Shelbys return to Willows, Thunderhill
The Shelbys are coming to Willows for the second year in a row to celebrate the 26th annual Nor Cal Shelby Mini Nationals.
The famed Ford-built sports cars will gather Friday through Sunday at Thunderhill Park Raceway for an on-track exhibition of speed, according to David Vodden, raceway president. About 125 cars and close to 200 people associated with those vehicles are expected to attend.
They will not really be racing, he said, but they will run around the track periodically from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekend and 9 a.m. to noon Friday. Admission is free for spectators.
“A good Shelby Cobra can go 140 miles per hour on the straight-away no problem,” Vodden said, “depending on how much they ‘fool’ with their car.”
The Shelby vehicles will arrive about 2 p.m. Friday for a car show in Sycamore Park after being escorted through town by California Highway Patrol and Willows police officers.
Any Shelby or Ford Mustang of “good quality” may compete in the car show, Vodden said, for plaques and prizes. This show runs 2:30 to 7 p.m. Vehicles of other makes are welcome to attend for display, he added, but they cannot go for the prizes since it’s a Ford model show.
Following the car show, a barbecue dinner cooked by the Willows Fire Department volunteers will be served at 5 p.m. in the park. Cost is $15 for adults and $5 for children. A food kiosk staffed by members of the Greater Willows Improvement League will serve food and soft drinks during the afternoon as well.
Vodden said Thunderhill also is sponsoring a “free swim” at the Willows city pool from 1 to 7 p.m. as a gift to the community. This will be open to adults, teens and children of all ages.
Finally, Saturday night the Shelby club hosts a dinner at the Willows Memorial Hall for its members. Vodden said prospective members may contact the raceway if they are interested in attending.
For information, call 934-5588.
Know and Go
What: Nor Cal Shelby Mini Nationals
When: Car show 2:30 to 7 p.m. Friday; on-track driving 9 a.m. to noon Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Where: Car show at Sycamore Park, Willows; driving and spectating at Thunderhill Park Raceway, 5250 Highway 162, Willows.
Details: 934-5588 or www.thunderhill.com
