These cars were part of a Nationally Televised Series races over a two year period. Various entertainers would donate their to race eight identically prepared Daytonas. The television program would show the race and then cut to a particular entertainer. After a very brief sketch of the entertainer and part of a song, the entertainer would make a statement against Drunk Driving, which was the focus of the program.
Cars were driven by Bobby Blotzer, Jeff Carlisi, Charlie Daniels, Juice Newton, Ted Newgent, Otis Redding, Lynn Anderson, Lacy J. Dalton, Don Dokken, Tommy Lee, Stella Parton, Lorenzo Lamas, Pete Deluise, David Hasselhoff, Shadoe Stevens, Billy Hufsey, Ricky Schroder, etc. Prior to driving the cars, each celebrity went through a training course with a professional training instructor. (Note the instructor seat on the passenger side).
The cars themsleves were pulled from the production line or from Chrysler field cars and modified under the supervision of Chrysler Engineering at a cost of $70,000 each.
Beginning with a Shelby Z, the following modifications were made;
* The engines were blueprinted, ballanced, cooling overbored, roller valvetrain, copper head gaskets. External oil cooler.
* Specially programed computers.
* Body and Frame were reinforced and fishplated.
* Central Halon Fire Extinguisher System.
* Koeing Racing Seat and auxiliary instructor seat.
* Aeroquip Brake Lines, specilly engineered brake pad composition and proportioning valve.
* Drivers protection net.
* Fuel Cell
* Full Roll Cage
Although geared for over 200 MPH, the cars are easily driveable on a day to day basis and will average 40 MPG at highway speeds.
I wish the previous Guest would have left his email. I love to get some pics of those other two Shelby "Z" Celebrity cars. If you come back, email me at Mopar4Evr@neo.rr.com.
-- Site Owner --
Guest
15-Mar-2006 20:36
My father-in-law currently has two of those Shelby Z's from the celebrity race. One was ricky schroder's and the other was charlie danels. We actually started up one of the cars yesterday after it sat for close to a year. Runs like a champ.
derek price
13-Sep-2004 20:16
That car is not at the Talladega Speedway anymore, about a year or 2 ago it was sold on ebay and moved to TX, Andy Bestor and myself got to get it running after the guy in TX purchased it, we changed the fluids and it cranked right up. Then we had to test the brakes out in the parking lot.,,it was raining so no high speed runs,,plus the tires were dry rotted, but at least we got to drive it.