Carroll Shelby Foundation announces Team Shelby members raise $70,000+ to help kids win the race for life

CARROLL SHELBY FOUNDATION - Donations by members of the international car club Team Shelby over the past four months have raised $72,830 for the Carroll Shelby Foundation.™ The funds will be used by the charity founded by icon Carroll Shelby to provide medical support for children with life-threatening disease and automotive educational opportunities for young people.

“While personally attending many of the Team Shelby events around the world, I’m always impressed with the generous, caring nature of the members,” said Aaron Shelby, co-President of the Carroll Shelby Foundation and grandson of Carroll Shelby. “In addition to raising money for the Carroll Shelby Foundation, club members typically donate their money, time, and energy to other local charities. During the 30^th anniversary of the Carroll Shelby Foundation, Team Shelby members have certainly demonstrated their commitment to helping others while also enjoying their automotive hobby.”

Team Shelby was founded in 2008 by Carroll Shelby to give people an opportunity to enjoy their vehicles with fellow enthusiasts. The club is dedicated to serving all Shelby enthusiasts past and present. Ownership of a Shelby vehicle is not required, only a passion for the brand and lifestyle. With chapters worldwide, the factory-sanctioned club provides benefits including first news on all Shelby products and vehicles, an official membership kit, invitations to special events and discounts on Shelby products.

“From track days to parties, the annual Team Shelby Bash and fun experiences at locations like Le Mans, our spectacular activities also often support non-profit organizations,” said Tracey Smith, International Director of Team Shelby and Executive Vice President of Carroll Shelby International. “This philosophy tracks Carroll’s way of life and I believe that he’d be very proud of Team Shelby members for continuing his legacy.”

The largest gift ($35,170) so far this year was made by the Team Shelby Northeast region, headed by volunteer director Bill Caron. He and his team produced the Team Shelby East Coast Grand Nationals in early June, which included track sessions at Pocono Raceway and other activities, as well as a parade to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds. Team Shelby hosted its own hospitality area and helped set a record for the most Shelby vehicles in one place, as well as an attendance record for any Carlisle event. In addition, Team Shelby had the largest number of people from any club at the annual event.

In mid-June, Team Shelby North Texas Director Brandi Kozlovsky’s team produced the North Texas Team Shelby Weekend. The event included a car show, road rally, banquet, party, optional track day and more. That weekend, the club raised $27,660 for charity through live auctions, donations and silent auctions.

In April 2022, Team Shelby Houston Director David Peña and co-producer Dawn Allen managed an event in Texas. The three-day occasion featured a rally, car show, parties and other events. After the weekend, they sent a check for $10,000 to the Carroll Shelby Foundation.

“The money raised by these Team Shelby members and directors will help provide medical assistance for those in need, including children, along with educational opportunities for young people through automotive and other training programs,” said Aaron Shelby. “With these funds, we will be able to help even more kids win the race for life.” 

Champion Driver Robert Prilika to Race Shelby GT500SE During 100th Anniversary of Pikes Peak Hill Climb in Celebration of Shelby American’s 60th Anniversary

SHELBY AMERICAN - Champion racer Robert Prilika will help Team Shelby celebrate the 60^th Anniversary of Shelby American, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc., (CSBI:PK), by competing in the 100^th Anniversary of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in the Pierre Ford/Tuscany West Coast Shelby GT500SE on June 23-26, 2022, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. A limited number of people can participate in the event through the Team Shelby Pikes Peak Adventure, which will be integrated into the century-old test of speed.

“Carroll Shelby established Shelby American in 1962 after retiring as a Le Mans-winning driver, so the company was truly founded with a competitive spirit,” said Gary Patterson, president of Shelby American. “We’re honored that Shelby dealer Pierre Ford and Tuscany West Coast placed Robert Prilika, one of the most accomplished racers to race up the mountain, into a new Shelby GT500SE for the 100th running of the Hill Climb. We encourage enthusiasts to join the Team Shelby Pikes Peak Adventure with our chief test driver Vince LaViolette and Executive Vice President Tracey Smith to cheer on the Pierre Ford/Tuscany West Coast Shelby.”

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, also known as The Race to the Clouds, is an invitation-only automobile hill climb to the summit of Pikes Peak in Colorado. This year’s event, scheduled for Sunday, June 26, will mark the 100th running of the PPIHC, which features a 12.42-mile course with 156 turns and an elevation gain of 4,725 feet, rising to the finish line at 14,115 feet above sea level.

“Our team is excited to compete in a new Shelby GT500SE as we represent the Shelby American and Pierre Ford banners at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb,” said Robert Prilika. “I was extremely impressed when I drove a stock Shelby GT500 during Ford’s North American Track Tour in Sonoma. Based on my race experience and given the enhancements that Shelby American makes to the car with their Signature Edition package, I’m confident that we should do very well at the Hill Climb this year.”

Robert Prilika has enjoyed a successful career as a driver, team owner, sponsor and motorsports business owner. Behind the wheel, Prilika has competed in road racing, circle track, hill climbs and endurance events across the United States. He was a winner in major sports car racing events at Daytona and Watkins Glenn and claimed a division championship at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. He earned the 2003 championship in IMSA-Grand American Road Racing for Daytona Prototypes. He was also a four-time National Auto Sport Association champion in GT55 and Enduro classes, and an SCCA Champion in GT-1 competition. These achievements put him into the 2019 class of the Colorado Motorsport Hall of Fame.

“As a former NASCAR West driver, I was very impressed with Robert’s racing record,” said Vince LaViolette, Shelby American Vice President of Operations, Chief Test Driver and Chief Designer. “His career includes competing and winning in a remarkable array of classes while contributing substantially to the careers of many fellow competitors and race teams. As a former class champion at Pikes Peak, Robert is the perfect driver for the Pierre Ford Shelby GT500SE.”

Pierre Ford of Seattle, one of the top selling Shelby dealers in the world for the past five years, is providing the Shelby GT500SE for the race. The car is also sponsored by Tuscany West, which distributes Shelby muscle trucks and cars across the western United States.

Introduced as the latest generation car, the Shelby GT500SE boasts additional horsepower, new hood, wheels, tires, suspension tuning, interior, badges, stripes and more.

“With a new pulley and coolers, the V8 can make over 800 horsepower,” said Jason Anucinski, General Sales Manager of Pierre Ford. “Shelby American lowers the car with more track-focused springs that match a new aggressive suspension tune. Then they slice 30 pounds off the top of the car with the ultra-light dry carbon fiber hood, which is also much stronger and lighter. Competing at Pikes Peak with this amazing car demonstrates our commitment to the serious enthusiast.”

The sale of each Signature Edition car benefits the Carroll Shelby Foundation, which was established by Carroll Shelby. The Foundation provides medical assistance for those in need including children, educational opportunities for young people through automotive and other training programs and benefitting the Shelby Automotive Museum.

Team Shelby will be a key part of the Pikes Peak Centennial Celebration. The international club is offering a special package that includes:

• Pikes Peak Team Shelby Climb caravan up the mountain
• Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Fan Fest party with a street festival, racer meet/greet, music and VIP dinner on the world-famous Gasoline Alley rooftop
• Shelby Drive to Adventure with a ride on The Royal Gorge Route Train
• Pikes Peak Hill Climb Race Day Experience 

“Carroll Shelby loved adventure, so we crafted a special experience that blends many special opportunities for the ultimate weekend,” said Tracey Smith, International Director of Team Shelby and Executive Vice President of Carroll Shelby International. “The intersection of Shelby American’s 60th Anniversary with the Centennial of the Pikes Peak Hill Climb will make it a historic weekend with memories that last a lifetime.”

Team Shelby Pikes Peak Adventure tickets are available at https://www.shelbystore.com/product-p/z31-pikes-2022.htm. The Carroll Shelby Signature Edition post-title packages are available through Shelby American and select Shelby mod shops internationally. Individuals interested in Shelby vehicles can visit www.Shelby.com.