Mustang 45th Anniversary, Barber Motorsports Complex, Birmingham, AL, Apr 17-19 2009

    This show was a standout event for lots of reasons-the 45th event itself would have been reason enough, along with all of the other attractions, but to get the largest turnout of SSP's EVER with over 25 - Wow! It definately set a new record for us a group, with people coming from the Northeast, Central US, Southwest, South and everywhere in between with their SSP's! The variety of cars, including a half dozen 4 eyed cars, a lot for any show, and agency representation from all over made for just an awesome lineup.

    Of course, anytime we have that many cars together, we need to get a great group shot, which can take some doing-trying to get everyone together, find a good location, hoping for good weather, etc. For this event, we managed to find a somewhat unusual location that worked out well, the parking lot of the local outfitters store on Saturday morning before the show. As the pictures indicate, it came out nicely with good lighting and a nice backdrop.

    As far as the show, we managed to get a great location overlooking the rear stretch, with a supreme view of the racing action, getting all of the SSP's lined up in one row. As one would imagine, we got lots of questions from various showgoers about the cars, and with the variety of agencies and years represented, it made for a great display.

    And of couse, no SSMOA event would be complete without a group dinner, generously sponsored once again by David Philipkoski, with the usual hotel social accompaniment. Late night light show and a few cold libations-definately makes it worth the trip!!   

   Here's some highlights of the cars being displayed at the show.

Here's a nice banner style pic c/o Bob Egleston...22 SSPs in all and just a really cool perspective for a photo.

A bit more angled view to the group...the curve to the lot helped us get all the cars in the shot.

From the rear...this turned out to be a pretty good locaton for a photo. Check out the FHP lineup on the left!

Add one more emergency vehicle into the shot, although this one a Dodge! Local Leeds police came by and wanted to get in on the fun. I'm sure the guys back at the station got a chuckle out of this shot.

Here's a look at SSP's heading back into Barber after the photo shoot..that patriotic FHP SSP is owned by Brian Sams, wishing the Mustang a happy 45th indeed!! Mike Strinich's '82 CHP Prototype is directly in front.

The Saturday AM crowds were large and the weather was awesome.

Trying to get back into the track after the photos was, well, trying to say the least! Another nice photo op anyway, and at least we didn't antagonize any parking folks.

Once on the field, we got lined up with the group. Danielle, Chris and Chris check out Mike's unique '82 CHP prototype car.

We were parked right beyond the entrance, with the main road on the hill offering a nice view of the cars.

Two FHP cars start the show-Bob Egleston's '92 along with David Matthew's FHP.

4 eyed vs two eyed SSP's-Darin and Sylvie Putman's '93 Texas DPS car next to my '86 Fire Chief's vehicle.

Mike Strinich's '82 CHP Prototype took a spot next to Brian Sams '89 FHP car along the row.

Tom and Donna Gouldy's '89 next to Jim Doiron's 93 FHP #0381 - Looking down the row, it was almost a mini-FHP display in itself.

Old meets new-Stu Blank's FHP next to Bill Roever's '86.

Gregg and Bonnie Henderson's '90 MOHP car next to Lisa Sam's '91 GSP.

Another old versus new, Tom Mallette's '89 TX DPS sits next to Ray Patterson's '85 Kentucky State Police SSP.

Jeff Allen's '93 NCSHP next to Danielle Pandeline's '89 unmarked US Gov't SSP.

Another 4 eyed SSP present, here's George Tresider's '86 UHP slicktop next to Chris Shaw's '93 Oregon State Police SSP.

Another 4 eyed, Steve Nelson's '85 Kentucky State Police SSP next to Neil Gory's '90 Oklahoma HP Slicktop.

Dave Philipkoski's '90 Nevada car sits next to Aaron Steiner's 1988 Alabama SSP.

Last but not least, one more '91 GSP rounds out the group, this on

The show was well organized, and the SSP Owner's had a great spot overlooking the track. The Mustang Club of France with their rental fleet was right behind us, a nice group who really love the Mustang!

Back at the hotel, ready for a litle libation before the group dinner.

The other side of the lot. The parking lot was almost a show in itself!

David got stuck washing dishes after the group ordered one desert two many!! (Danielle Pandeline photo)

Ah yes-let the games begin. No chalk outlines this year, but plenty of good times just hanging out and socializing.

Anf of course, the obligatory light show! Makes a great display with a dozen or so SSP's lined up!

Yes, there's show chairs, and then there's show chairs. How many groups have a reinforced, official SSP Drinking Chair for their event? :-) Much to the chagrin of some, no Schlitz was served, but Corona's and Heineken's were plentiful.

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