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, Desire’ Wilson. Giving Ford Motor Company the “first” ever in a Showroom Stock Endurance Championship Series; The Saleen GT team WINS grueling 24 Hours of Mosport with sponsorship from General Tire and ESCORT.
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 was at his home track at Riverside International Raceway, California where he had won his first race twelve years earlier. This time though, he was competing in a prototype from his company, a black Saleen Mustang race car with two gold stripes.
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.