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[SAAC-51 Track Update]

SAAC-51 Track Update

We are delighted with the number of advance registrations for the Convention. It is worth posting this reminder that activities WILL sell out and will not be available for purchase at the event.

Right now, ALL Parade Laps are sold out.

When the quota is reached, we will also have to shut down registration for Open Track....don't miss out if you want to try your hand at the famous Road Atlanta track.

We are using a joint registration form for OPEN TRACK that is separate from our own Convention registration. Open Track participants MUST register on both forms

The Open Track registration is here:   CLICK HERE  to register

If you are planning open track, we have a consolidated Tech Inspection process.
Please REVIEW the checklist to avoid disappointment at the event.

NOTE: there is a specific requirement that tires are less than 5 years old... they will check date codes.


DOWNLOAD the Tech Checklist:  CLICK HERE to download

We are out at the Bash, visiting the Shelby gang... and it gives us a chance to check on our SWEEPSTAKES car!
It looks great!...this will be a very special ride for one lucky person.

Win this 2026 Shelby GT350 Convertible Prototype
🏁 A Shelby development car, rarely available to the public!

https://www.tapkat.org/shelby-american-automobile-club-foundation/jkY2W9?promo=SAACFORUM

SAAC will have exhibit space at the Carlisle Event this June. Be sure to drop by.
Our tent will be a place to get out of the sun (...or rain!)..or a place to store your gear safely while you explore the event.

If you register to attend Carlisle, on the form, specify "Shelby American Automobile Club (SAAC)" as your club affiliation.

[Saturday Sunset Social]

We are finalizing the details of our Saturday Sunset Social and will announce soon how you can register for this fun evening.

Since our Dinner/Program will be on Friday, the Social will be the place to be on Saturday night.

Watch for an announcement soon.

[Mecum Auctions in Indianapolis.]

SAAC will have a display booth at the upcoming Mecum Auctions in Indianapolis.

We will be there to promote the club and all that we do for the hobby and we will be there on the two key days when most of the Shelby marques cross the block... that would be Friday and Saturday, May 15 and 16.

I will be manning the booth and could use a little assistance. If there is any member who is not going to the Indiana SAAC Spring Fling and will be available on Friday or Saturday, drop me a message of when you're available to help.

I need some coverage for food and bathroom breaks. I'll get you credentials for free admission to the event. If you'd like to spend even as little as a few hours on either day to help, drop me an email to pitcrew@saac.com and we can discuss.

Thanks
Ron

[Concours Judging will be held on Saturday, August 29.]

Concours Judging will be held on Saturday, August 29.

The Concours Show at the National Convention is the pinnacle of originality, where the best of the best vintage cars are judged.

Classes, following the National SAAC Guidelines, are Cobras, Shelbys, Competition Cars, Tigers (engineered by Carroll Shelby), and Bosses (the Ford derivative of the Trans-Am Mustang race cars developed by Shelby American).

The cost for this event is $350.  This provides access for the car, the driver, and ONE passenger entry into the track for the entire weekend.

Entries must be verified by the SAAC Concours Committee. Contact them at concours@saac.com to submit your car for qualification before you register.

PLEASE NOTE: Cars must be entered in the NAME of the owner, not the restoration shop.

Entrants MUST be a member of SAAC (National).  To join or renew your membership, click here: https://www.saac.com/member-benefits

[Win this 2026 Shelby GT350 Convertible Prototype]

Win this 2026 Shelby GT350 Convertible Prototype

A Shelby development car, rarely available to the public!

This 2026 Shelby GT350 Convertible Prototype was built at Shelby American in Las Vegas during the development of the new GT350 program and is being made available to support the SAAC Foundation.

Vehicles like this are typically used internally to finalize engineering and performance before production begins and are rarely released to the public, making this an extraordinary opportunity for enthusiasts and collectors.

This car celebrates 60 years of GT350 heritage and represents one of the most exclusive versions of the legendary Shelby nameplate ever built.

CLICK HERE to Enter

[Dinner - SAAC-51 / Evening Program]

Dinner - SAAC-51 / Evening Program

Here are some important facts to help you plan your event registration.
We are sharing the event space with MCA and have split responsibilities

This year, there are unusual and unique requirements placed on us, resulting from the integration and track rules.

Contact registration@saac.com if you have any difficulties with the registration process.
Contact pitcrew@saac.com with questions about the event logistics or individual SAAC components

Our Convention Dinner will be held on Friday, August 28.

It will be a joint gala affair with the Mustang Club of America and will be held at the Braselton Civic Center.

WE have a limit for attendance; so space is at a premium. Tickets may be purchased on the Registration page.

Cash bar Cocktail Hour from 6 PM - 7 PM, dinner from 7 PM - 10 PM. This will be a buffet dinner; menu details to be provided soon.

Seating is limited to 250 guests. Cost is $75 per person.

Following dinner, we will have a feature-packed evening program.

Braselton Civic Center
27 E Lake Dr, Braselton, GA
706-654-1944

Complimentary parking is available at the Braselton Parking Deck, near the corner of Hwy. 53 and Davis Street. Enter the deck from Davis Street. The parking deck is ADA accessible.

[SAAC-51 Website]

We have opened a SAAC-51 Website on our club server, saac.com

We will use this as a central repository for convention information. As new data becomes available, we will continue to post here on the forum, but updated docs will reside on saac.com

We have a lot more to add as plans are formulated, so check the site often

If you see errors, or want to see MORE info posted there or info that might be missing, let us know. Remember, at this point, there is quite a lot of info yet to be released.
Mail to: pitcrew@saac.com

SAAC-51 WEBSITE

[Vendor Spaces Available]

Here are some important facts to help you plan your event registration.
We are sharing the event space with MCA and have split responsibilities

This year, there are unusual and unique requirements placed on us, resulting from the integration and track rules.

Contact registration@saac.com if you have any difficulties with the registration process.
Contact pitcrew@saac.com with questions about the event logistics or individual SAAC components

Vendor Spaces Available -
Multiple Booth Spaces can be purchased.
Vendor space is at a premium and must be reserved in advance.
If you have specific requirements, please complete the requirements section on the form and we will contact you.

Standard Booth - 10x20 - $100

Double Booth - 20x20 - $200

Tractor Trailer 25 X 100 - $1000.00

Click here to reserve space

[RV and Camping]

Here are some important facts to help you plan your event registration.
We are sharing the event space with MCA and have split responsibilities

This year, there are unusual and unique requirements placed on us, resulting from the integration and track rules.

Contact registration@saac.com if you have any difficulties with the registration process.
Contact pitcrew@saac.com with questions about the event logistics or individual SAAC components

RV and Camping

There are a limited number of RV spaces available so get your registration in as soon as possible. 
RV Space - Includes Water and Electricity!
You may reserve individual days, or all weekend. 
THERE IS NO SUNDAY NIGHT STAY AVAILABLE!

Camping ONLY can also be reserved - no hookup!
THERE IS NO CAMPING ON SUNDAY NIGHT!  You may reserve individual days, or all weekend.

Link to reserve RV space or Camping -- Click here

Golf Carts

The track has a golf cart vendor for exclusive use. We usually are able to offer golf cart rental at a discounted rate.
Not so, this year. The rates are crazy high, so we cannot finance that feature at SAAC-51

If you must have a cart... you may contract directly with the designated rental company

https://cgcbraselton.net/

If you plan on bringing your own conveyance (Golf cart or pit bike, etc.),
please review the track Motorized Vehicle Policy and Guidelines.

Click here for their policy


 

Here are some important facts to help you plan your event registration.

Contact registration@saac.com if you have any difficulties with the registration process.
Contact pitcrew@saac.com with questions about the event logistics or individual SAAC components

We are planning a full slate of activities at SAAC-51

As always, we will have Parade Laps, this year, on Friday and Saturday only.

There are two SAAC exhibitions--  SAAC Concours Judging on Saturday and SAAC Popular Vote Car Show on Sunday.

And this year, an Autocross circuit will be available,on Friday and Saturday.

Our dinner will be off premises on Friday night. We are plannng a joint dinner with MCA, so space is limited. Tickets may be purchased on the Registration page.

All of these are available for booking on the SAAC Pre-Registration page

Off track, we are in the process of planning a Road Tour on Thursday Afternoon and a really cool Social event on Saturday night.

Details are still in the planning stages; registration will be available by a separate methold when available, but we have included the ability to express your interest in either on the Registration page,

[Best Western Plus]

Here are some important facts to help you plan your event registration.

Contact registration@saac.com if you have any difficulties with the registration process.
Contact pitcrew@saac.com with questions about the event logistics or individual SAAC components

We have three hotels reserved with discounted rates.

Best Western and Candlewood are side by side, and we will have 24 hour security for both of these parking areas.

Best Western Plus
4535 Oakwood Rd.
Oakwood, GA 30566
770.535.8080
Copy and paste this code before clicking the link:  3G6SP8M3
Best Western Online Link - Click Here


Candlewood Suites
3757 Mundy Mill Drive
Oakwood, GA 30566
877-226- 3539
Click Here to Book Online


Baymont Inn & Suites by Wyndham
2069 Hwy. 211 NW
Braselton, GA 30517
Phone Direct: (770) 867-8100 - mention "Shelby American Automobile Club (SAAC)"
Booking Link:
Click here to register online

Here are some important facts to help you plan your event registration.
We are sharing the event space with MCA and have split responsibilities

This year, there are unusual and unique requirements placed on us, resulting from the integration and track rules.

Contact registration@saac.com if you have any difficulties with the registration process.
Contact pitcrew@saac.com with questions about the event logistics or individual SAAC components

Open Track registration.
For control and liability purposes, there will be ONE Open Track signup system, where you will register, choose your details and pay.

This will be a separate site from the SAAC registration site.

Signing up for Open Track will INCLUDE your admmission fees to the event, including two 3-day gate passes. This will be done on Motorsportsreg for the purpose of collecting common details and waivers.

That site will be a unified site, managed by MCA.

Again, MCA has responsibilities for On Track Management; you will register for the SAAC event items on our Registration page...
If you are planning to run Open Track, you will only Regjster for SAAC-51 on  our page, without purchasing an admission package....
you will then visit the Unified Open Track Reg page to sign up and purchase the track time.

The link for Open Track Registration at SAAC-51 is -->
 

SAAC-51 Open Track REGISTRATION

Here are some important facts to help you plan your event registration.
We are sharing the event space with MCA and have split responsibilities

This year, there are unusual and unique requirements placed on us, resulting from the integration and track rules.

Contact registration@saac.com if you have any difficulties with the registration process.
Contact pitcrew@saac.com with questions about the event logistics or individual SAAC components

Event  Admission is $50 per person, 16 and over, for a 3-day pass.
This can be collected at the gate; you can also pay this gate fee at pre-registration, with an optional FREE entry into the SAAC Car Show.

Two 3-day passes are INCLUDED with Open Track  and Concours judging entries, so need not be purchased there.

A bonus package is available at SAAC Pre-registration:--
3 day registration for two, including a FREE optional entry into the SAAC Popular Vote Car Show.
That package is available at pre-registration. That is the best deal.

Additional fees for single day admission is $20 per single day, payable at the gate, as well as single 3-day passes at $50.

The bulk of SAAC Pre-registration will be for the various activities and advance purchase of merchandise.

The link for SAAC-51  Registration is -->

SAAC-51 REGISTRATION

For sure, I'm amped up about the joint Mustang Club of America and Shelby American Automobile Club anniversary celebrations at Road Atlanta on August 28-30. Both national (and worldwide) clubs have prominently co-existed for five decades-SAAC for 51 years and MCA for 50-but never have the two organizations merged, their collective memberships into a single event.
My history with both organizations goes back 50 years, to 1976, when I was a lonely Boss 302 owner in a small town in South Carolina. I knew a few "car guys" around the area but they were mostly drag racers or Mopar fanatics. My main connection to the outside world was the occasional Mustang or Ford article in car magazines during a time when Hot Rod focused on custom vans, Car Craft favored Chevrolets, and Motor Trend covered economy cars. Then fellow Boss 302 owner Danny Rockett invited me to a Fall Shelby meet in Pine Mountain, North Carolina, hosted by Bill and Kathy Harris with the Carolina Region of the Shelby American Automobile Club. When I drove into the parking lot filled with Shelbys, Cobras, and Boss Mustangs, I knew I had found a home.
Around the same time, I spotted a small ad in Hemmings Motor News for an Atlanta-based club called the Mustang Club of America. I quickly joined and became member #775.
Both clubs had magazines-MCA's monthly Mustang Times and SAAC's bi-monthly The Marque-and I suddenly found myself connected to other Mustang owners throughout the country. In Mustang Times, I saw the names Jim Osborn, Bill Dillard, Gary Goddard, and Larry Dobbs. In The Marque, I read about Austin Craig, Rick Kopec, Jim Wicks, J Bittle, and Tony Branda. I never imagined that the time would soon come when I could call all of them my friends. Of course, by 1980, Dobbs was my boss at Mustang Monthly.
I'll admit that, during the late 1970s, I was more involved with SAAC than MCA Although I attended nearby MCA shows, including the 1978 Grand National in Atlanta where my Boss 302 garnered the Best Paint award, I was more active in SAAC, which had accepted the 1969-70 Boss 302s because Shelby had campaigned Boss 302s in the 1969 Trans-Am series. With encouragement from then-SAAC President Austin Craig, I signed on as SAAC's South Carolina Regional Director, attended SAAC-4 in Pennsylvania and SAAC-5 in Dearborn, and contributed photos and stories to The Marque, which kick-started my career.
Ironically, when I came aboard as Mustang Times editor in 2014, Austin Craig was on the MCA Board of Directors serving as publisher. In another coincidence, MCA regional group Mustang Club of Northeast Georgia can trace the roots of its Fall Regional Mustang, Shelby, and Ford Meet-now held annually in Hiawassee, Georgia-back to the Shelby meet that I attended in Pine Mountain (and later Cherokee), North Carolina, in the mid-1970s.
MCA and SAAC have followed similar paths over the past 50 years, with MCA focusing on Mustangs (initially 1965-73 only until expanding to all Mustangs in 1986) and SAAC devoted to the cars from Shelby American. Both clubs host track events and have established respected concours judging rules. MCA has presented major Mustang anniversary events and worked with Ford to create 2011-14 MCA Edition Mustangs. SAAC's annual national convention is a mecca for Shelby owners, and, in 1992, the club developed its own SAAC Mark 1 high-performance Fox-body Mustang. SAAC has also published a trio of massive (as in over 1,000 pages) Shelby Registries that document the history of all 1965-67 Shelbys, 1968-70 Shelbys, and Cobras/GT-40s.
As you can see, over the past 50 years, MCA and SAAC have contributed tremendously to the fun and camaraderie that we enjoy as Mustang owners and Ford enthusiasts. The combination MCA 50th Anniversary and SAAC-51 is going to be a blast.

Picked up from social media... more details will follow

"...Waking up to the sad news that Dave Friedman - the official Shelby American photographer from 1962 to 1965 - passed away yesterday at the age of 86. "

A casting call for any members or friends from Georgia, South Carolina or N. Florida, who are planning to attend SAAC-51 at Road Atlanta.

We'd like to have some feet on the ground for advance planning...as well as volunteers at the event.

Send an email to pitcrew@saac.com, with a Subject line of "SAAC-51 Volunteer"

Indicate if you are close to the Atlanta area (to scout locations and take photos) or if you'll be available to be on staff at the event.

Thanks.... Ron

The SAAC Board of Directors announces that David Maffucci has resigned from his position, effective January 19, 2026.

David's decision comes as a result of increasing demands within his private business, which now require his full and undivided attention. While his daily presence will be missed, the Board respects his need to prioritize these professional and personal commitments.

During his tenure, David has been a cornerstone of the SAAC's operations. His contributions include:

• Serving as the Manager of SAAC's Sweepstakes.
• Acting as the key supervisor for our National Convention Registration.
• Managing various day-to-day administrative and technical tasks at SAAC Headquarters.

David has worked diligently over the past years to ensure the success of our primary events and internal operations. His efforts will be missed, and we wish him the very best in his future business endeavors.

Please welcome Robert Malke as our latest SAAC rep in Florida

Based in Clearwater, Florida, Robert acquired his first Shelby in 1975, has been an SAAC member since 1976, and serves as Florida's SAAC representative. Gulfstream Motorsports LLC, his firm, specializes in professional appraisals for classic, sports, and racing vehicles, including pre-purchase inspections, diminished value (DV) reports, and total loss (TL) valuations using market comps for fair insurer settlements.

Contact info: Robert at robert@gulfstreammotorsports.com or 727-541-1741; visit gulfstreammotorsports.com.

Tune into his weekly radio show at Nostalgic Radio and Cars  at nostalgicradioandcars.com.

Florida members are encouraged to reach out and give a welcome.

We are anxious to add representatives in North and South Florida
Contact Ron: pitcrew@saac.com