The Mustang is one of the most iconic cars in existence. Each generation has its fans, but no one can deny the cultural pull of its whole history. To celebrate this car, Nitto Tire invited each generation of Mustang to the exclusive track, The Thermal Club.
From the first generation to the 2018 RTR version, driven by Vaughn Gittin Jr. himself, every generation was accounted for. It was a Mustang-lover’s dream: any and every era of car available in a perfectly manicured playground.
For Nitto Tire, they and the Mustang have a long and special connection. Back in 1997, Nitto released the NT555 performance tire, and Mustang fans took notice. It quickly became a favorite of these enthusiasts who were drawn to its balance of treadwear and traction.
So, of course, Nitto decided to bring a bunch of Mustangs out to celebrate this relationship, along with some of their tires. Holding the cars on the pavement were sets of NT05s, NT01s, and NT555 G2s, the successor to the tire that started it all. The backdrop of The Thermal club provided a world-class track which was awarded the 2017 Motorsport Facility of the Year. It’s top-notch pavement and luxurious villas hosted this Mustang Mania.
Having the opportunity to ride along in such a wide variety of Mustangs was truly astonishing. No model was left out. The most iconic early models and newest versions were both available, and popular, but the variety didn’t stop there.
Starting with the first generation, there were quite a few cars to get excited about. There was both a ’67 and ’68, in a more modernized form by Classic Recreations all the while keeping the feel of original performance Shelby versions. The NT555 G2 may not have been around when these cars were made, but they still looked great in them while supporting their hopped-up handling.
Moving through the years, there was a ’73 Mustang II, complete with sunroof. Often overlooked, this unique model was honored as well, running on NT555 G2s.
Next up was a heavily modified ’87 Fox-body, with massive Nitto NT01s both front and rear.
After that was an ’01 SN95 Bullitt ‘Stang on NT555 G2s. The green looked great all day, and really made this one stand out, as it undoubtedly does everywhere it goes.
Getting into the modern models, there was a red ’12 Boss 302, with a beefy 444hp, using NT01s to get every ounce of power transferred to the track.
Completing the collection was an ’18 convertible, the kind of car that many of us fell in love with. If there was a kind of Mustang, it was there.
With Vaughn Gittin Jr. on deck, along with Formula Drift teammate Chelsea DeNofa, there was bound to be some sideways action as well. Figure eight after squealing figure eight, tires could be heard across The Thermal Club. Attendees caught rides with Vaughn and Chelsea to get the full drift experience.
It isn’t often we get to see these iconic cars gathered all in one magnificent setting, as the sun lowered on the horizon we knew that there would be many more years and generations to come for the Ford Mustang and Nitto Tires will be there to keep their power planted to the ground.
