Crazy Eight
Calvert Racing Suspensions sets the S550 e.t. record with an 8-second pass
By Steve Turner
Photos by Calvert Racing Suspensions
Records are meant to be broken, and the record for the quickest 2015 Mustang didn’t stand for long. Hot on the heels of Watson Racing’s low-9-second pass, the team at Calvert Racing Suspensions bested that number and put their purpose-built race car into the record books. Over the weekend, Brent Calvert ran the first 8-second pass in an S550 with this car.
“Calvert Racing’s 2015 Mustang. It was close to a five-month build with Matt Bernasconi and John Calvert designing and fabricating the entire car,†Brent Calvert of Calvert Racing announced on Instagram. “I was responsible for the wiring and luckily haven’t had anything go wrong. This is truly an amazing car and hope to share more pics and videos soon. We are shooting to be the first 2015 Mustang in the eights. We will be testing in Fontana this coming Saturday so stay tuned.â€
The car is question is a 2015 Mustang powered by the same Whipple-supercharged Super Cobra Jet 5.0-liter powerplant that successfully powered Brent’s 2014 Cobra Jet. Built by Jones Engine Development and controlled by Holley EFI, this engine produces ample power for 8-second e.t.’s. Its power is channeled by a Turbo 400 automatic with a Reid Racing case.
Out back, the crafty Calvert crew transplanted the same Ford Performance three-link live axle architecture that worked so well in their S197 Cobra Jet to plant the Hoosier slicks. As it turns out, that setup worked quite well in testing at Auto Club Dragway despite the 100-plus-degree air…
“Calvert Racing has the nation’s first 8-second 2015 Mustang! Built with a three-link, 9-inch solid rear axle suspension setup,†Brent said after the pass. “Big thanks goes out to Matt Bernasconifor the suspension engineering and fabrication on the car, Jimmy Chase for the assembly and track help during the build, and the love of my life Gessennia Lopez for the love and support at home and at the track. Thanks everyone! Next stop 7s!â€
After a few quiet months, the 2015 Mustang e.t. war is heating up again. The latest Mustang has only been on the streets for about a year, and racers are already talking about 7-second e.t.’s. We can’t wait to see who makes the next move.
How is this a record for an S550? They ditched the IRS for a 2014 CJ solid axle. The Watson car is still running IRS.