THE Action Racing team of Melbourne driver Marcus Zukanovic is looking out for more opportunities to race its 500-horsepower Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 following an impressive debut at Bathurst.

The newly-built and un-tested Mustang showed excellent potential for future production racing and targa-style rallies in finishing the gruelling Bathurst 12-Hour event last month.

Driven by Zukanovic, V8 Supercar regular Jason Bright and Le Mans sports car ace Allan Simonsen, the Mustang was the same model as imported by American car specialist Performax International, which backed the entry.

Performax International, Australia's leading independent importer and certified converter of American-built passenger vehicles, has supplied several of the exciting Mustang Shelbys to Australian enthusiasts.

The model currently is available new from $150,000 (plus on-road costs), ready to register anywhere in Australia and with a full factory warranty.

The Action Racing Mustang Shelby received allowable safety-related upgrades to brakes and suspension and technical input from Performax International in its conversion from left- to right-hand drive, but otherwise tackled the Mount Panorama enduro in virtually standard form.

"The Mustang showed an extreme amount of potential at Bathurst," said Zukanovic, who has raced V8 Supercars, V8 Utes and Commodore Cup cars during a successful competition career.

"We had no time to track-test before going to Mount Panorama and consequently encountered a handful of teething problems with things like the fuel supply, clutch and non-standard brakes, but despite that it was quick, strong and hugely popular with the spectators.

"Now we're going to look at what other events it is eligible and suitable for. We'll also do some more development before going back to Bathurst next year."

The Mustang Shelby GT500, descendant of the original legendary muscle car created by Texan engineer Carroll Shelby, features a supercharged 5.4-litre aluminium V8 producing 374 kilowatts (500 horsepower) and 650 Newtonmetres of torque, Ford SVT (Special Vehicle Tuning) suspension and Italian Brembo brakes.

Sunshine Coast-based Performax International currently is completing right-hand drive re-engineering of the first 2010 version, which will be available for sale shortly.

The company's General Manager, Glenn Soper, said the Bathurst experience demonstrated the Mustang Shelby GT500's genuine credentials as a high-performance road car or competition machine.

"The Shelby GT500 is the most powerful American muscle car available in Australia. I'm sure there will be plenty of enthusiasts lining up for the new 2010 version now they have seen the car's potential demonstrated in the most convincing way by Action Racing and Marcus Zukanovic, Jason Bright and Allan Simonsen at Mount Panorama," Mr Soper said.

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