Blue Thunder, the 1980 Ford Mustang of the Sopwith Motorsports racing team, has set the first official Fox body Mustang speed record at the Nelson Ledges Road Course.
Turning a lap of 1:22.744 on Tuesday afternoon, July 23rd, the team has established a baseline for a street-registered and licensed Fox Mustang at the facility.
The Nelson Ledges staff, including Brian Ross and Fred Wolfe, confirmed that an official record lap for such a vehicle had not been set previously, and they welcomed the team’s participation in the Kryder Racing Track Day to lay down a time that other Fox owners can aim to beat.
Despite some fuel issues that prevented driver Stephen Cox from extracting the best performance from Blue Thunder, the team was able to complete two lapping sessions with the best time of 1:22.744. The car’s handling and speed have left the team excited about the future potential of this remarkable Mustang.
Cox, a long-time Mustang enthusiast, said, “I’ve driven a lot of these cars and this one is pretty quick. Most Fox Mustangs see drag racing duty or street time; not many get road course laps. Especially the early, four-eyed Foxes. This car is set up to run well on the fast, sweeping turns that you see at Nelson Ledges.”
“Really, this was intended just as a test session,” Cox continued. “The fact that no Fox record yet existed was sort of a bonus. I’m sure someone will set a new mark very soon and I hope they do. I hope it’s something fun for Fox owners to shoot at.” Cox estimates that once fuel delivery issues are sorted out, the car will turn laps in the 1:18-19 range.
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Blue Thunder uses Stiffler chassis bracing, a Cold Case aluminum radiator via National Parts Depot, Sta-bil brand fuel stabilizer and a McGunegill LM425 engine with service by Europolis Automotive.
Located in Garrettsville, Ohio, Nelson Ledges Road Course is a historic treasure from the golden era of American road racing. The staff was friendly and helpful and Sopwith Motorsports extends their gratitude to the staff and Reed Kryder’s Track Day officials. Car owners will find a relaxed atmosphere where they can get the most out of their track experience with minimal red tape and pressure at Nelson Ledges.
The Sopwith Motorsports team is eager to continue testing and refining Blue Thunder, with plans to visit the Marion Municipal Airport next month for top speed runs before returning to Nelson Ledges in September.
(All photos are used by permission and credited to Kyle Ingermann Photography)