It was in 1965 when Carroll Shelby introduced the GT350, joining Shelby American’s Yankee-style assault on racing. Now, 60 years to the day, Shelby American is marking the anniversary of the GT350’s first victory with a “Championship Weekend” celebration at Willow Springs International Raceway on February 14-15, 2025.
Nineteen sixty-five was a seminal model year in America. There was so much that was new, with several brands arguably having their strongest offerings of the decade. Shelby is no different, offering a new-fangled pony car converted into a sports car called the GT350. A special competition version (often referred to as the GT350R) was driven to victory by Ken Miles on Valentine’s Day 1965 (chassis number 5R002) at Green Valley Raceway in Texas. This was the debut of what observers called the “Flying Mustang.”
“Shelby American earned an incredible six racing championships in 1965, forever altering the motorsports landscape and changing the perception of American automobiles,” says Jim Marietta, CEO of the Original Venice Crew (OVC), a group comprised of former Shelby American employees (1962 to 1965) with a direct connection to the original Shelby GT350. “Carroll Shelby and his team built and raced cars that conquered endurance, sports car and drag racing. No other automaker has yet achieved this feat. We will honor that impressive achievement the way that Carroll would’ve enjoyed, at the track.”
This 60th anniversary weekend will include:
- Friday and Saturday track sessions at Willow Springs Raceway for Ford-powered performance vehicles
- Friday evening banquet honoring legendary Shelby American Employees of 1965 at the Palmdale Embassy Suites
- Saturday car show and exhibits at Willow Springs Raceway
Rick Titus, son of Trans Am champion and Shelby American team driver Jerry Titus, will co-emcee at the banquet with Los Angeles Shelby American Automobile Club (LASAAC) President Randy Richardson. Guest speakers will include Aaron Shelby, board member of Carroll Shelby International.
“From mechanics to drivers, fabricators and support staff, we will honor everyone who helped Shelby American win those milestone championships in 1965,” adds Marietta. “This may be the last major reunion for the group. Fans should make attendance a priority.”
Both the SAAC and LASAAC will manage the anniversary event. The weekend will include track sessions, a car show, exhibits, and the aforementioned banquet, plus retired Shelby American driver John Morton will give thrill rides in the “continuation” OVC Shelby GT350 comp car prototype (98i), whose build is overseen by several of the original guys who built 5R002 over 60 years ago.
Information about the Championship Weekend can be found at lashelbyclub.com. Visit www.ovcmustangs.com for additional information on OVC’s cars.