Jim Cunningham had surely hoped that the blocks and heads for his two Ford Mustang Pro Stockers would be ready in time for Indy, but he and driver Erica Enders are proudly wheeling new Mustang bodies here despite the absence of the important new internal pieces still in the final stages of production. Though they look just the same, the bodies were fabricated by two different builders; Enders’ car was built by Don Ness, and Jerry Haas was the crafter of Cunningham’s. Though the two have yet to break into the show (at the time of this writing, we are in between the second and third qualifying sessions), both are pleased to be back on the track and are eager to show off their beautiful new Ford Mustangs.

“This body gives us something to compete with against the GXP and Stratus,” said Enders, the only active and fifth of all time female Pro Stock car competitor. “To be a part of the Ford program is really cool. We’re very excited, and next year will be very good for us.”

While the blocks and heads are being finessed, surely with much attention to detail, the bodies have been completed with great care - including the paint. Cunningham was keen to point out the fine airbrushed artwork on the nose of his prized new ride.

“Jim Hooker touched up both cars and his son did the airbrushing,” said Cunningham. “He did such a good job, right down to the Mustang horse on the front.”

Hooker couldn’t help adding a little personalized finishing touch. The dashboard on Cunningham’s ride has a hand-painted “radio,” with a sly inclusion of Hooker’s name on one of the buttons.

Erica’s car needed a slight modification and her crew guys were happy to help. The petite drag racer couldn’t quite make the reach to the reverser, so the helpful fellas customized an extended version, complete with a series of star cutouts to complement her Dragstar sponsor.

It was a pretty interesting visit, and as I said my goodbyes, CMS. Gen Mgr. George Lark, the do-all guy who handles just about anything that needs handling on Cunningham’s team, pulled me aside for a quick word.

“You know, if you looked up the word perseverance in the dictionary, you would find Jim Cunningham’s picture,” he said. “This team has gone through so much just to get here. We started the motors Sunday and Jim’s seized. Marcus [Bowen, crew chief] flew home and got a crankshaft and carried it on the plane so we could put the motor together. Then in St. Louis while they were testing Erica’s car, a lifter broke. Someone flying in on Thursday at 4pm was able to get the lifters we needed and fly them out. This team is no holds barred and no expense has been spared to do what needs to be done to get these cars on the racetrack.”

 

Cunningham's Mustang

Enders' near-identical ride