just what their 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 is capable of with the help of high performance driving instructors in a controlled environment. Training will happen in the classroom as well as on the road course. In this case, Charlotte Motor Speedway.
The training course will consist of cornering, braking and launch techniques with a focus on the dynamics of the Shelby GT500, including its drive modes and launch control feature. Owners will have fun learning all about the performance attributes of this thrilling car and have the opportunity to improve their driving skills. The day-long driving event starts at 8:00 AM sharp, and will run until 4:30 PM, when graduates are recognized.
Best of all, Ford will cover costs of the driving school in its entirety. Owners simply have to find a way to get there on their own, as well as handle their own lodging. Options for owners to bring guests are also being considered. The schedule is also still being finalized, but owners are encouraged to check the official website, as well as sign up for newsletter updates.
A complimentary HPDE program for high-output muscle cars is a great way to enhance the customer experience, and we hope to see more programs like this in the future.
