We were wondering what was going to become of the Miller Cup Mustang Challenge series, the road-racing circuit for the factory built Ford Mustang FR500S. Our lucky pal Rob Kinnan from Hot Rod magazine raced in the series this season and had lots of great things to say about it.

We were thinking the worst for its future because of the economic state of affairs everyone seems to be in, but our fears were happily unfounded. It will be back next year and actually will be bigger as the series is expanding to 10 races from 9 this year.

The spread of tracks is pretty good so read the release below and see if you can get out to see these factory spec racers mix it up. The series runs as a “support” event to larger series like Grand-Am. That’s cool because you’ll see a great mix of iron at the track. These are the closest things to old school Trans-Am cars that have been around for a very long while.

We’re waiting for our invite to compete in 2009. Here’s hoping.

Here’s the official press release:

Mustang Challenge Grows to 10 Races for 2009
 
Tooele, UT  – Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup officials were pleased to reveal the 2009 schedule on Tuesday as the series builds on a successful inaugural 2008 season and grows to ten races in 2009.
 
The 2009 season will open up with a double race weekend on March 14-15 at Homestead-Miami Speedway in tandem with the KONI Challenge event, then follow that up one month later with a second doubleheader set at Barber Motorsports Park as part of the 45th Anniversary of the Ford Mustang event on April 18-19, which is expected to see over 100,000 enthusiasts visit the Alabama track through the weekend. New Jersey Motorsports Park will host round five on May 2-3 as part of the Rolex Sports Car Series and KONI Challenge event, before the series travels West and rejoins the Rolex and KONI runners at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on May 16-17 for round six on the picturesque Monterey peninsula track.
 
Mosport International Raceway will then play host for round seven as part of the NASCAR Canadian Tire event on June 13-4 before the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course sets the stage for round eight the following weekend. Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Illinois will be a new entry on most drivers’ racing resume for the penultimate round of the 2009 championship on July 25-6 before series reconvenes at the home of Mustang Challenge at Miller Motorsports Park for the final race of the season on September 19-20.
 
The 2009 Mustang Challenge schedule reflects the growing partnership between Mustang Challenge and Grand-Am, which also sanctions the series.
 
“Mustang Challenge had a fantastic inaugural season this year, and we’re pleased to be a part of the series’ growth in 2009,” said Grand-Am President Roger Edmonson. “Grand-Am’s partnership with Mustang Challenge is one we are tremendously excited about, and look forward to a strong future together. My hat’s off to them for what was achieved in their very first season,  and  I know that next year will be even better.”
 
2009 Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup Schedule
March 14-15 Homestead – KONI (Double)
April 18-19 Barber 45th anniversary (Double)
May 2-3 New Jersey Rolex-KONI
May 16-17 Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Rolex –KONI
June 13-14 Mosport –  June 20-
21 – Mid-Ohio – Rolex – KONI
July 25-26 Autobahn –  
September 19-20 Miller Motorsports Park Rolex – KONI