1988: Saleen Mustang
Saleen Autosport moves to Anaheim, CA and begins production on the 1988 Saleen Mustang. This year Saleen also begins using its “Championship Wreath” to signify its’ winning pedigree.
1988: 1-2-3 at 24 Hours of Mosport
Steve and his teammates finish 1-2-3 at 24 Hours of Mosport for the third consecutive year in a row and gives Ford its first 1-2-3 finish since Le Mans in the late ’60s.
1987: SCCA Escort Endurance Championship
With increased horsepower and torque, Saleen adds 4-Wheel disc brakes to the list of Saleen equipment, a first for any Mustang. This year was also the first year Saleen produced a coupe version. Steve, as the lead driver of a Three-car Saleen team, wins driver, team, manufacturer and tire championships in SCCA Escort Endurance Championship […]
1987: Saleen Mustang
Advancing from the 1986 Race Season, Saleen introduces the 1987 Saleen Mustang.
1987: SCCA Coors RaceTruck Challenge
Part of the SCCA series, Saleen runs two Saleen Sportrucks in the inaugural Coors Racetruck Challenge. Similar to NASCAR style racing, the sportrucks run in tight packs and become known for developing the bump drafting technique that is seen in many of todays stock car racing.
1987: Steve does his first advertisement
The ad is for Monroe shocks with the tagline “Monroe helped Steve Saleen handle some wild horses.”
1986: Sports Car Club of America
On October 10, 1986, Saleen Autosport enters SCCA series with a race prepared version of the Saleen Mustang, and wins grueling 24 Hours of Mosport with sponsorship from General Tire. Drivers: Steve Saleen, Rick Titus and Lisa Caceras were joined by IMSA drivers Skeeter McKitterick and Tom Winters, along with F1 and Indy car driver, […]
1986: Saleen Mustang
Saleen Autosport releases the 1986 Saleen Mustang which anticipates their entry into the ’86 SCCA ESCORT Endurance Championship with new 16-inch wheels, newly styled front airdam and decklid spoiler, and Koni adjustable rear shocks.
1985: Saleen Mustang
Saleen Autosport releases the 1985 Saleen Mustang, featuring all new aerodynamics, suspension, tires, wheels, and interior. In 1985, Steve Saleen’s secretary miscounted the vehicles produced that year, omitting vehicle number 6. Since 1985, Saleen has had the tradition of not issuing the #6 bumper number on any of its vehicles. The single race for 1985 […]
1983: Introduction to Ford Executives
Steve continues to compete in selected SCCA Trans-AM races. This is where Steve is introduced to several Ford Motor Company executives.
1983: Birth of Saleen Autosport
Steve Saleen forms Saleen Autosport from his dinner table at his home in Santa Rosa, CA.
1982: A return to closed wheel racing
In 1982 Steve returned to closed wheel racing in the SCCA Trans Am Series, where he campaigned a Pontiac Trans Am for Pontiac Motor Car Company. He set a number of track records during the season, though he was never able to win a race, due mechanical failures at each event. His season efforts contributed […]
1980: Setting Records
Steve runs the complete Pro Formula Atlantic series in a Ralt RT1 where he sets several track records, and leads the championship up until the last race, where he finished 3rd, only 3 points away from 1st place.
1979: Pro Atlantic
Steve Saleen entered the Pro Atlantic series and raced against the likes of Gilles Villenue, Bobby Rahall, Keke Rosberg, and Danny Sullivan.
1978: 13 New Track Records
In Formula Atlantic Steve set thirteen new track records in his region and won the Pacific Coast Championship.
1977: “Gas-Saleen”
Steve Saleen starts racing Formula Atlantic, in a March 76B. Steve Saleen won the Southern California championship and also set numerous track records. Due to his ability and speed on the track, Steve earns the new nickname of “GAS-SALEEN”.
1976: Super Vee Advancements
Steve continues to progress in the Super Vee Series by adding more aerodynamics to his Tui AM29.
1975: Kid Saleen
In 1975 Steve switched from closed wheel to open wheel series and joined the Super Vee Series, in a Tui AM29. Steve picks up the name “Kid Saleen” from the movie Cat Ballou starring Lee Marvin.
1974: Steve begins his professional racing career
Steve was the runner up in the Southern California B Production Championship with his second generation metallic blue over white Fastback Mustang. He began his professional competition career as well.
1974: Blown Clutch
Steve forgets he has 1200lbs of dog food in his Mustang and blows the clutch drag racing an El Camino onto the Glendale freeway!
1973: Steve’s First Racing Win
August 19th, 1973: Riverside International Raceway, Riverside, California. Steve Saleen enters his first sports car race with his Ford Mustang and wins!
1972: Steve’s Mustang Passion Expands
Steve’s passion for Mustangs is unwavered as he purchases another Shelby GT350 for $300 and tows it to the same spot where he wrecked his last Mustang for its inaugural drive.
1971: Racing is for tracks
On July 6th, 1971, Steve learns that racing is for the track when he drives his Shelby GT350 off a cliff in Turnbull Canyon in Whittier, California. Steve spends months recovering from his injuries.
1970: Honing his skills
Steve continues to hone his driving skills.
1970: Steve continues to modify his GT350
Steve once again repaints his car to Candy Apple Red with gold stripes.
