Steeda Autosports kicked off its third decade in business recently at its 20th Anniversary Celebration, located at the company's new facilities in Valdosta, Georgia. The Friday night Welcome Reception, held at the Valdosta Convention Center, provided the first of many opportunities for the Steeda faithful to gather and mix with local town officials and residents in celebration of 20 outstanding years of dedicated Ford performance. Both Dario Orlando, Steeda's president, and Brad Lofton, executive director of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Industrial Authority spoke at the reception and expressed their sincere appreciation of the great partnership between Steeda and the community. They also acknowledged the people that turned out to celebrate.
On Saturday, it was track time and there was something for everyone--even if you didn't bring a car to the event. On the SCCA Autocross Course, Robin Burnett was providing "thrill rides" in his Steeda Q-Series Mustang race car to those willing to hang on. The line was endless as many people took Robin up on his offer for the ride of a lifetime. Needless to say, he didn't disappoint. In addition to thrill rides around corners, many attendees took advantage of the outstanding South Georgia Motorsports Park quarter-mile dragstrip by blasting their cars down the 1,320 and having a lot of fun doing it.
Saturday evening witnessed the Steeda Anniversary Barbeque Bash on the site of the company's new headquarters. Those attending saw first-hand the construction progress on the building that will eventually become one of the most state-of-the-art design, engineering, and manufacturing facilities for Ford performance equipment just about anywhere in the world. After the Barbeque Bash, the partying continued late into the evening at many of the local nightspots in downtown Valdosta.
Sunday dawned with the second day of action-packed performance at the South Georgia Motorsports Park. That afternoon, a car show was held. Total Mustang Supply provided the judging, and awards included Best Steeda, Best Roush, Best Shelby, and multiple others. Prizes included plaques, gift certificates, and T-shirts. After the awards were handed out, the winners were treated to a few laps in their cars on the oval track.
This 20th Anniversary celebration definitely set the stage for a new era in the future of Steeda Autosports. The outstanding welcome by the residents of Valdosta and the Steeda faithful was warmly received and sincerely appreciated by everyone at Steeda Autosports. The new friendships that were made, along with old friendships rekindled, all pointed to a rich history and a very promising future for the Ford performance faithful.