2012 SEMA Featured Bright Orange Ford Mustang GT with Matching Wheelchair Trailer
- 8 Mar 2013
The bold black double-strips dividing the Ford in half extend over the matching orange trailer where Jarrod stores his wheelchair. Jarrod was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy when he was 7, and he's been battling it with grace and dignity ever since. Doctors aren't optimistic he'll live past 25. True heroism is staggeringly sober and remarkably undramatic. Ethan would be the first to say that his son doesn't see himself as a hero, and that he doesn't let the disease get him down, he goes about his business and doesn't complain. It's been said however, that heroes are people who involuntarily answer a calling with unfathomable courage. They transform compassion through their personal virtue, into heroic action, which then becomes a public virtue. By definition then Jarrod is nothing short of a hero.
The 2012 show was the Holly's second SEMA visit, but the first time they displayed a vehicle. Ethan sites the SEMA show and being able to take his son on the Power Tour as two of his prouder moments. "We have been planning and working on the vehicle since the beginning of the year (2012).This vehicle started out as a project for the Hot Rod Power Tour," explained Ethan. This involved a trip to K&N so that they could design and test out a cold air intake system for our particular set up. This was a tremendous effort involving many phone calls and communications to line up sponsors, products, and completing most of the modifications on the vehicle itself.
Ethan has been a loyal K&N fan for over 15 years, that's when he bought the first air filter for his truck. That's why it was such a fortuitous encounter when Ethan met with Devin Rickey, Sr. Manager of Special Projects for K&N Engineering.
"I met Jarrod and his father, Ethan, at the 2011 SEMA show through a mutual friend," commented Rickey in an earlier story (K&N Joins 19 year-old Jarrod Holly's Quest for Bucket List Power Tour). "After hearing about Jarrod's plans to participate in the Hot Rod Power Tour and what he wanted to do with the car, I thought that there is an opportunity for the aftermarket community to help this young man's dreams come true."
This is the Vail, Arizona father and son team's first build together, although they share their extensive background in drag racing. "My specialty is building drag race cars," said Ethan, "Although I have enjoyed putting together this project for my son. I consider the Mustang to be a street machine project." Their goal for this year is to participate in the Hot Rod Power Tour 2013. Jarrod is determined to do the Hot Rod Power Tour as long as he possibly can. "Other plans include car shows, cruises, and drag racing," Ethan adds. "He is also considering doing another Optima Batteries Ultimate street car challenge." "We want to give a special thanks to K&N for everything they have done for Jarrod and his car. And special thanks to Devin Rickey in having a vision for making all of this happen. Our plan is to create a hot rod wheelchair van to use as a support vehicle for Jarrod's medical equipment, and will be keeping you updated on its progress." 2007 4.6L GT Mustang modifications include: K&N -filters, cold air intake system (custom) Saleen Speed Lab- Super charger system Royal Purple- Oil and maintenance products Ford Motor Co.- Ford Racing Exhaust, Valve Covers MSD- Ignition coils and technical support American Muscle after market body parts CDC- Classic Design Concepts after market body parts.
Drivetrain: Custom computer tuned transmission, aftermarket axles and gears (3.73) to create a stronger setup. Suspension modifications: Steeda lowering springs (1.5") - aftermarket rear sway bars, and Steeda Rear Control Arms Exhaust: Ford Racing Exhaust Headers, Ford Racing X pipes, and Ford Racing Mufflers Brakes: Stop Tech 14" front brake rotors, and Stop Tech Rear Brakes Tires: Nitto NT05, Front is 275/35R20, Rear 315/35R20 Wheels: Steeda Spyder wheels, 9" wide front, 12" wide rear Exterior modifications: CDC front chin spoiler and splitter, GT 500 rear wind valence and bumper cover Exterior sticker provided by Wolf Design Interior modifications: Carbou Racing Seats with racing harnesses, Carbou Harness Bar Awards, magazines, news articles, and features: K&N featured News article, K&N Website, Drag Racing Online Newsletter, IHRA DRM (Drag Review magazine), Ford Racing Newsletter (Internet), Newspaper Article in Tucson Paper, Featured on the Southern AZ Mustang Club website Personal blog for 2012 Hot Rod Power Tour Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world. |
