'10 Unleashed winner gets to drag race auto shop teacher

[Chris DeMorro]

Unlike many high schools, mine lacked a proper auto shop class. In fact, we didn’t have any kind of shop class at all, though I suppose that is what I get for going to an all-boys Catholic school. Bible study was a poor substitute for wrenching, believe me. For Derek Murrell, shop class seems to be a big part of his life. When he entered Ford’s ’10 Unleashed contest, his wish was simple; a chance to drag race his shop teacher, Bob Glidden.

According to Mustangblog, Ford hooked up Derek and his teacher each with a Mustang to run down the drag strip.


Pictures: Mustangblog

These weren’t just any humdrum GT models. Each was equipped with a Whipple supercharger, Ford Racing long tube headers, and a custom-built C4 3-speed transmission. The engine also wasn’t the standard 4.6 found in the current Mustang, but rather a SOHC “Aluminator” model. This model engine includes all-forged internals and an aluminum block, as you might imagine. This all added up to 540 wheel horsepower and two fast pony cars put into the hands of two deserving people. In my opinion, shop teachers never got the respect they deserve, as they teach a life skill that anybody can use. Ford hooked Derek up with a Kona Blue Mustang, while his teacher drove a Red Candy Metallic colored one.


Derek's final practice run, guided by Pro 10.5 racer Dan Millen at Maryland International Raceway

All that powered required some meaty racing slicks, as well as a Cobra Jet racing suspension to make sure the power got to the ground. A Team-Z Motorsports roll cage provided protection to the racers, and there is even video of Derek’s final warm-up run, but no footage of the actual race between him and his teacher. But, at least according to Derek, he won the race. He also sends his thanks to Dan Millen of Livernois Motorsports and his teacher Bob Glidden for helping make this all possible. Oh, and since Derek won, he got to drive off in a brand new Mustang GT. Nice!